Casey Anthony results- Initial Thoughts

It seems like everyone in America has been watching the unfolding Casey Anthony trial over the last few months, eagerly awaiting them to pronounce her guilty. When the jury decided that Casey was not guilty, it seems like there has been a general outcry that this was an unjust verdict. I've heard talk shows, blogs, and friends of mine claiming that Casey really is guilty and deserves to be punished for murder. 

I'm far from an expert on this trial. In fact, I'm just going to say outright that I have not been tuned in very closely to it. The hype surrounding the trial and the general outcry to punish Anthony are not of great concern to me. But I do have a few thoughts.

I don't think people should be upset at our court system. Our system was designed to be as impartial as possible and to give mercy as long as it does not come at the expense of justice. Something in me breathes a sigh of relief that despite the public crying out for the guilty verdict, popular opinion was unable to sway the courts from finding her innocent of murder. It's why our system is the way it is. If it possible that someone is innocent, how can we confer the guilty sentence in good conscience? My friends that have read Brothers Karamazov will understand my suspicion of being hasty to call someone guilty of such an egregious crime. We should be ready to spare someone if possible from a life of punishment. Jesus gave mercy, even when it was undeserved. Think of the woman caught in adultery. Think of the prostitute, Rahab. Think of all of mankind. 

Obviously, I'm committed to justice as well. If we could prove that Casey Anthony certainly killed her daughter, I would be first in line to say she needs to be served justice. But shouldn't our first response be mercy if possible? I'm aware that this line of thinking may be unpopular even with many of my friends. I'm more trying to raise questions and provoke a new angle of viewing this case.

Comments?

Photos of dead Osama bin Laden

Earlier today President Obama decided not to release photos of the dead Osama bin Laden.

Enter conspiracy theorists: "He's not really dead." "It's a government cover up." "The government is lying to us."

Although many loud voices have been calling for the President to release photos of bin Laden to prove that we have killed him and bring closure to the issue, I believe he made the right choice. Sure it would be nice to wrap this up once and for all, but would releasing a photo of bin Laden with a big gash/hole in his face really do the trick?

I say nay. Conspiracy theorists always have something to gripe about, and can never be satisfied. If the President did release a photo, people would start claiming it is Photoshopped. Without fail.

I think Obama made a very wise decision by not seeking to further antagonize and inflame any more anti-U.S. sentiment by showing a mangled picture of the leader of militant Islam. If we want to see an end to al-Qaeda's influence, the best way is to not give them any more propagandizing material as ammunition for sparking further hatred of the United States. With all the progress made in the Arab Spring toward seeing peaceful, stable democracies supplanting radical, authoritarian regimes in the Middle East; it would be foolish to give radical groups a foothold in the reformation of these new states.

More than all this, President Obama has shown a very consistent policy towards the Muslim World. Since his speech in June 2009 in Cairo, we have seen a panoply of positive milestones in achieving a stable Middle Eastern/Central Asian region. Al-Qaeda is clearly declining in influence with the rising power of a generation hungry for democracy (think Iran, Tunisia, Egypt). The best policy the U.S. could take right now is to allow and encourage events to progress as they have the last couple years, with minimal involvement when necessary.

These are my current thoughts. I welcome ideas, responses, and comments below.

Osama Bin Laden's Elimination

Last night, Americans rejoiced at the announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden. Since 2001, the United States and their allies have been on a worldwide manhunt for this man responsible for the attacks that killed thousands of Americans on September 11th. It is also relevant to remember that he was behind the two African embassy attacks, as well as supporting those that assaulted the U.S.S. Cole; both of these events occurred years before 9/11/01. More than a few incidents strung together, it is important to remember that these are only lightning bolts in a storm of anti-American fury that Osama Bin Laden had unleashed on Western civilization over the last twenty years. But is all of this reason to rejoice at the death of a human being, despite how terrible he is?

The short answer is no. We should not rejoice in the death of any person, no matter who they are. Jesus commanded us to pray for our enemies and those who persecute us. Jesus is unconditional love, not matter what a person has done to the contrary. We all deserve judgement and hell. That being said, we are also called to be protectors of the weak and those who speak up for justice to be done. This IS reason to rejoice. Bin Laden has become more than just a "bad" man. He has become a symbol of terrorism, injustice, and hatred. When the wicked are punished, the righteous rejoice. Rejoicing in justice and that the Lord has trodden down our enemies would be the correct response. But please, remember that we should not rejoice that "we finally got the SOB." Not cool. I can't picture Jesus ever saying those words about anyone.

Politically, this is a victory shared by many. It is a HUGE victory for American foreign policy around the world, proving that our strategy of counter terrorism is actually working and has triumphed in the face of worldwide criticism.

I think our President has done a wonderful job continuing the war on terror that President Bush began after the September 11 attacks. He has authorized more troops and a greater time commitment to Afghanistan, making the location of Osama Bin Laden one of his top priorities. I am proud of his commitment to follow through on this and not lose ground in Afghanistan.

However, I believe that President Obama was considerably amiss in taking almost all of the credit for Osama Bin Laden's elimination. President Bush by far has the greatest responsibility in paving the way for these circumstances to play out like they did, and President Obama did not even give him an ounce of credit. Bad form, and badly done. This should be viewed as a campaign move and an attempt to restore faith in the Obama presidency. President Obama's role should has been primarily to give a head nod for the continuation of Bush doctrine policies. Hopefully, this will all become clear as time goes by.

-Braden

Feel free to leave me any comments below with your thoughts.

Blog Purpose

I decided to get back into the habit of posting my thoughts on political issues, primarily for two reasons. First, it helps me organize my thoughts concerning an issue. Second, I like to write.

I have a lot going on besides blogging, so I make no elaborate promises of posting twice daily (or something ridiculously frequent like that). But if I deem a topic I am studying or hearing about worth blogging about, it shall appear here.

Cheers, ya'll!

Braden