Taking care of love LO20831

Douglas Max (dmax@bellatlantic.net)
Mon, 08 Mar 1999 12:56:19 -0500

Replying to LO20821 --

Winfried writes,"What about the following campaign: Find one victim of a
murderer sentenced to death who would cry out loudly that it would hurt
him/her additionally if more killing takes place and that all s/he needs
is some help in learning to forgive. Wouldn't this be able to create the
precedent, which the courts seem to be so much afraid of today, but that
could brake the circle of hurt in an authentic, loving way? "

I've actually heard of victims' families saying that they've 'forgiven'
the crimes of others upon their families, and that the criminal shouldn't
be executed. You referred to the old thread "It hurts" in which I
participated, suggesting that instead of the US sending cruise missles (to
the tune of $200 million) to attack Ben Ladin's camp and 'biological
chemical agent' plant, that we send the cash to finance education for the
next generation of his followers...with the hopes that the cycle of hurt
could be broken through learning.

Your post made me reflect on how I'd act if someone killed one of my sons.
I know I couldn't act in a loving way--that criminal's sickness
notwithstanding. And there are those who don't regret what they've done
at all.

Might I forgive? Unlikely; but possible. In the US, I'd also be fearful
that he (or she) would be paroled and set out to commit similar acts on
others.

Also, if we "find" the victim's family of one convicted to death and
encourage him or her to speak out...is that the same as the family member
initiating their cries to stop the execution? This 'campaign' would be
spiritually lost, the moment we begin it...I think the initiative needs to
come from within, without outside intervention...or campaigning.

Sad to say that the cycle of hurt spins quickly, with a lot of inertia it
seems.

Will be be able to brake it? I hope so but I fear not. I pray that I'm
never in a position to do as you suggest, Winfried, and I pray the same
for you.

Cordially,

Doug

P.S.--At, in case you're reading this, best wishes to you, your
pancreas, and eyesight for a speedier recovery. It hurts me to read
your posts, knowing that you get a headache from writing them. Feel
better soon!

-- 
Douglas M. Max
Managing Director
LR Communication Systems, Inc.   http://www.LRcom.com
139 Dogwood Lane
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922-0264
USA

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