I was listening to NPR on the way into work this morning, since it is the only way to avoid stupid DJ chatter and my tape player died. Not to mention the fact that I’ve been shamefully out of the loop lately. If it weren’t for the fact that I know Tom listens to the news regularly, I might worry that the rest of the world had blown up in one huge blast and I’d just not heard about it. Sheltered? Yep, that’s me much of the time. I just get into my own head and sometimes forget to come out.

Today there was discussion about the Terry Nichols’ verdict in Oklahoma. Before I go further, I will admit that the destruction of the Federal Building did not much affect me when it happened. I was younger, and even more self-involved than I am now. I was surprised, and saddened, but not directly effected and the feelings faded quickly. Maybe this is what allows me to feel the way I do about what is happening now, this distance, but I hope not.

I listened to a gentleman, a father of one of the women who died in the blast. He spoke about knowing that Nichols had already been convicted and sentenced to life in prison under federal charges, but this was not enough for him. He said that conviction was not about his daughter’s death. Another parent of a victim said, “We’ll take care of him, one way or another.” Perhaps this conviction will be enough to satisfy them… or maybe it will take the death penalty, which is being sought in the next portion of the trial.

I am disturbed by these sentiments. Not that they felt the need for revenge, after all emotions are simply that. Without action on them, no one is harmed. But I believe the desire for vengance is what is motivating this new trial, not a sense of justice.

I understand the desire to strike out at those who have hurt us. I’ve felt it myself, over stupid small things, like someone taking my parking spot (I’ll key their car!) and over much bigger, more reasonable things. But just because I might want to strike back does not make it right, and does not mean I should.

I believe our ‘justice system’, both the courts and the police, is about doing what is necessary to keep us safe. Putting Terry Nichols in prison for life does so. He will not be able to carry out any other plans from there. There is no reason for the death penalty, for any criminal, besides a desire for vengence. “This person made me suffer, I want them to suffer too.”

If our courts were in the business of vengence, who would decide what is ‘enough’? Is it ‘an eye for an eye’? A rapist must be raped, a murderer killed? Or is there not enough suffering in that …. should torture be allowed? I do not believe we have the right to punish, merely contain.

Maybe I would change my mind if someone close to me were killed. I would like to think I wouldn’t. Speaking from this position, however, I know I would be acting out of anger and grief, not the beliefs of my heart.

The only way we can change for the better is to let go of acts of retribution and vengence. Violence only brings violence.

Posted on May 27th, 2004 by Kat
Filed under: General