Why would a scientific (supposedly) community want with the likes of Kate and Sawyer?  They don't seem to have much college training, weren't in any scientific related careers that we are aware of, and neither seem to be into psychiatry. Now since the island is not under international treaty to uphold international law, basically whatever Benry says is law.  So murder, kidnapping, slavery is all legal.  But why would they pick Sawyer and Kate to be part of a chain gang?  could it be that they need more members of their goon squad?  Sawyer would fit right in if they could just turn him.  Kate can also handle herself well, and thinks quickly on her feet and especially inside a moving vehicle.  So if you make them fall in love with each other, then you can control one by threatening the other, and perhaps both will become happy career Benjamites. The fact that they both have great conning and control skills and can head butt with the best of them is perfect for your resume when you are applying to be part of a goon squad.

Any logic to this?

Hmm, that's an interesting thought Ralf, not too hard to see the logic in that!

Maybe they knew that they are two people on the island that could be used as leverage against Jack. Kate is an obvious choice. He'd probably do anything to ensure her safety.

As for Sawyer - he's a better person to pick than Sayid because Sayid has military training (which I am now positive is why he was not chosen).  Sawyer also annoys Jack, to put it mildly. By being able to pull Sawyer's strings so to speak, maybe they figured that would help them get Jack to do what they want, whatever it may be.

I think given what we have seen from last week's episode, Jack is needed for a surgery. And it would appear those two are being used a leverage. Why Sawyer is my biggest question - perhaps they thought it better to have him captured with Kate, then to have him on the other island trying to FIND Kate?

Well from the preview for this week, it looks as though they do have a specific need for Sawyer.  Blood type maybe??

Isnt "Benjamite" some sort of sandwich spread in Australia? Another CLUE!!!!

I voted zimbabwe in the Conservatory w/ the madagascar.

We all found out why they wanted Sawyer, he carried out Lockes task.
I think that like many cult like organizations, those with something to hide in their past are easier to manipulate. Do you really think that Kate wants to return to be imprisoned or even worse occupy the electric chair for murder? I think that she would not be that difficult to convince to stay on the Island.
I wonder with the flash forward, was some kind of deal made? Identity swapping?
Only time and two more seasons will tell.

I'd like to see your opinion on the jack time loop theory

/threadjack