Wonder Making

Ronald Smith is on Death Row in Momtana. He is Canadian. There is no doubt about his mercilessly killing two young reserve natives who had picked him up hitch hiking. Whereas he asked to be put to death after the murder 30 years ago, now he is asking for clemency because he is a changed man.

The relatives of the two boys are still very angry that Smith is still alive. They have wanted the execution of Smith all along.. There is one exception though, a young relative who does not believe in capital punishment, and she would rather see Smith rot in jail. I side with the relatives that want him dead. Robbery is the worst crime. Smith robbed the two young men of their lives and robbed their relatives of their kin.

The death sentence is too good for Smith. He should have been executed 30 years ago, not given free room and board and free expensive legal appeals.

Most Canadians want the U.S.government to grant clemency. I am not one of them.

I would also like a source so I can learn more about it.

In Texas a few days ago inmate Brewer was executed. In 1998 he and two buddies tied a black man to the back of their pickup and dragged him to his death. Their idea of fun.

Brewer ordered his last meal, enough to feed an army. Texas Last Meal Law gives the prisoner what he wants. He didn't touch a morsel ! After 13 years in jail he still has his keen sense of humor. They inject him. He dies. The Texas court rescinds the Last Meal Law. Brewer's last bit of fun at other inmates on Death Row.

You might say jail didn't work. I say how did Brewer get 13 more years to live ?

This is an extreme example. My contention is that in the general population, some people are not worth looking at for a good side. Some people are only happy if they make others unhappy. They don't change. It's who they are. i admit that i don't tend to turn the other cheek. I think that saying comes from another religion. As for love thy neighbor, for me it depends on the neighbor. This i will not change.

There is good in everyone; the fault lies in those who cannot or will not find it. Thank you, Rabbi, for reminding me.

Thanks for the upbeat message. I just don't see much change in socially challenged people. Tolerance yes. Saying something nice about a bandito is just a so-so effort. May present a problem when you ' kvell' over a bandito and then they think that they are fine well liked wholesome people.

Thanks (todah rabbah), Rabbi Freeman, for the good counsel.

It's fair to say that what you offer here is the 'antidote' for lashon hara, and it works!

It always helps to be reminded of it by those more diligent about these things then ourselves.

(smile).

Rabbi Freeman, can a Jew be the nemesis of another Jew?

ps. I am operating with he first meaning given for nemesis, i.e. 'an archenemy'.

I tried this on the most difficult student I had, the daughter of a crime figure, who thought she ruled the school. She completely turned around and started producing fantastic work for me, changed from the class menace to the class mentsch. When her mother came to parents evening she had to see the work to believe it. I have left the school now, sent on my way by hugs from the girl, and the promise that she would do her best to move into top set and keep on succeeding. Every time I have a difficult student, I use this and it works!!

I just want to know if halachically whether if you were friends with someone grossly overweight that you felt that you were concerned for their health and well-being by discussing this with them. I did and they made me feel like I had slapped them upside the head....