All That Matters is How They Feel

On her weekly radio program on WABC, Monica Crowley was inviting listeners to share their views on Saddam Hussein’s execution. One caller in particular caught my attention.

He said he was opposed to the execution because he just didn’t think it was right to kill anyone. He said it violated his “principles” - he also said he was opposed to abortion. When Crowley listed all the good things that could result from Hussein’s forced demise, the guy was insistent. Yes, he said, all that might be true, but the thought just turned his stomach.

Listening to others of like mind, it often becomes quite clear that they really don’t give a damn about what is best for civilization, all they care about is how it affects them personally - how it makes them feel. In fact, I often get the same impression from some on the other side of issues (If you think I’m referring to you, you’re probably right).

It’s all too easy to get hung up on “principle”, and forget what that principle is meant to accomplish.

That guy’s principle - not taking life - can easily lead to more loss of life when followed too rigidly. If Hussein’s life is spared and he remains in jail, he can become a focal point for more violence aimed at gaining his release and return to power. Many, many more lives can be forfeit if we haven’t the stomach to do what is necessary - executing a tyrant.

And then I might be saying this because Hussein’s death made me feel so good!

(Posted Saturday, December 30, 2006 )