Story: "Thousands of Iraqis sang, danced and unleashed celebratory bursts of gunfire yesterday as Saddam Hussein finally faced the consequences of his tyrannical rule in a Baghdad courtroom.
Despite yesterday's verdict, hearings into a second case against Saddam, involving genocide against the Kurds in the 1980s, will continue and he may not face execution until the conclusion of proceedings next year.
Fears remain that Saddam loyalists behind the insurgency will take comfort that their inspiration could be alive for months. But Mr Maliki declared the Saddam "era" over. In an address to the nation he called for unity. He added: "The Iraqi martyrs now have the right to smile and celebrate a little by this death sentence against this criminal and his aides.
Mr Bush hailed the verdict as a "milestone" that represented a "move to democracy" for Iraq. The British Government welcomed the verdict but did not comment on the death sentence.
"Appalling crimes were committed by Saddam's regime," said Margaret Beckett, the Foreign Secretary. "It is right that those accused of such crimes against the Iraqi people should face Iraqi justice."""
Very good... Justice is carried out, and the people rejoice.
Making progress in the War on Islamic Terrorism.
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He said he wanted to be shot, not hanged. I am glad they have not indulged his preference.
I much prefer the hanging as well.
From a Christian perspective, considering that the worst punishment Saddam will receive (if he doesn't have a dramatic change of heart, of course) will be after death, and considering that we probably should not revel in brutality--even against a brutal dictator, I really don't care how he's executed. EXCEPT, of course, the fact that Saddam apparently has a preference. In that case, I'd go with the opposite of what he wants ;), as long as I didn't think I was being weasled into the old fable, reverse-psychology trick of "please don't put me into the thicket."
Speaking of brutality, complete justice would probably be to make him experience all the horrid and torturous things that he did to countless others. But I guess that may be a little over the top. As is said, "Let's not lower ourselves to their [evil people's] level."
Saddam also said that he preferred to sit during his sentence when the judge told him to stand. The guards then forced Saddam to his feet to receive his sentence. You're not the boss anymore, Saddam!
A firing squad is for soldiers. Hanging is for common criminals.
The the guy wasn't a solider.
But I'm very glad those criems aren't common.
I have some doubt as to whether Saddam will be executed. Executions have to be approved by President Talibani and countersigned by two vice presidents. Talibani is opposed to the death penalty. We'll see.
I prefer the electric chair, personally. :)
Finally! How long does it take to convict a self-confessed mass murderer?
"A firing squad is for soldiers. Hanging is for common criminals. "--df
I wasn't saying that I don't approve of hanging, just that it sounded to me like your and Palm Boy's comments were salted with some vengeful pleasure (although, I confess that happens to me sometimes).
"Finally! How long does it take to convict a self-confessed mass murderer? " --dj
I hear yuh. But, apparently, it takes even longer. An automatic appeal process is going to drag this thing out.
"I have some doubt as to whether Saddam will be executed. " --Solameanie
So do I, but I'd say that I "fear that he won't be executed." I just can't fathom that their hasn't been a more concerted effort by the insurgents to free Saddam. It would be a huge victory for the terrorists' morale, even if it did nothing strategically.
Dan Rather, the last (and perhaps only?) American to interview Hussein, said in an interview on Fox News that Saddam Hussein is a man concerned with one thing (especially right about now): survival. It would be surprising if he "walks fast to the noose," if you know what I mean.
And that's where Saddam's "preference" intrigues me. Is he insane (probably, but that's a rhetorical question), that he cares which way he's executed? Does he think the noose will be more painful? Does he want to get to his virgins as fast as possible ;)? Does he want to die more like a soldier or martyr rather than a criminal or traitor, as DF pointed out?
Or... is he planning some kind of escape attempt? I think that is most probable.
And I think that that would be an interesting discussion. What would have the greater probability: escaping from the noose or the firing squad? Obviously, being the old dictator that he is, Saddam couldn't run away either way. I'm referring to some type of freeing attempt by the terrorist insurgents or by Saddam's loyalists.
And that begs the question: does anybody know if the hanging is going to be public? Because, although it would probably be a great snapshot like that of the tearing down of Saddam's statue towards the beginning of the war, even with beefed up security, I think--because of the risk--it would be a grave mistake.
What do you all think?
Even if Saddam is planning an escape, I do not beleive we should let the fear of that affect justice, and with it, his hanging.
Besides, I think resucues on horseback (probably camels in this case) are rare, except in the movies.
To answer one of ya'll questions, yes, I think hanging is more painful than being shot. I could be wrong though.
I'm not saying that he shouldn't be hanged. I'm just giving one of his possible reasons for preferring shooting.
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