THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE ARE many persons who speak about a civilised world when it comes to hanging. They use many examples to support their theory that hanging is uncivilised and, therefore, should be abolished. I, however, have a problem with that. Let me first state that I categorically support hanging, not because it can be a deterrent to the particular crime, but simply because it is the law and based on that, if a person is found guilty by all measures, then that person is to be accorded the punishment of that crime.
I recall as a child in the '60s, which many would say is part of the uncivilised era, I used to live in a society that was not familiar with burglar bars. I used to run errands for my mother unaccompanied, without having to 'watch my back'. I used to be able to go to school without having to wonder if I would get back home safely; I had to be respectful to adults and be mannerly to my 'neighbours', which encompassed everyone I met.
On a larger scale, the U.S.A. was more 'civilised' then, even to its neighbours; their children did not have to worry about going to school and get shot by their own peers; in Africa, Europe, Asia, etc., crime was, for the most part, manageable.
What I am really saying is that I would rather have that 'uncivilised' world any day, to the 'civilised' one people are so proudly trying to protect today, by resorting to abolishing 'uncivilised' practices.
I am, etc.,
JUDY ROWE
Kingston 8
