It seems, from the comments and posts on social media, that a majority in the country feel the parents who killed poor little Arthur should be treated as he was treated - spat at, reviled, hit and hated - even killed. Is it impossible for people to feel sorrow for one victim and only hatred for the other victims? Don't all human beings deserve sympathy, kindness, help? Especially those so inflicted and wrecked as to kill a small, defenceless child? I always liked and respected Lord Longford who felt this most strongly. Yet most of humanity these days seem to think that trying to be kind to the perpetrators (who certainly need kindness more than most) means lack of sympathy for their victim? Can't both exist simultaneously? I think those spouting hate and wishing violence on the parents are showing exactly the same evil that caused that poor little boy to be tortured and killed. No wonder they are so fuming with hatred. They recognise the sickness in themselves.

Yes of course. We can treat them kindness and understanding and keep them safe, while also recognising and condemning the crime.

Are you a freak? No. But you are eccentric, in the true sense, so your (our) reaction is less typical.

Not everyone has the capacity to give unconditional positive regard, and not everyone can hold several views and ideas at the same time.

No not a freak but you are showing a breadth of empathy and compassion that is almost spiritual in its reach.

Jesus would have taught the forgiveness; the Buddha the inter-connectedness of us all and loving compassion. I agree with you but I think we would all struggle to attain those heights in reality all the time!

A majority - you are correct - would see it as weakness. Most people like things to be black & white because shades are scary - less certain. You have to have a very strong sense and understanding of who you are - where your centre is - to even start thinking like this.

But then again you are 77 today so have had plenty of time to figure yourself out!

Honey wrote:
Yes of course. We can treat them kindness and understanding and keep them safe, while also recognising and condemning the crime.

Are you a freak? No. But you are eccentric, in the true sense, so your (our) reaction is less typical.

Not everyone has the capacity to give unconditional positive regard, and not everyone can hold several views and ideas at the same time.

Ditto.

I love "an eye for an eye" ideology.

You give shit you will get shit. :

JK, you might have a diferent attitude if you were a parent. Not making excuses but it resonates in a way that you don't understand.

I don't believe being a parent affects one's empathy. Anybody with a sense of decency cares about children, be they grown up children who get into a terrible situation or innocent small children who suffer.

There is always a call for "full life" sentences when this kind of terrible crime is committed, rather than serve a very long sentence. The only effect of this is that the behaviour of the prisoner is much more volatile because you remove all hope of them ever been released, and they have nothing to lose by causing trouble. There is no precedent for prisoners been released in their 80s or 90s and going on the rampage, and it is done purely for political reasons to satisfy the bloodlust of the general public. Prisons were originally set up as places for rehabilitation as well as punishment, and this is what they should be.

And now the stupid "blame game" starts instead of the obvious - yes, Social Services should have spotted and done something but how about neighbours, grand parents, relatives? You can say "lockdown prevented them from noticing". Yes but still... people should start looking after each other and stop escaping blame by blaming others. Those who shout loudest Kill The Parents are probably hiding something dreadful in their own lives.

Angel wrote:
JK, you might have a diferent attitude if you were a parent. Not making excuses but it resonates in a way that you don't understand.

Spot on !

We are pretty "locked down" even when we aren't in lockdowns. There is little sense of community anywhere anymore. We increasingly lead atomised phone-tapping virtual lives. We have little sense of shared responsibility now & require "answers" to everything that are simple and untroubling.

robbiex wrote:
There is always a call for "full life" sentences when this kind of terrible crime is committed, rather than serve a very long sentence. The only effect of this is that the behaviour of the prisoner is much more volatile because you remove all hope of them ever been released, and they have nothing to lose by causing trouble. There is no precedent for prisoners been released in their 80s or 90s and going on the rampage, and it is done purely for political reasons to satisfy the bloodlust of the general public. Prisons were originally set up as places for rehabilitation as well as punishment, and this is what they should be.


Not of ninety year olds going on the rampage, no, but there have been rapists and murderers released early who have struck again.

If we could trust that the probation service knew what they were doing, we might not be as keen on whole life sentences.

As for volatile prisoners, I suspect that this is caused mostly by poor conditions and ill treatment, and that needs to be stopped however long or short the sentences are.

It would be bonkers to decide a sentence based on how prison officers can handle a situation. Surely public safety comes first?

"I had better release this murderous psychopath early because we cant cope with him in jail?"

Green Man wrote:
Honey wrote:
Yes of course. We can treat them kindness and understanding and keep them safe, while also recognising and condemning the crime.

Are you a freak? No. But you are eccentric, in the true sense, so your (our) reaction is less typical.

Not everyone has the capacity to give unconditional positive regard, and not everyone can hold several views and ideas at the same time.

Ditto.

I love "an eye for an eye" ideology.

You give shit you will get shit. :

And round you go for ever.

Honey wrote:
Green Man wrote:
Honey wrote:
Yes of course. We can treat them kindness and understanding and keep them safe, while also recognising and condemning the crime.

Are you a freak? No. But you are eccentric, in the true sense, so your (our) reaction is less typical.

Not everyone has the capacity to give unconditional positive regard, and not everyone can hold several views and ideas at the same time.

Ditto.

I love "an eye for an eye" ideology.

You give shit you will get shit. :

And round you go for ever.

Whatever will be - will be.