America Gets It Right on Embodiments of Evil

Unambiguous good news from the USA today, which sentenced the son of notorious Liberian ex-dictator Charles Taylor to 97 years in prison. Mr. Taylor's son, also called Charles, was born and raised in Boston before moving to Liberia in his teenage years. He became head of a paramilitary force and engaged in acts of torture and sexual degradation such as using cattle prods on people's genitals and shoveling fire ants on people after shoving them down pits. He is also a known murderer. 

The decision to convict Mr. Taylor is significant as it is the first instance of the USA convicting one of its own citizens for acts of torture committed abroad. The USA is known for its flexible stance on torture, so it is good to see that at least this disgusting caricature of depravity is enough to move the American courts to action. Both Taylor Sr. and Taylor Jr. have represented the wanton sadism and cruelty which has tragically become distinctive of African conflicts, so we should all have a drink and celebrate the end of this bloodline.