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Talk is cheap, real cheap
Commentary by Chris Clegg
South Peace News
Make no bones about it, I love the TV show Law and Order, especially the old shows.
The show has some of the best writing in TV history. If you take the time to actually think about what is happening, not just vegetating on the couch, the show can delve into your personal views and beliefs.
Cutting to the chase, let’s examine the issue of capital punishment. In many episodes, the show challenges its characters to the limits of their morality.
It’s intense stuff.
Many times, I ask myself what I would do if in the situation of the actor. The show fairly depicts both sides of most issues and is not afraid to cross the line. In other words, they put the issue on the table, no holds barred.
Ask yourself, in the case of capital punishment, could you be the person who pulls the switch, so to speak?
Of course, we don’t pull the switch to the electric chair any longer; instead, we get a doctor to inject the victim with poison which takes his life away in minutes.
So, could you be the one who uses the needle?
In debates around the coffee table, I find most men say they would have no trouble ending another’s life. I’ve always wondered, is it mostly a macho thing? Is it the “manly” thing to say? Would his circle of friends ridicule one and call him a “wimp” if he chooses to say he would not be the hangman?
Conversely, I find most women say they could not do it. Is it the motherly instinct arising in the fairer sex? Is it a stereotype society pegs on women as the bearers of life that they believe they are never supposed to take it away?
I wonder.
Religion also plays a huge role in the decision. Is the belief “an eye for an eye” or is it a case of “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord?
Again, someone with far more knowledge of religion will have to explain to me how even men and women of the cloth can disagree.
I suppose it comes down to each and every one’s personal belief. Some believe no one should not be executed for murder; however, sexual crimes against children are fair game. Personally, I find crimes against children the worst crimes of all.
Still, if push came to shove, could I pull the switch?
Could you pull the switch?
Talk is cheap, very cheap. It is very easy to say you could do the deed but try to put yourself in the situation, try to simulate the actual event, try to imagine you are about to end someone’s life. Could you do it?
I have decided for myself.
There is no doubt murder and sex crimes against children are the worst imaginable. Unlike many other people, I fully believe some people can’t be rehabilitated. I do believe some people are simply born evil and beyond hope.
Would I have that much hate and vengeance to pull the switch?
Back to Law and Order. There was an episode which had a rather bold statement in one of Jack McCoy’s closing arguments. The specifics of the case are not what matters. I will paraphrase the statement.
“No one has the right to play God!”
In essence, God gave life and only God should be able to take it away. There can be no excuse for anyone thinking they have the right to play God, no matter what society deems is right and wrong.
Could I pull the switch? Absolutely not!
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