BenChuy

The announcement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa brought on a lot of criticism from all sides. many accused the SA commission of letting criminals go and letting the country's injustices fester.

This has not been the case:
the aftermath and understanding of what has happened has revolutionized the way that people think about how to "clean up" the general wrongs after such traumatic times.

One wonders if this is better than reimbursement in areas where gross injustices have happened. Essentially, lock up the truly bad seeds and insure that people are whole when they come out of the dark times.

Mantus

This is some very powerful stuff.

Ill say a few words that come rushing up after reading that.


Forgiveness is so very hard in this world of ours because we have been conditioned to seek an eye for an eye.

Anger and revenge only make sense if one sees nothing but the narrow image of the injustice. As soon as one takes a step back and sees all the lines of fate that led to some terrible act - hatred leaves one's veins. We punish people, we lock people away or we bomb people. Are we facing our demons or are we just trying to hide them behind papers, bars or ruble.

Obviously this world is not ready to give every one a chance. But there is certainly not enough forgiveness on this planet of our's -because there is not enough understanding.

TM875

Forgiveness is a very tough subject. In many cases, there are people who truly do not deserve to be forgiven for any of their crimes.

Most people who commit direct crimes against humanity (not your drug dealers and theives, but the rapists and murderers of the world) deserve the most punishment that they can recieve. I have said before, and I strongly believe in, bringing back painful, humiliating punishments in the criminal justice system.

Forgiveness is all well and good - but there are times when forgiveness is not warranted. Everyone has to pay for their actions. If you want to be a revolutionary, just be damn sure that your revolution succeeds. If you want to be a serial killer, don't get caught. There should be no sympathy for those that directly, intentionally, physically hurt or kill other citizens.

__________________
"I've made only one mistake in my life. But I made it over and over and over. That was saying 'yes' when I meant 'no'. Forgive me."

Polyphobic

Forgiveness is more for the victims. It helps them to let go and move on with their lifes. Secondly, it shows that you (the victim) are a better person than the perpetrator. Thus, helping you to recover from the act. Otherwise, you can stew on it for years and do nothing but worsen your situation.

__________________
<--The great infidel-->

braindamage351

Forgiveness for that one family would have been much easier if they could know that the person responsible for their daughter's death was the oppressive leader, and not the revolutionaries. Unfortunately the leader was never punished, and on top of that her death was in vain.