Murderer or Hero?

Oh MAN! This is HARD to Judge . . . 

     The story, “Gentlemen Your Verdict” written by Michael Brue is about a submarine that crashed on the bottom of sea and the storm prevented rescue from arriving for 7 days. In the submarine, there are 20 crew members, and a captain, who knows that there is enough oxygen for only 2 days survival for 20 people. The captain then kills 15 people including himself with poison in order to save the five men with family and kids. Michael Brue’s thought-provoking story leaves us two critical judgments about the captain’s decision of killing some to save others and his choice of only saving the men with families. 

What do you think so far? Is the captain a muderer or a hero? Hard to say, isn't ? 

     But if I were the judge . . .

     Despite the fact that I truly admire the captain’s first intention of saving people by sacrificing himself, I personally disagree with his decision of “killing for saving.” Firstly, the captain should not play the role of God as he does not have the right to decide other people’s destiny. The captain should at least tell the crew members what has happened before he takes any actions. Everyone is stuck in this tough situation, not only the captain.  All the crew members have the right to know of his decision. The captain should get everyone to think of ways to survive instead of planning everything himself. It is easier to come up with ideas when everyone is involved in the process of thinking. Besides, if some of the crews believe in God, they also believe in miracles and supernatural things. They would pray to God vigorously and expect an incredible testimony to occur. Therefore, the captain does not have any right to kill people. Even if the act of murder is carried out with good intentions, it is still murder; even if a murderer is a hero, he or she should not kill.   

     In addition, I do not agree with the captain’s favoritism of saving only men with families. The captain should ask the crew members if they are willing to sacrifice themselves so that there can be 5 survivors. Even though there might be few or none that would choose to die, negotiation can always take place. For example, the poor crew members might be willing to die if the richer crew members signed a contract of taking care of the poor crew members’ family for the rest of their lives. Also, the elders may be willing to die for the young because they are closer to the end of their lives while the young are still at the beginning or in the middle of their lives. If no one really wants to sacrifice, other options can be implemented, such as a lottery, which is probably the fairest way of deciding their destinies. Furthermore, there might be a chance that those 15 people whom were chosen to be killed by the captain wanted to live desperately while the 5 people, whom were selected to be the survivors would probably rather to sacrifice for others; thus, it is very important for the captain to discuss with the crew members before carrying out his decisions.  

Honestly . . .

     I have to admit that both decisions above are extremely tough to make. As a reader, I sincerely admire the captain’s courage of making such a bold decision which included sacrificing himself. But I really do not appreciate his decision and act of killing in order to save.