[QUOTE=coln18;610833
it's just really an angry frustration that when ever you read or hear about these things there doesnt really seem to be any real justice.
Everyone is entitled to be outraged by such atrocities. Francis Bacon, in his essay "On Revenge" declared that was "a wild kind of justice", suggesting that there were always going to be occasions when actions are the only suitable punishments and meeting violence with violence can feel justified, even redemptive in the sense that the group is acting on behalf of the silent majority.
This isnt justice ... these animals get off with all kind of sick stunts that sicken the MAJORITY of good decent people.
I would count myself in that number on this occasion. However, if the lynch mob's 'justice' becomes the norm in emotive issues the whole time, we start down the road of abandoning justice in its broader sense. Yes, the law can be an bottom and, yes, it is sickening to think of the perpetrators of heinous and despicable crimes getting off so lightly but what is the solution? Stiffer sentences? Reintroducing the death penalty? Or might education produce the answer over the longer term? I make no claims to have a solution; I do not state that my position occupies the moral high ground. All I am trying to do is elicit a considered, rational and, yes, just response to the disgusting behaviour of these young people.
An interesting question would be, "If you saw this happening to the fawn, would you intervene, even at your own risk?"
Yes, I would - without hesitation.
there has been a point made about meeting violence with violence and the irony in that, but as a society it is our duty to defend the innocent and weak from the evil doers of this world.
Again, a good point, persuasively made. However, I think I would feel happier acting on my own, rather than in a group, no matter what the scenario simply because I have a deep-seated fear of the possibility and power of 'mob rule'. For all its shortcomings - and they are numerous - I try to hold on to a faith in the due process of law where a felony has been committed. Sentencing is inadequate in any number of cases but the process whereby a decision is reached by twelve members of the public after due consideration has to be better than an emotionally driven twitch reaction to a felony. If you see something occurring that you consider to be wrong, then step in and defend that innocent party or victim; after the event, I think it is wiser to let the ineeficient process grind its way to a decision which may not be the justice that you would want but does represent a form of it.
I know this sounds limp and all-too-placatory and I remain revolted by the crime that started this thread - so I apologise, unreservedly for not being more red-blooded about it.
Richard
