Should Democratic Party take a stand on the death penalty for Saddam?

[kentuck]

At least make a statement that it is not our business to say whether or not he gets the death penalty, and certainly not George Bush's. As the majority of our Party does not generally support the death penalty, except in unusual and horrific crimes. But that is in our wn country. But we should not be making such statements.

[Devlzown]

1. I would say no.

If I were one of the candidates, I would just say that we should do whatever it takes to make sure that Saddam isn't installed as the leader of another country by the Republicans.:evilgrin:

[evil_orange_cat]

3. nah... I don't want the Dem's to become polarized on this issue...

meaning I don't want the Dem's becoming the anti-DP party. I will respect what the Iraqi court decides. Some people oppose the DP... I don't on principle, but I think our justice system is corrupt and agree with a moratorium.

Plus, it will further polarize America on an issue basis...

Dem's anti-DP
Repug's pro-life

It's what Dean was talking about... abortion, god, guns, and gays

[Devlzown]

4. I agree with you.

We shouldn't take a stand on the death penalty for Saddam. It's irrelevant, anyway. We should however, at every opportunity, remind everyone who will listen that Reagan, Rummy, Bush I, and others made the monster that is Saddam. That's really what my post was about.

[evil_orange_cat]

5. sorry, I accidently replied to your first post...

sorry for the confusion, my post was meant to be a reply to the topic starter's first post. :D

[Timefortruth]

10. Very good point.

Shouldn't those who gave him the gas he used to "gas his own people" also be put on trial? How about those who supported him after the act with foreign aid, certainly they are also guilty of crimes against humanity.

All of a sudden it is crystal clear why * didn't look thrilled Saddam was captured alive, what if there is a real trial?

That is wishful thinking.

[prolesunited]

2. Can't take a stand on it

when there is no consensus within the party itself. I'm against the death penalty, even for Saddam. I'm sure I would find plenty of disagreement here.

[LizW]

6. No

Politically, it would be terrible to come out against the death penalty for SH.

As a practical matter, the Democratic party is probably split on the issue anyway.

Legally, I have no idea if the death penalty could be imposed. It's complicated. There is no law in Iraq, so what law should be applied? Most of the developed world opposes the death penalty, except the US.

Morally, I am absolutely against the death penalty. I do believe there is probably evidence enough to convict SH of particular murders, and he should stand trial and be punished if convicted. But I have no idea how that trial should proceed or under what law he should be punished.

[Jerseycoa]

7. We can leave it

up to the Iraqi people.

[Freddie Stubbs]

8. They should take a stand -- that Saddam deserves the death penalty

But also emphasize that it up to the Iraqis. But I think that everyone knows what decision they are going to make.

[Timefortruth]

9. Rush already took a stand against death for Saddam.

He called Saddam a third trimester fetus, and we all know that human life before it is born it to be protected at all costs.

Mighty courageous of Rush, I didn’t know he had it in him.
He called Saddam a third trimester fetus, and we all know that human life before it is born it to be protected at all costs.

Mighty courageous of Rush, I didn’t know he had it in him.

[rucky]

11. The VENUE should be the debate

and we should be pushing for a Hague trial.

[genius]

12. They should oppose it

Executing leaders is a bad precedent - even though I can think of one leader I really don't like.