Murder and killing are different things

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Sunday, April 13, 2003 By: Letters to the Editor

Oliver L Campbell writes: I am no Hebrew or Greek scholar, but those who are, say the translation from Hebrew to Greek clearly distinguished between murder and killing, and that an error was made in the subsequent translation to English.

Although the King James’s Bible says Thou shalt not kill, newer translations state "You shall not commit murder" (New English Bible), "Do not commit murder" (Good News Bible) and yet others as "You shall not murder" and "Thou shalt do no murder."

In Spanish, I have only seen "No matarás" but then I have only one bible in that language.

To kill in self-defense is not a crime in most countries ... and this is true as long as you thought your life was in danger e.g. even if an imitation gun rather than a real one was pointed at your head.

Self-preservation is an instinct ingrained in us since man first roamed the earth and, when your life is threatened in that way, it is also no crime to shoot first. It is then only a small extension to say a preemptive strike is justifiable to save the lives of a country’s citizens.

That is why I don’t see the Iraq war in the same black and white terms that Kira Marquez Perez does.

There are circumstances where killing ... but not murder ... is justified; and this is the case when at war whether on one side or the other.

The fact innocent civilians are killed is distressing, but often unavoidable. The question is whether starting a war is ever justified and ... as in the case of the Iraq war ... this is an issue on which strong views are held.

Outside the USA, there is little support for the war but, thankfully, it is all but over.

What is certain is that many against the war will change their minds if weapons of mass destruction are found, but will condemn it vehemently if they are not.

We can only wait and see.

Oliver L Campbell oliver@lbcampbell.com London, 12.April.2003

The War in Iraq, effects and consequences discuss the role of the United Nations towards an equitable solution for the Iraqi people