Pinochet: Full Circle

The Chilean Supreme Court has stripped former General/Dictator/President/Senator Augusto Pinochet of his immunity from prosecution for the torture of political activists and ordinary Chilean civilians in the 1970s. An estimated 3,000 Chileans were killed during Pinochet's 17-year rule of terror (1973-1990).

In an unbelievable full-circle, the current president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet and her mother were victims of Pinochet's infamous Villa Grimaldi prison in the 1970s.

But the debates in Chile are not so clear cut. Some still view him as a "necessary evil" -- he was able to jump start the Chilean economy through sometimes brutal neo-liberal reform. He ultimately relinquished the presidency peacefully after a mis-calculated plebscite that voted him out of office. He was able to command power, however, until 1998 as army commander-in-chief.

So, is Pinochet evil? or should he be revered as a "savior of the nation". After all, Chile is doing very well economically today, and it is a democracy. Should Pinochet be tried for his crimes against Chile or should be be pronouced a hero?

Secret CIA Prisons: Human Rights Violations?

On September 6, 2006 President Bush admitted to the presence of secret CIA detention centers located in other countries. Since he has recently transfered 14 prisoners to Cuba, the question remains: How will the terrorists be tried? President Bush expresses his hopes and views in this article. What do you think?

Guantanamo: A Violation of Human Rights?

Today the Bush Administration announced the transer of 14 key terrorist leaders to the US military-run prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "The announcement from Bush is the first time the administration has acknowledged the existence of CIA prisons, which had been reported in the media and the subject of friction between Washington and some allies in Europe."
The existence of Guantanamo Bay has sparked the debate over the rights of suspected terrorists and whether or not the United States is violating human rights through detention centers such as Guantanamo Bay. "The administration has come under criticism for its treatment of terrorism detainees," not only in Guantanamo Bay but through 'extraordniary renditions.'
It will be interesting to see how the public as well as law makers view the public announcement and acknowledgement of Guantanamo Bay.

What is Evil?

Are humans inherently evil? Are they born that way? Do they suffer from the sin nature?
Can we overcome that? If so, how? Is looking out for your own interest evil?
Does the enviroment determine whether you are good or evil? What determines evilness?
Are people evil or are actions evil? Food for thought? What do you think?