Challenge from bumblepuppies: Thinking of another object or event that project radically different meaning depending on the viewer or participant. Then write a true or fictional story that incorporates the differing perceptions people have of your chosen topic.
On Monday night TV, here in Australia on Q&A, we had the privilege of hearing a most impressive and compassionate man, Bryan Stevenson. Because there are two Australians on death row in Indonesia, the topic of the death sentence was uppermost. (We, fortunately, no longer have the death sentence in Australia). The two men who have been in jail for over nine years have positively changed their lives for the better. Is the death sentence going to change anything, apart from causing the families of these men enormous heart break? The drug trade will not stop because of these executions.
Bryan Stevenson was later interviewed this week on radio by Jon Faine, during which Bryan said words to the effect of: ‘Capital punishment is only carried out on those without capital, by those with all the capital.’
It was a delight to hear such an eloquent and able speaker, especially on this emotive topic. Another quote from Bryan Stevenson is:
‘If it is not right to rape a rapist, how can it be OK to kill a killer?’
This American works with people on death row, and describes in his book how difficult it is for those who are immediately affected. Bryan Stevenson’s book, ‘Just Mercy’, is one that I shall be looking out for.
https://blacklightcandelabra.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/divergent-meanings/
I’m sorry I missed that Q&A. (I stopped watching when Abbott got in – it was too painful. And I was always at risk of breaking the tv by throwing things at it.) The first quote from Bryan Stevenson is spot on.
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So you would have missed last nights too, with NO politicians? (Well one ex-Democratic-politician). it was really good too, about one in three women experience violence/ abuse. Bryan Stevenson was just brilliant the week before. Much better program without politicians!!
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No Q&A in this house last night regardless. It was Oscars Night! (It’s a tradition.) 🙂
There’s always iView.
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That Q&A was riveting all round!
I agree with Bryan Stevenson. How can you possibly justify ‘state sanctioned’ killing, when killing itself the capital crime? Killing is killing, and capital punishment is still murder.
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I agree Helen. It was so good to have someone like Bryan Stevenson on Q&A, quite inspirational.
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Wow. Is there a link for the interview?
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Sorry I don’t have the link, but if you Google Bryan Stevenson, you will see a lot of information.
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Thanks Bridget for your thoughts. I know this one is an emotive issue, but we’re all hoping that these two young Australians might be saved! 🙂
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I am liberal and against the death penalty, mainly because too many innocent people have been killed. However some cases shock me so much or seem to be so inhumane and brutal, that’s when I think that a life sentence is just a waste of money.
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