Posted by Diarmuid on June 11, 2001 at 09:58:52:
In Reply to: Those who have no humanity. posted by Riv on June 08, 2001 at 09:58:03:
It really really sucks that you got your wallet stolen, and I think that whoever did it should be deprived of his liberty for at least three months.
But, if I had been on that bus with a camcorder, and had caught a clear shot of the thief taking your wallet, I would not give that evidence to the cops.
Why? Because I think that thieves should be deprived of liberty, allowed basic accomodation and food. I believe that any further punishment is excessive. And I therefore could not, in conscience, allow him to go to an American jail. In jail, he would be brutally raped while the guards stand by, laughing. It's quite possible that all his teeth will be wrenched out so that strong inmates can mouth-rape him without fear of getting bitten.
I brought this up, and all you said is "He probably wants to", plus some other comments.
Do you still feel that getting gang-raped and HIV-infected is a fair, decent, acceptable punishment for non-violently stealing a wallet?
If so, do you still condemn criminals for a "lack of humanity"? Wouldn't you think that supporting, or even being indifferent to, such evil acts of murderous rape (if the victim dies of AIDS) is somewhat inhumane?
Now that time has passed, maybe you see things differently. I mean, when I nearly got mugged (I got away), for a while afterwards I felt that their punishment should involve wild dogs and red-hot pokers.