Commentary: On whose side should be stand?

The controversy over capital punishment continues as always, but now we have the assurance of the government that first the law will be observed, and would only be changed after an appropriate referendum.

Fate continues to favour Kamla, as the defeat of Ms. St. Rose at the polls can now be seen as fortunate.

It would have been extremely awkward if she sat in Parliament expressing these conscientious views by which her integrity only grows.

While one may disagree with Verna, one must applaud her sincerity however expressed.

My own view is that society as a body should pay greater regard to the Messianic pragmatism contained in “If thine eye offend thee, pluck it out.”

Offending members of society should be similarly plucked out and all Believers in Scripture will support the Law: “An eye for an eye” in cases of capital crimes which are increasing in the face of humanitarian tolerance.

The bloodlust of impenitent murderers challenges the integrity of society which recognizes the principle of war being justified in circumstances of invasion.

Murderers have become unbridled in our permissive society and as in the wild west when brave men had to confront killers at the risk of their own lives, we must respond to rampaging criminality with equal if not greater force.

While life is sacred by Divine Law, that very Divine Law commands retributive justice.

We may weep at the hanging of the murderer, even as we rejoice at the excising of his corrupting presence. Death is part of life and when we can reconcile our minds to the justice of consequence, we would pause before committing acts that trigger terminal response.

Our society upholds justice and caters for a fair trial. It does not promote lynching or vigilante action. It must also insist that its laws are observed conclusively.

My only problem with Ms. Greaves is her emotive approach that gropes for a solution in the face of galloping crime statistics.

History teaches that unbridled crime flourishes and societies have never succeeded in reforming criminals significantly. To proclaim opposition in the present epidemic of criminality is to throw one’s support behind the criminal element openly arrayed against the welfare of the society.

On whose side should we stand?

M.F. Rahman.