SOURCE: CNN
POSTED BY: Allison Lee on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013
- William Potts, who returned to the United States after serving time in Cuba for attempting to hijack an airplane in 1984.
SOURCE: CNN POSTED BY: Allison Lee on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013
11 Comments
Myrna Perez
11/13/2013 02:53:10 am
Definitely a contentious topic. But so relevant to everyday life. 11/19/2013 03:12:35 pm
This is an interesting situation. The article explains that the hijacker tried to turn himself in to US authorities for over a year. When he finally arrived to the US, he was given a single-use passport and accompanied by two US marshals. I believe this demonstrates the strict procedures caused by the hostility between the US and Cuba. I would be interested in other's opinions regarding this article. Should the US and Cuba work together in the effort to punish this hijacker?
Nicole Beatty
11/21/2013 03:18:20 am
I've always been one to agree with giving second chances, but in William Potts' case this could be a controversial subject. He put the lives of Americans at risk when he hijacked a plane, so it will be interesting to see if he can earn back the trust of Americans.
Rachael Walker
2/13/2014 11:24:16 am
As a philosophical statement, it seems right to give people second chances--people make mistakes, people have lapses in judgement. However, this case is very controversial and much more difficult in practice than in theory. Even though he has served his time for his crime, he still put innocent people in danger and committed an extremely serious crime. It will be interesting to see if the American people are willing to forgive him, because I think that his request is a lot to ask.
Sylvia M Estrada
2/18/2014 11:47:55 am
I believe everybody deserves a second chance. People make mistakes and then they learn from them. Even though this person put people's life in danger I would still think he deserves a second opportunity.
Anu Pandya
2/18/2014 12:55:28 pm
I agree that all people deserve a second chance. But in certain situations, it may be hard to trust someone enough to truly give them a second chance. Especially when it comes to an extreme situation like this, it is hard to put what is in the past, completely in the past.
Jordan Budget
2/18/2014 02:13:58 pm
Whew, "entitled." That is a really strong position to have. Entitled. I would agree with those who commented before me in saying that people deserve a second chance. But when you put other people's lives in jeopardy, I think you should reconsider your "entitlement." This is a good example of how words change the context of a sentence. Like does William Potts feel guilt? Does he understand why he may not be "entitled" to a second chance? -- he might. But maybe rephrasing this sentence to "I would like a second chance," would make me more sympathetic toward his plea.
Ginger Melton
2/23/2014 03:38:07 am
Potts served his time as ordered, but I do not believe his life after prison should not be called a "second chance." Second chances are for given after minor mistakes, not putting multiple lives in jeopardy. It would be unwise to allow a possible plane hijacker lenient redemption opportunities.
Carleigh Barnett
2/23/2014 10:24:17 am
I think everyone deserves second chances in life, especially if they learn from the first mistake. It is after multiple chances and taking advantages of individuals who give those multiple chances that it becomes enough. In the case of Potts, I think that everyone deserves to live the rest of their life in peace in whatever ways that may be - and for him if that means forgiveness, I believe that is fair.
Caroline Ellis
2/23/2014 11:02:00 am
I think this quote is so interesting because I think that as Americans we emphasize the importance of second chances. But I think that this emphasis also allows a lot of leeway for careless mistakes to be made. We think we deserve the second chance, not that is has to be earned.
Blaine Milton
2/25/2014 10:18:39 am
In life nothing is clear cut. Things don't just appear black or white. Though William Potts, may feel "entitled" to a second chance I feel he is unworthy of it. No individual in life is entitled to anything. People only deserve second chances if they unintentionally commit previous grievances or actually feel remorse. Clearly, his view by saying "entitled" shows he doesn't deserve a second chance. If American passengers had been hurt during his hijacking they would have not been given a second chance to see their family, friends, or take another breathe. So no Mr. Potts. You don't deserve or have entitlement to a second chance. Leave a Reply. |