Passing Thought on Justice

I see that Thomas Hagan, admitted and convicted assassin of Malcolm X was freed from prison today.

Last I heard Malcolm is still dead.

I am of the opinion that people should only be put into prison for the safety of the community. Rehabilitation seems too rare a thing to put a lot of hope to, beyond that fact most people (read men) eventually age out of violence.

I am very sympathetic to that deep felt desire for vengeance, or as some people call it, justice. Trying to even up the score is a deeply human thing, and with some merit to it. But opening that gate is also a very dangerous thing. The unintended consequences to that eye for an eye thing are too often horrific to behold.

So, just put ’em away to protect the community.

The problem then is when to let them go.

I see how I’m twitching at the thought Mr Hagan gets to walk around on sidewalks and grass when Malcolm lies moldering in that ground…

Life does appear to be somewhat complicated…

As is, of course, death…