I’ve just seen the news …
And I’m thinking …
Well …
Lot’s of things …
Memories, for the most part, of one of the most shocking things I think I ever saw on a TV screen.
The 11th September attacks …
Dear lord, 9/11 …
The 11th of September, 2001, was one of those shockingly big world changing events is imprinted on peoples minds, memories, hearts, what-ever.
The old cliqué comes to mind; that some things are so big, that we remember where we were, when they happened.
9/11, I think, was one of those …
So the news I’ve just seen announced on the BBC’s 10 O’Clock News is … hmmm … eye-catching, lets put it that way.
That Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, along with four others, currently held at Guantanamo Bay, are to be tried — in New York — for organising the 9/11 attacks.
I’m feeling thoughtful.
Especially in light of both Attorney General Holder and President Barack Obama’s stated view that the death penalty should be sought.
I can understand that.
And be honest enough to admit that, were I a relative of one of the victims, or the average American on the street, I’d probably be right behind the idea.
I know the fact that they’ll be tried before a civilian — and public — court is one I fully agree with; after all, it was civilians that made up the bulk of the victims; granted, the trial’s scheduled to be held in New York, but …
But, here and now, the simple fact that both President Obama and the District Attorney have said they want the death penalty is — to me — worrying.
Part of that is simply the fact that I’ve grown up in a country that has no official death penalty. I’ve always felt it to be no way to deal justice.
Revenge, certainly, but justice?
No.
And that’s compounded by the simple fact that we’re talking about a group of people who belong to a movement that values one thing, as part of their take on Islam.
Martyrdom.
Martyrdom
Great, big, powerful word, that, martyrdom.
Noted US lawyer, Ron Kuby, has just been interviewed on BBC News 24, and said that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has indicated that he would be happy to receive a death sentence, from the US.
He may well have a death wish.
Or be trying to seek some sort of redemption for what he helped to do.
But I’ve a nasty feeling that those who sympathise with, give support to or are members of al-Qæda will have a field day with what the government and people of the USA will call justice.
But I believe al-Qæda and it’s kind will call inspirational.
I’d like to know what you think.
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