Clemency?
After writing a paper on the death penalty last spring, I am more and more interested in the cases involving capital punishment. This is one of the sadder stories I have read. Click here for the full story.
As I told Ed in an email, I wouldn't be holding out much hope if my only chance for clemency resided with Arnold Schwarzenneger.
posted by John and Mag @ 6:54 AM
6 Comments:
I agree this is a gray case, with great sadness on both sides. And I struggle with the death penalty at all times. But to classify the governor of a state as a cold-hearted killer based on his political stance without knowing his heart seems extremely judgemental, and perhaps even a red-necked statement. Too bad Tookie took lives of innocents before he decided to think of others. Now for being judgemental, the fact that Hollywood cries out for a cause makes me cry louder to negate them.
For some reason, the last line of the previous comment didn't get published. It was, "This is a position I don't envy for Arnold. SLB"
And I agree, mom; this isn't a position I envy for ANYone. Moreover, surely you do not suggest that I'm classifying Arnold as a cold-blooded killer, do you? ;-) I don't think I said that in the original post, and certainly didn't mean to imply it. Clearly the killer here is Stanley Williams. My apologies for coming across judgmental. I guess that's what happens sometimes, but I'll own up to it when it happens to me. Rereading the post, you're right, I sounded biased in one direction over the other. Perhaps I should have included the rest of what I said to Ed in the email, which was that I also wouldn't hold out much hope if those "celebrities" of popular culture were my only advocates.
Of course, that doesn't really change the sound of the bias in the post, which you know, is that I'm uniformly opposed to the death penalty (odd that I'm not opposed to war?) because it simply isn't effective.
In any event, sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees, and this was one of those times for me. Thank you for pointing it out. You know how much I hate thoughtless bias.
Hey, guy---Somebody raised you right!
Your response with its kinder tones was good to read today. Perhaps "red-necked" was a bit too harsh, anyway; but "on the other hand" took over for me, and I began the age-old argument of seeing both sides. WHEN will I finally get to star in "Fiddler on the Roof"?! So, nobody wins in this case, and that is very difficult for the world of ethics, I imagine. Redemption in action has definitely affected positively. Love you, SLB
ed said that a radio station here in big d was counting down the hours until the death of this man. they have reporters waiting "live to bring the full story" when he's gone.
i understand the anger and need for justice in the lives of those who have lost someone. and i understand redemption. as much as i would love to shout "eye for an eye!" i have not been able to find a reason in my heart for the death penalty. life imprisonment, perhaps solitary confinement is the way to go in my opinion. reformation is my motto when it comes to inmates.
especially when those inmates are gang members. what a lot of people don't know, and what i didn't know before jen h's program with formerly incarcerated youth is that these kids are born into a life that we would neither characterize as normal or desirable. they see no other way. their norms are not our norms. depression is rampant and the "world owes them". we need more people like the REFORMED tookie...out there teaching kids how to avoid or exit gangs and realize the opportunities that life affords them when they seek and work toward goals. it is not an easy job. in fact, i would say it's one of the hardest that exists. to change the innate nature of a child to realize that there really is hope.
it is too bad that stanley williams took lives. it is even worse that his shall be taken. may God use his work through others.
thank you for sharing this story. we shall be praying for him.
jennifer
Yes, Jennifer, I agree. It has been a sad day indeed. What's the most sickening is watching people support with glee the moral incomprehensibility of the death penalty and others (who are members of Christ's church) remain silent on the issue, choosing to speak about irrelevant topics instead.
I have struggled mightily today and tonight I have the following lyrics running through my head:
As life gets longer,
awful feels softer and it feels pretty soft to me.
Well, if it takes crap to make bliss, then I feel pretty blisfully.
Earlier this week, I knew little to nothing about Stanley Williams. Because of JKB's comments and deep concerns over his plight, I became involved in a mild debate, trying to be fair to all sides. Unfortunately, that is not possible most of the time, if ever. Today, I have heard the cries of hurting children of mine, and grieve alongside them. This death makes no sense to me, and I am disgusted beyond words with Arnold and his mentors/advisors for the choice made by them. It is over---for now--- but Jennifer's wish that good will come from this senseless death is one for which I will hope also. I just know we can do better than this as a nation of caretakers around the world. I am also going to hold out hope that perhaps a well-known Christian leader will come forward and speak about the all-too-common phrase, "WWJD", but this time with the right answer.
Jennifer, your words were beautiful and well-founded.
John and Margaret, we are hurting with you---all those miles away. I hope tomorrow brings a measure of peace and comfort.
I just read Harry Lucenay's weekly newsletter, with a very appropriate Scripture included:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John l6:33
And Niebuhr's prayer:
"...accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will..."
All of these words bring comfort to me tonight. I hope to fall asleep singing the last hymn sung at Wilshire on our last visit there, when John and Margaret were hours away from boarding their flight to Edinburgh. "I Need Thee Every Hour"
was a perfect choice for parents at that moment. It seems ever so at this moment.
Love to all-SLB
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