Stop showing Saddam
I read your article regarding the execution of Saddam Hussein (“Saddam video outrage,” Jan. 3 cover story) and I must say no, I did not view the video on the Web. Viewing the execution will not make me feel better about all of the people he murdered over the course of his reign.
However, more disturbing to me is that he made the front page of the RedEye! There is outrage over the taunting that went on before he was hung? That is the least that he and his murdering sons did to all of those poor people before they were murdered. Are you kidding? What outrage? Who cares about him being taunted? Thank God he’s not on this planet anymore. Let’s stop putting him in the news and feeding into the idea of him.
Laura Popravak, Evergreen Park
Video holds tyrants accountable
I decided to watch the video because I believe we need to be reminded that tyrants and dictators have no place this day and age. Just as the military leaders who executed Hitler’s orders during WWII were brought to justice, I believe today’s worst enemies of freedom need to be held accountable in the public. Although it may not change them entirely, I believe the publicity around Saddam’s hanging and its brutal reality will keep the Kim Jong Ils and Castros at bay.
Derrick Wlodarz, 19, Park Ridge
A grim spectacle
If the video of the Saddam hanging were shown on the news, I would probably watch it. However, I would not go seeking it out. As much as he deserved whatever punishment he received, seeing Saddam actually getting hanged would be just too sick.
Willie Holmes, 46, Chatham
Tuning out
No, I wouldn’t watch. It’s inhumane to hang someone. It’s not right for anyone to kill another person. God will punish them; we shouldn’t.
Tracy Monical, 22, Ravenswood
Tuning in
Yes, I did watch the video of Saddam being executed. I believe that this is something that is a personal decision to view. If you personally cannot handle watching it or think it is morally or ethically wrong, then don’t view it. It is one’s own decision of whether or not they want to view a major event in history.
Jessica Martinez, 19, Bridgeport
Graphic scene
I’d like you to think through the consequences of putting an image of Saddam in a noose on your front page Wednesday.
In Rogers Park, RedEye paper machines are plentiful. You displayed a man about to be killed–and who is connected to the mechanism of his death–at eye level to many small children who are on their winter vacation. It is a graphic image that would result in at least a PG-13 rating in a movie, if not an R.
Please reconsider the front page use of such images in the future.
Our kids are watching.
Jim Ginderske, 40, Rogers Park
A few resolutions
1. I’d join the crowd and resolve to stop smoking, but I can’t, because I have never taken a puff in my life. Therefore, I resolve to not start smoking in 2007. (“Happy new you,” Jan. 2 cover story.)
2. Of course, I could resolve to get more sleep, but I will put that one off until the day is lengthened from its present 24 hours. The 24-hour day, with its need for eight hours of sleep, was conceived in an era before people were plagued with gridlock, endless menu options (when you really want a live person on the phone) and e-mail; it no longer makes sense. If God ever decides to create another Earth, I hope he hires me as a consultant so that he won’t make the same mistake of a 24-hour day with people who should get eight hours of sleep.
3. Last year, I resolved to check e-mail at least once every 10 weeks. I succeeded at that, so for 2007 I will stick my neck out and resolve to check it at least once every nine weeks.
4. Am I the only one who noticed that the calendar pages shown in your picture in [Tuesday’s] paper were in German, or some other related language?
Larry Nazimek, 56, Logan Square
———-
Got something on your mind? Send a mini-column to us at ritaredeye@tribune.com. Please include your full name, age and neighborhood.
