Eye for an Eye

An eye for an eye... an ancient phrase that many of us are very familiar with. I was just getting showered and ready for work when I came across a darkly interesting article.

The story of an Iranian woman blinded by acid certainly drives home the point that there are really cruel people out there. Click HERE for the full story.

There is one thing that bothers me about what the victim said, and don't take this as an attack or an effort to demonize her -- but rather, a somewhat obscure phenomenon pertaining to capital punishment. It is happening around the world... from America to Iran... and not only do I see it in victims, but politicians as well.

Here in Texas, home of former President George W. Bush, his words as governor still ring in my head. At the time, Texas was #1 in exacting the death penalty -- and to this day, I'll bet my left nipple it still is. However, when confronted with that sombering statistic, Bush continuously used words like "justice". Never did he, nor other death penalty supporters, use words like "revenge" or "vengeance". Indeed, such words ring of barbarism and other thematic evils. In the story of Ameneh Bahrami, she states:

"I don't want to blind him for revenge. I'm doing this to prevent it from happening to someone else."

Now, let's review the definition of revenge, as queried from Dictionary.com:

1. to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, esp. in a resentful or vindictive spirit: He revenged his murdered brother.

2. to take vengeance for; inflict punishment for; avenge: He revenged his brother's murder.

The bottom line is that capital punishment is revenge. It is vengeance. She did nothing wrong whatsoever, and I sincerely empathize with her.... and yes, it's only natural to resent the guy for what he did. If by some ethereal means, she doesn't resent him whatsoever, I certainly admire her for that. However, I'm sure the society that is pouring the acid more than makes up for the resentment that Ms. Bahrami may not have.

Nonetheless, I do wish we'd just call this what it is. Oh, by the way... I doubt this will prevent some other crazy nut in Singapore, Canada, the United States, Italy, et al. from robbing an innocent person of their eyesight... only the vile, disgusting man that took her eyesight away.

Why is it so difficult to admit revenge when it is exacted? Does it make us a barbaric species? You damned right it does... and it should... because we are. Nevertheless, I wish Ameneh Bharami and other victims of such brutal crimes all the best in life. I always hope that these punishments bring the sense of "closure" that they are intended to provide.

Beating Around the Bush

Wow, the day is upon us. As the sun continues to rise here in North Texas, we as Americans have a lot of reflection to do -- both backwards and forwards. When it comes to President George W. Bush, I've been beating around the bush while expressing my true feelings about him.

This is his "home state", though technically, born in Connecticut I don't consider him a native Texan. In a few hours, as the Obamas get settled into their new nest, the Bushes will be heading back to their old one... just 12 miles north of "The Black Man Next Door" and less than 5 miles from where "The Black Man Next Door" works.

When I first heard about SMU being chosen as the site for our 43rd President's library, tears of sadness ran down my face. I wondered how many foreign missiles would be aimed at Dallas once he came back and littered the place with his influence. I wondered about a lot of things... both good and bad.

Today, I focus on the good things, and I would hope that the George W. Bush Presidential Library would NOT overdo the good things. The truth should come out for all to see, and perhaps the Library could accomplish that by dedicating a floor to each "truth". You know, like the Katrina Disaster Floor... the Weapons of Mass Destruction Floor... the Economic Crisis Floor... and Floor 9/11. I will admit... he had it rough, and I'm not sure many of us could have done better. We clearly see the aging that has taken place on Bushy's face, and it's hard to see what accomplishments he achieved until you really dig into the historical war chest.

Probably the best thing I can commend him for is his attention to the AIDS epidemic in Africa. I am proud of his support in committing funds to that cause, although the one here in the US needs more attention, too. We will have to prod Obama on that. Nevertheless, this is the first and last time you'll ever see the following words from "The Black Man Next Door".

Good luck, Mr. President Bush, in all of your endeavors. You are definitely not my favorite, but the bottom line is, you have done a great service for this country. Hopefully in the future, you will admit your arrogance and make peace with the Americans that didn't like you -- and primarily because of that arrogance. In the meantime, welcome "home".... and don't park your entourage in my space.