January 9, 2007

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

Were you surprised that Saddam Hussein was executed so quickly in Iraq? How do you think his execution will affect our troops? Will you view the execution on the Internet?
(Asked at Kirkwood Plaza)

“No, I wasn’t. It was a long time coming. People are blood thirsty for revenge for atrocities. The execution gives them a faster ability to mend. I don’t believe in the war or the actions and policies surrounding it, but I do believe in the execution of a dictator like Saddam Hussein. I think the execution could definitely boost our soldiers’ morale. It may speed the progress toward handing over a democracy to the Iraqis. I already have viewed it—it’s not horrible—I wanted to confirm that it was real. Humans are curious, and our culture is so desensitized I wasn’t surprised.”

Pete Rice, 32
Campbell
Machinest


“I was absolutely surprised and horrified. I don’t believe capital punishment is right; I’m sorry to say, even for him. Sadly, I’m not educated enough to predict what effects it will have on our troops. I hope the troops come home very soon. I have a cousin who is a Marine in Iraq and our family is upset with his being there. He’s been there a year. No, I don’t want to see the execution.

Amy Bencomo, “29”
Campbell
Domestic engineer


“No I wasn’t surprised. I think his death should lift morale. I don’t think I’ll watch it.”

Beverley Scott, 38
Campbell
Assistant director of a preschool


“Yes, I was surprised because here in America there’s a long wait for someone who is sentenced to the death penalty. It astounded me. I hope [the execution] will push them to get home faster. No, I absolutely will not view it. That is horrible. No matter what someone does there is no way I want to watch them being put to death.”

Sarah Landers, 14
Campbell
Freshman at Archbishop Mitty High School


“Actually yes, I guess I was surprised [how quickly he was executed] compared to the United States where it takes forever for anyone to be executed. No comment and no I won’t view it.”

Betty Rosa, 50ish
Campbell
Retired


“No, considering all his enemies that convicted him, no I wasn’t surprised. That’s a good question. I’m hoping his death won’t make things worse and that it doesn’t ignite further challenges. I hope that it speeds things to an end rather than escalating them to another level. I have not seen the execution and I have no desire to see it.”

Kathy Barrera, 46
Campbell
Vacation sales


“No, I wasn’t surprised because if they hadn’t done it quickly, there would have been all kinds of riots. It was a long time coming after what he did to so many people. I don’t know why it should affect our troops; but it may affect the citizens of Iraq. No, I don’t want to see the execution. It’s over and done with; he’s gone and he can’t hurt anyone else.”

Verda Nutter, 67
San Jose/Campbell border
Retired


“No, not really. I just assumed once the jury had made its decision that they would move forward. I assume morale has improved. I have no plans to watch the execution.”

Terry Swartz, 44
Campbell
Manager at a communications company