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Independent Voices

The desire for freedom is universal among man. That desire was planted in our hearts by God himself. “Freedom is God’s gift to humanity,” said President Bush.

The Iraqi people are experiencing freedom for the first time in 30 years. If Saddam is tried for war crimes or genocide, he must be tried by his own people. Most likely, he will be executed. I certainly hope so.

“We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others.” ” John F. Kennedy



First he should be tried, but that won’t be easy. Iraq has virtually no functioning judicial system, and most of the judges were appointed by Hussein himself. He could be tried at the Hague, but the spineless sissies in Europe might just let him go. Or he could be tried in the U.S.A., but he might get Johnny Cochran to defend him.

The best bet would be to try him in Kuwait or Iran. Both are Islamic countries where he committed atrocities. Turning him over to Iran would have the added effect of easing tensions between our countries. In any event, the trial must be public, transparent and speedy.



Yes. He held no pity on the people he tortured and executed and deserves none in return. Some would say he needs every chance to repent and be saved and should therefore be spared the death penalty.

I believe, however, that he will have plenty of time for reflection on his crimes. The very blood crying out from the graves for the atrocities he has committed demands justice, which can only be served by the forfeiture of his life.

At this point, it is not up to anyone to decide the fate of Saddam Hussein. According to foreign news media, he is to be tried in Iraq in July 2004, after the installation of a new government. This however, could prove to be a kangaroo court. If Saddam Hussein is to be tried, he must be tried either in The Hague by an international tribunal or by his own people ” not by a government heavily influenced by U.S. interests.

What an emotionally charged question. Execution is not the main issue, however. The process by which the decision gets made is.

Two of the most admirable parts of a democratic judicial system is that we are judged by a jury of our peers, and that we have strict laws surrounding the admissibility of evidence. The very best thing we could do, in the eyes of the world, would be to make sure that the process has international observers. And then our role should be one where we help the judicial system of Iraq prepare a legal trial that reflects the very best of a democratic process. Then let the chips fall where they may.


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