IN THEORY:Thoughts on death penalty

The Vatican and some Italian government officials have criticized the execution of Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity on the grounds that the death penalty is morally wrong.

Others, like President George W. Bush, say the justice dispensed to the former dictator was the result of a fair trial after years of Hussein's brutal rule. Executing Hussein is an important milestone in creating democracy in Iraq and working to defeat terrorism. What do you think?

The state has not only the right but the obligation to keep the peace. The state must not use more force than necessary to keep good order in society. As modern states become more organized and develop better penal systems, it becomes less necessary to use the death penalty. It is now easy to separate the violent criminal from society and prevent him from doing more damage to others. Iraq presents its own problems. Is it a modern country capable of keeping anyone in prison for life? Already, some high-profile criminals have escaped. Hussein in prison for life would probably provoke more kidnappings and threats to kill the captives in exchange for his release.

The individual has the right to defend himself and those under his care against an unjust aggressor. But this self-defense is different from the power of the state to arrest evil-doers in order to keep peace.

At least 80 countries, including most of Western Europe and Latin America, do not have the death penalty. In the United States it seems still to be a hot-button issue. Pope Benedict and the bishops of the United States are against the death penalty. They are trying to promote a "Culture of Life" from the moment of conception to the moment of death. The intention to directly and deliberately kill the pre-born or the sick is always gravely sinful; but the death penalty admits of some rare exceptions, which are dependant on the ability of the state to protect its citizens.

THE REV. GENE FRILOT

Pastor Emeritus

Incarnation Catholic Church

I struggle with the idea that violence creates democracy and peace. Violence only begets more violence, to which Iraq and the Middle East are an ongoing testimony. I am not sure how the different factions in Iraq will view this execution, for I don't claim to understand Iraqi loyalties and tribal traditions.