Wait. I think 'sub-human' is totally off the point. Beheading for execution these days is more cultural than anything else.

Not too many years ago, Japanese men disemboweled themselves when they perceived themselves as having been dishonored. Was that sub-human? No. The practice to us in the western hemisphere would be totally abhorrent but that is because it has never been part of our culture.

My guess is that to today's generation of Japanese the custom would be considered unacceptable- but the people would be a great deal less shocked if their prime minister disemboweled himself today than we would be if President Bush disemboweled himself over this scandal. Simply because the practice was part of their history.

So. My opinion is that talking and thinking of sub-humanity is a dangerous mindset, indeed. We can do a hell of a lot better than that.