(no subject)

[stevenehrbar]

Look, yes, Pinochet committed crimes.  But prosecuting him despite the immunity he made as a condition for giving up power merely sends the lesson to other dictators that you don't ever peacefully surrender power.  The world has lots of dictators.  Do we really want them to learn the lesson that a peaceful surrender of power means regular attempts at prosecution, and that the only safe course is to hang on to the bitter end, persecuting your enemies until you're in the grave?

"What would Franco do?" "Be like Castro!"   What wonderful messages from Human Rights Watch,  Amnesty International, and Special Judge Juan Guzman.