Rapid Responses to:
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Rapid Responses: Rapid Responses published:
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Crazy Critters
- Mark Struthers (11 September 2004)
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America again !
- Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich (15 September 2004)
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Mark Struthers, GP Bedfordshire, UK
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“Democracy is a form of religion. It is the worship of jackals by jackasses.” H.L. Mencken, American essayist Every year in January, with the proclamation of the National Sanctity of Life Day, the President of the United States calls on his people to reaffirm their commitment to respecting the life and dignity of every human being. This year, George W. Bush proclaimed, “As Americans, we are led by the power of our conscience and the history of our country to defend and promote the dignity and rights of all people” And on this day “ we celebrate the gift of life and our commitment to building a society of compassion and humanity.” New York restored the death penalty in 1995. Since its return New York has spent $160m on capital punishment. In addition to the funds required to try death penalty cases, the New York Department of Correctional Services has spent $1.3m in constructing New York’s 12 inmate death row - and pays nearly $300,000 per year to guard it. The total cost of judicial killing is 38% greater than the total cost of a life sentence without parole. No one has been executed in New York State. There are four men on death row. It has been estimated that before the first execution takes place $238m will have been spent by the New York taxpayer. Isn’t it shameful that while so many people talk about the sanctity of life, they are by their actions, ignorance and prejudice, effectively condemning human beings to death - and costing the earth. The Nation was founded upon the belief that every human being is endowed by the Creator with certain “unalienable rights”. Chief among them is the right to life itself. With the strength of their democracy, the American people affirm the value placed on human life. America pays dearly for democracy at the cost of world respect. For the world though, the price is heavier. Democracy is the art of running the circus from the monkey cage. H.L. Mencken, American essayist. Competing interests: None declared |
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Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich, Private Practice Bribie Island, Australia 4507
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I thank Dr. Struthers for his mention of H.L. Mencken. It's been ages. Both quotes are so close to perfection that I promise to re-visit the man . And, I am beginning to see some of the points that Dr. Struthers has been (tirelessly) making on the subject of America and the Americans. One is never too old to learn and I can see that, for me, more learning will be necessary. Dr. Imre Loefler's comment comes to mind here, the giants he talks about are not the same that one sees on every American street corner. Those are just the BIG and TALL guys. Competing interests: None declared |
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