saddam hussein: the little boy at christmas
By Trevor Ryan
The trial of Saddam Hussein reminds me of Christmas. Most of us who are older than eight no longer believe in Santa, and so under normal circumstances, we can all openly discuss the fact that no magical being delivers gifts to all the good kids. Well, ok, so nobody actually discusses that, because that would be pointless. But you know what I mean. If we want to, we can. That is, unless there’s a little kid around.
Watching Saddam’s observing and participating in his own trial is very similar. I find it rather endearing that he thinks it’s actually a trial, and that maybe he’ll get off. He has the naivety of a small child, and the charming beard of Santa. What could be more sweet? Maybe someone who adheres to the Geneva Conventions. You know, non-war criminals.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I like the guy. In fact, I think there’s something really refreshing about seeing someone on trial who has essentially abandoned his own humanity by the sheer atrocity of his actions. It can be exhausting to live in a world of injustice, of shades of gray. But when Saddam Hussein complains about the way he’s being treated, there’s just not that pang of guilt. I merely shrug and think “eh, whattaya gonna do?”
Take for instance today, when Saddam “dismissed” evidence that he allowed minors to be executed. He looks so serious, so convinced he is being wronged, like a child convinced he truly must have that new toy. Who knew how sweet Saddam could look, throwing a little tantrum, demanding the attention of a grown-up world as it prepares to send him to his room for a very long time.
Post a Comment