Comment on my fellow man...

[kneeshooter]

Now, it's not normal I go off on a deeteeuk about the world around me, but I'm bored - and that's all the excuse I need.

On the radio in the car this afternoon there was a phone-in about Maxine Carr. One particular chap described her as a master-criminal, and was very strongly advocating the reintroduction of the death-sentence (or more accurately corporal punishment). To me this was the perfect example of where democracy goes wrong. Issues like this just reinforce my belief in intellectual snobbery. There was a complete lack of understanding, compassion and indeed humanity in the callers baying for her blood. Or maybe that's actually what humanity is about?

The other bit of news is the "anonymous" (unless you're a Daily Mail reader) young girl, who was given an abortion pill by her school health visitor, much to the annoyance of her mother. Channel 4 news just paraded the usual suspects (step to the plate the Family Planning Service and the Mothers Union), and a rather polite conversation about how it was a shame that the young girl changed her mind after she'd told her mother - so a victory for pro-lifers then...

Of course, the protests now will centre on changing the law so that parents have to be consulted. Great! That'll stop kids going to medical professionals, increase the number of unwanted pregnancies and encourage the spread of STDs! Hurrah for family values.

Oooh, I feel much better now. Top off a good rant with a Butterscotch Angel Delight (or Sainsbury's own brand equivalent) and life will be good.

Comments

[ikkleblacktruck.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure someone involved in trying to cover up the murder of two little girls is deserving of any compassion, really. I suppose it all hinges on whether you believe her or not - just coz a jury doesn't convict you doesn't mean you're innocent (et vice versa). I doubt she'd qualify for the death sentence in any case, but surely nobody's going to expect her to be welcomed back into any community with open arms?

I must admit to not having read deeply into the abortion case, but I would be more concerned about my daughter having sex at 14 in the first place, which I believe the mother didn't seem to be. I think I'm also on the side that believes the girl's choice is paramount, not to mention the effects on her life and everyone around her. Interesting that she apparently only changed her mind after her mother had had a good brow-beating session with her, perhaps.

[venta.livejournal.com]

just coz a jury doesn't convict you doesn't mean you're innocent

Actually, under British law I think it does :)

Of course, because a jury doesn't convict you doesn't mean you didn't do it. However, once you start thinking like that you're rapidly into Daily Mail territory, and will never trust a jury verdict again because you know better.

[ikkleblacktruck.livejournal.com]

That's what I meant - innocent as in didn't actually do it. Innocent in the eyes of the law is not the same thing - and does anyone really trust jury verdicts anyway? They're instructed to let people off on technicalities, justice isn't an issue.