Saddam's hanging could have had class

It’s rare, but occasionally, very occasionally, even I get it wrong. My blog entry praising Saddam’s execution as a symbol of the successful birth of Iraqi democracy was uncharacteristically premature. I, along with Bush and many a wise pundit, was shocked and awed to learn that what could have been a lovely and tasteful hanging was deformed into an act of humiliation and revenge.

Of course I share our Bush’s wish that the execution had “been done in a more dignified way.” But, in fairness to us optimists, all signs pointed to a dignified execution: the simple classic noose, the ski-mask clad executioners, the generous 5 day grace period between the verdict and punishment, the graceful coincidence with the blessed day of Id al-Adha, and, of course, the strong, supportive presence of the U.S. military. Unfortunately, all it took was some taunting and baiting, and a few “go to hells” to sour the otherwise decorous ambience of a death by hanging.

Fringe lunatics including the Pope, the European Union, Tony Blair’s government, and Kurdish brats who whine that Saddam was killed before his massacres of Kurds could be further exposed and documented, have opposed the execution. But my lamenting a botched execution must not be confused with a rejection of the death penalty; nor is it a criticism of the Bush administration’s occupation of Iraq or involvement with Saddam’s trial and punishment. Rather, it is a celebration of both. But to prevent executions from being vengeful, degrading, barbaric travesties of democracy we need to put them in the hands of experts. And regardless of our political orientations, we can all agree that, having signed off on 153 successful and classy executions during his tenure as governor of Texas, George Bush would have brought experience, know how, as well as southern hospitality and good manners, to the hanging.