Soldiers of Conscience

The new change in policy that allows women to serve in combat is a great change. I believe that this updated change will help our country and empower women. Our country is changed and my generation is ready and willing to take on these changes - regarding women's rights, gay rights, etc. Ideally, no I would not like to be drafted into the war. But I would rather be an equal to men and be drafted just as they were, and could possibly be, than to be under them or have less privileges and rights. After watching the documentary, I got a better understanding of how hard it is for humans to kill other humans in combat. These soldiers are trained to think of their enemy as just a number, an animal or just an 'other'. I have trouble killing spiders, an animal not even a human so I would need to be very brainwashed to actually kill another human, especially an innocent human. If it did come down to it and I was drafted into the army I would probably choose to be a conscientious objector because I don't think I would be able to kill others, even for the sake of my country. If I didn't pick an CO, and was drafted and then in combat was unable to shoot or even protect my country, I would feel horrible and would never want to do that to either person fighting alongside me or anyone in my country. My faith is a huge part of my decision. The bible and God directly say that Thou shall not kill. I respect that and agree, killing is horrible. Yet, I greatly admire those who do give their lives to fight and protect our country. I sometimes wish I could be as strong and as willing as they are.

Hotel Rwanda

Yes, I think that Jack was right when he said people would see the destruction and horrific acts being committed yet not act to prevent it. People will feel sorry and wish it wasn't happening but because it is not affecting them directly they will not help. If the tragedy affected people all over the world more and more would be willing to reach out and help. Otherwise, I think the motto and thought process of most people is "if it's not my business I'm not getting involved." I would love to get people to help. But, it will be very hard to get people involved and helping in all of the issues going on in the world because there are so many things that need attention and seek help. If everyone would be committed to every cause and every need I think the would could be improved and some of our issues could be diminished. However, most people do not care about many of the issues and it would be very difficult to convince them to care and help.

Can Forgiveness Play A Role in Criminal Justice?

"Restorative justice" allows victims who feel shut out of the prosecutorial process a way to be heard and participate. This process considers the harm done and strives for an agreement from all the victims concerned in order to make amends.  As an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system, I think that this could be an option. I don't think a mandatory change is necessary, but if all parties involved are connected by more than just the crime, on a personal level for example, then this could very well be an option. I feel as though this process could be realistic if all details are taken into consideration. One must look at the prosecutors needs and wants as well as the family and friends. I'm not sure if this is really keeping with Catholic Social Teaching. It is giving a chance to the people who have committed the crime. On the other hand, I do not want a killer out and about with the chance to kill more victims in a few years if his sentence is short.