Shame Radar

I must admit being a little disappointed that execution of the Fort Hood terrorist will not be livestreamed. Not that I think public access to live barbarity is worthwhile, but because it might just have reactivated our collective shame radar, a sorely needed bio-superpower now.

I wouldn't have watched it, but many would have and it most certainly would satisfy for too many a deep-seated craving for vengeful violence against any and all seeking to undermine their values. But it also might have triggered revulsion enough to make the rest of the watchers reconsider motives for watching, and its undesirable long-term effects upon them–becoming a clear and unmistakable blip on their shame radar which would persist for life.

Another positive effect would have been the devastating blow to those trying to leverage it for political gain. While it would have set many rabid supporters of the convicted felon in the White House (and the party it highjacked) all a-drool, it would have been poisonous for both.