Was It the Right Thing to Do to Grant Sirhan Sirhan Parole?
The decision to grant parole to Sirhan Sirhan, who has been serving more than 50 years in prison for the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, has sparked a heated debate. This article explores the various perspectives and considerations involved in this controversial case, ultimately arguing that it was the right decision.
Religious and Ethical Perspectives
As a Catholic, I believe that granting parole to Sirhan Sirhan was the right thing to do. Christianity, along with the traditions of Catholicism, emphasizes the concepts of penance, redemption, and forgiveness. Spending over 50 years in prison, a significant portion of one's life, is an immense sacrifice, especially as Sirhan is now in his eighties. The Catholic faith teaches that penance and redemption are possible, and in this case, both the Kennedys and the Church see Sirhan's journey to rehabilitation as worthy of recognition. He had paid his debt to society, and it is time to allow him to live the remainder of his life in freedom.
Historical and Contextual Analysis
However, not everyone shares this view. Some argue that certain crimes are so heinous that the perpetrator should not be allowed to walk among civilians again. Charles Manson, for instance, committed brutal murders for no reason other than a thrill. If given the choice, I would have supported the death penalty for him, as he showed no redeemable qualities. Yet, the 1960s and 1970s witnessed young people, driven by ideals of justice, engaging in political violence. It's essential to recognize that many of these individuals experienced a transformation over time and may be capable of remorse and rehabilitation.
Impact on Victims and Victims' Families
The families of those killed in Vietnam or at the 1972 Munich Olympics might not agree with these perspectives. The repercussions of violence are immeasurable, and the pain endured by those who lost loved ones cannot be erased, forgotten, or forgiven. The loss of life is a profound and indelible wound that carries with it permanent sorrow and memory. The case of Sirhan Sirhan serves as a reminder of the gravity of his actions and the deep scars they left behind.
Government and Legal Considerations
From a legal standpoint, California Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that the parole decision was the right course of action, according to the guidelines set by the parole board. Furthermore, both of Robert F. Kennedy's sons, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, supported the parole decision. Robert Kennedy Jr. herself pointed out that her father believed in compassion and that the justice system is about redemption, not just revenge. The parole board's focus on rehabilitation and the possibility of future good behavior in Sirhan Sirhan suggests that the decision was made with the intention of providing him with a chance for a better future.
In conclusion, the decision to grant Sirhan Sirhan parole is a complex issue that involves religious, ethical, historical, and legal considerations. While the pain and loss experienced by victims and their families are undeniable, compassion and the possibility of redemption should also be considered. The balance between justice and forgiveness is a delicate one, but in this case, it seems to have been struck in a way that honors both justice and humanity.
Key Points:
- Religious and ethical considerations (penance, redemption, forgiveness)
- Historical context of political violence in the 1960s and 1970s
- Impact on victims and their families
- Government and legal considerations (parole guidelines, support from Kennedy's family)