Choosing Peace for Good
The Newsletter of Engaging Peace September 2012
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Blind justice--or blind to justice?
By Dr. Kathie Malley-Morrison
Americans are expected to pledge allegiance to a flag that symbolizes "liberty and justice for all." But, as one of our readers asked recently, "What is justice?" One common distinction is between retributive justice and restorative justice. Retributive justice: - Focuses on punishment for perceived transgressions
- Is imposed unilaterally on a weaker party by a stronger party
- Argues that the severity of the punishment should be proportional to the severity of the offense-e.g., an eye for an eye
- Is viewed as having a strong basis in Western values, particularly those of men... Read more...
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Travesties of justice By guest author Dr. Dahlia Wasfi
On August 27, 2012, the US Marine Corps announced "non-judicial administrative punishments" for several Marines who were videotaped urinating on three dead bodies in Afghanistan. Such minor punishments can include "a reprimand, reductions in rank, forfeiting pay, extra duties or being restricted to a military base." These Marines will not face criminal charges for their deviant behavior which could be considered a war crime. While the dead victims have often been identified in the media as Taliban fighters, I have not seen any evidence for this allegation or any justification for their deaths. On August 28, 2012, the travesty of justice continued... Read more... |
9/11 and just war
By Dr. Kathie Malley-Morrison
For most Americans, the words "September 11" continue to evoke fear, anger, distrust, and a desire to return to the way things used to be before we were attacked on our own soil.
On September 11, 2011, we learned, to our horror, that we, the golden people on the hill, are also vulnerable.
Based on just war principles, can the attackers argue that the 9/11 assault on largely civilian sites in the U.S. was justified?
We can say no in regard to many of those principles:
- The attack was not undertaken as a last resort.
- The attack was not committed by a legitimate authority.
- The attack was committed in pursuit of a hopeless cause...Read more...
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