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Date Posted: 11:17:58 04/08/02 Mon
Author: Ishkabibble
Subject: Re: Was Ben, then, a lesser being than Warren?
In reply to: Marie 's message, "Was Ben, then, a lesser being than Warren?" on 08:53:21 04/08/02 Mon

"Was Ben, then, a lesser being than Warren?" I'm interpreting this question three ways(1)Were Ben's and Warren's "actions" worthy of them being killed (Ben=lesser, Warren=greater)? (2)Does the inherent worth of Ben or Warren justify their being killed? (3)Was Giles justified to a lesser degree in killing Ben (an innocent) than Willow is justified in killing Warren (not an innocent)? I believe you are asking the third question, and apologize if I've misread you.

First, let me say that our system of laws (not men) dictates that Giles and Willow be held accountable to a jury for killing someone. And a well-argued jury trial would probably result in both of them being acquitted due to the circumstances.

As to question three above. I don't know...but I suspect your question is theoretical anyway. I have an opinion...which I suspect is what ME and you probably are urging us to formulate. The fact that the question is being asked reassures me that morally, our compasses are working. To not ask the question is to assume that the answer is obvious. But it's not. There are extenuating circumstances; gray areas. It is not so easy to catagorize as black or white. This really stretches our tolerance for ambiguity, huh? And the comfort level some of us have for this ambiguity varies from person to person. Some may find it so uncomfortable that they MUST commit to a black or white answer.

What started this thread was an honestly expressed opinion by another poster which I interpreted to be saying:(1) Willow has the right to judge Warren guilty and (2) Willow has the right to enact punishment (3) The degree of punishment shall be Warren's death. If I have misinterpreted, I again apologize.

I'm not comfortable with the idea that we condone Willow's actions because she is emotionally distraught. Can I understand her actions...yes. Do I have the right to grant her absolution...no. That is up to a jury to decide. But, I am so glad that we are asking the questions.

And I appreciate the original poster for bringing this issue here to the board and giving us an opportunity to listen to one another's views.

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