Death in America

Many Americans consider this country to be a Christian nation. Historians realize America was founded on principles, not religion.

Religion's response to crime is the classic principle of karma. An eye for an eye. Few have the capacity to rise above the battlefield, turn the other cheek, forgive. They selectively apply their religion.

With respect to the Death Sentence passed upon the Boston Bomber, I read the following from one person who could see clearly:

"I also disagree with the death penalty. We had a chance to prove we were better than that."

Answering "Death" to each and every crime, real or imagined, is a third-world mentality. America is a nation borne of higher ideals. Our response to the viciousness of this crime should have been in our language, not theirs. A civilized country must treat life with respect.  I see a young man whose mind was poisoned with hate, a diseased ideology. Our response shows we are no better.

We have missed our chance to rise above this situation, to show that Americans value and respect life. Instead, we will grind him up in the American wheels of justice. A slow, agonizing, mind-numbing existence that may last a decade. He will wish for death long before it comes.