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Justice
It was during my years at university. A young man tried to rape a girl. Knowing that he was out there, somewhere, made me sick with fear. If I needed to walk across campus after dark, I always asked a friend to come along.
I was terrified to be alone. I didn’t want to be another victim.
More than anything else, I wanted justice. I wanted him to pay for what he’d done. I wanted to know that he was locked away forever, that he couldn’t hurt anyone anymore.
Justice. It’s a harsh word. But comforting, in a way. It isn’t scary unless you are one of the bad guys. If you’re innocent, it sounds safe and warm.
I can’t believe the lack of justice sometimes. People do horrible things and get away with it. Injustice creates a bondage of fear among the innocent.
Sometimes though, I’m guilty of the same thing. I listen to gossip about someone, hateful words, and I don’t stop it. That makes me party to the cruelty. I’ve watched someone be needlessly rude, and sat back to savor the drama instead of stepping in to defend the victim. I’m guilty.
Guilty of injustice.
I wish we could see what we do to others. How we keep spearing them without conscience. How can I ever expect someone to bring justice for me if I won’t deliver it to them?
Really, justice is all about selflessness. Putting the other guy first. Taking care of the victim instead of saving my own skin.
When was the last time I risked that?
I was terrified to be alone. I didn’t want to be another victim.
More than anything else, I wanted justice. I wanted him to pay for what he’d done. I wanted to know that he was locked away forever, that he couldn’t hurt anyone anymore.
Justice. It’s a harsh word. But comforting, in a way. It isn’t scary unless you are one of the bad guys. If you’re innocent, it sounds safe and warm.
I can’t believe the lack of justice sometimes. People do horrible things and get away with it. Injustice creates a bondage of fear among the innocent.
Sometimes though, I’m guilty of the same thing. I listen to gossip about someone, hateful words, and I don’t stop it. That makes me party to the cruelty. I’ve watched someone be needlessly rude, and sat back to savor the drama instead of stepping in to defend the victim. I’m guilty.
Guilty of injustice.
I wish we could see what we do to others. How we keep spearing them without conscience. How can I ever expect someone to bring justice for me if I won’t deliver it to them?
Really, justice is all about selflessness. Putting the other guy first. Taking care of the victim instead of saving my own skin.
When was the last time I risked that?
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