Amnesty International, a favorite of Chelsea Clinton, used a photo of young Nathaniel for the cover of its 1998 report to show that America's justice system is too harsh on juveniles, i.e., lacks compassion. Mr. Williams' thoughts don't even rise to the level of sophistry with that one. Ronnie Greene's life is pretty much ruined, death carrying its nearly certain finality. A conservative looks at the case and says we had best prosecute children who are capable of murder and then figure out what's causing them to do so. Liberals part ways because morality to them centers around race, the ozone and feelings.
Conservatives see murder as murder, across racial lines and right up through the stratosphere.
The liberal fancies himself compassionate because he wants to minimize punishment and, even better, minimize those times when you can actually call a crime a crime. The conservative understands that punishment deters crimes and uniform accountability is not mean-spirited. Another example of the mean has unfolded in Decatur, Illinois. The Rev. Jesse Jackson has been busy spreading compassion there. Padre Jesse is perturbed that seven complete losers from a Decatur high school were suspended from school for two years for their violent melee at a football game.