The (12) Mercy Seat
'And in a way I'm yearning
To be done with all this measuring of truth.
An eye for an eye
And a tooth for a tooth
And anyway I told the truth
And I'm not afraid to die.'
Nick Cave
The Mercy Seat
Probably the most difficult thing for me being in the criminal justice program of the educational system is the whole concept of judgement. It seems so utterly flawed, with absolutely no ability on the part of us human beings to objectively pass judgement on another. Every step of the process is subjective in nature, from the commission of the 'crime' through the process of arrest on up to the punishment doled out. Here's to hoping we can come up with something better (more humane perhaps) in our lifetimes.
That's why The Mercy Seat's constantly playing in the back of my head.
I listen to everyone talk about right and wrong as is if they had some kinda personal copyright on the words and their meanings.
I realized a long time ago that I have absolutely no right to judge another; there are too many unseen factors. Factors I personally can never fully understand; empathize with, yes, but understand, no.
Often I can't even judge myself.
That will only be done once the fullness of time yields perspective to my descendents.
Sorry, just venting.
