ModernGeek

The truth about TV is that if a station can't catch the viewers attention in 0.5 seconds, it's going to be skipped over for the next one. I was flipping through channels on one of the extremely rare occasions that I actually watch TV. News, stupid Drama, Spongue Bob, commercial, soppy Christmas movie, more news, more commercials, and wait! What was that? Flipping back I saw that it was an animated version of Dr. Seuss's "The Sneeches". Ah, much better. It only lasted about 15 minutes, but I swear it was better than anything else on at that time. After that it was followed by "The Zax" which tells the tale of the North-Going Zax and the South-Going Zax, who met each other walking along. Both refused to move to either side, saying that doing so would undermine what they were both taught in their respective north and south going schools. Well, they both refuse to give in, and stand their obstinately while bridges are built over them, and cars drive over. I was struck by just how true this was. As humans we'll argue over completely stupid things, but without realizing that it's stupid, all the while everyone else laughs at us. It's really quite humorous if you think about it.

I find Dr. Seuss's writing quite charming, while containing some great insight. My personal favorite would be "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins". No matter the age they're read by, Dr. Seuss's books are brilliant, and are a continual insight and laugh.

As a side note, the next day I watched about five minutes of the live-action Grinch movie, and I really did not like it. Everyone had flat faces.

Last Statements of Executed Offenders

A link to a list of the last words of 405 executed offenders was posted on digg yesterday. When I was reading some of those last words, it tore at my heart like nothing else I've seen.

http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/executedoffenders.htm

The act I committed to put me here was not just heinous, it was senseless. But the person that committed that act is no longer here - I am.

I'm not going to struggle physically against any restraints. I'm not going to shout, use profanity or make idle threats. Understand though that I'm not only upset, but I'm saddened by what is happening here tonight. I'm not only saddened, but disappointed that a system that is supposed to protect and uphold what is just and right can be so much like me when I made the same shameful mistake.

If someone tried to dispose of everyone here for participating in this killing, I'd scream a resounding, "No." I'd tell them to give them all the gift that they would not give me...and that's to give them all a second chance.

I'm sorry that I am here. I'm sorry that you're all here. I'm sorry that John Luttig died. And I'm sorry that it was something in me that caused all of this to happen to begin with.

Tonight we tell the world that there are no second chances in the eyes of justice...Tonight, we tell our children that in some instances, in some cases, killing is right.

This conflict hurts us all, there are no SIDES. The people who support this proceeding think this is justice. The people that think that I should live think that is justice. As difficult as it ma seem, this is a clash of ideals, with both parties committed to what they feel is right. But who's wrong if in the end we're all victims?

In my heart, I have to believe that there is a peaceful compromise to our ideals. I don't mind if there are none for me, as long as there are for those who are yet to come. There are a lot of men like me on death row - good men - who fell to the same misguided emotions, but may not have recovered as I have.

Give those men a chance to do what's right. Give them a chance to undo their wrongs. A lot of them want to fix the mess they stated, but don't know how. The problem is not in that people aren't willing to help them find out, but in the system telling them it won't matter anyway. No one wins tonight. No one gets closure. No one walks away victorious.

From an innocent man.

Yes sir, I charge the people of the jury. Trial Judge, the Prosecutor that cheated to get this conviction. I charge each and every one of you with the murder of an innocent man. All the way to the CCA, Federal Court, 5th Circuit and Supreme Court. You will answer to your Maker when God has found out that you executed an innocent man. May God have mercy on you.

My love to my son, my daughter, Nancy, Kathy, Randy, and my future grandchildren. I ask for forgiveness for all of the poison that I brought into the US, the country I love. Please forgive me for my sins. If my murder makes it easier for everyone else let the forgiveness please be a part of the healing. Go ahead Warden, murder me. Jesus take me home.

These are just two of the many last words listed. It moved me to tears. I don't see how anyone can support the death penalty after reading this. These people are going to die in just a couple seconds, what reason would they have to lie? I'm starting to wonder how many innocent people are executed each year. We can't even trust the state to handle the public schools properly, how can we expect them to handle the judgement of who should live and die?

Up until last Thursday my only real encounters with the justice system had been when a family member received a speeding ticket, and when a family member spent three hours in jail for forgetting a court date. Sure, I read stories on digg about how corrupt it is, but there's a big difference between reading about something and actually experiencing it.

The end of last August, my Dad recieved a ticket, and dutifully showed at court in October, only to be informed that the judge hadn't shown up that day, and the court date was reschedualed for Dec. Now, let's pause and think about this. If Dad didn't show up, he gets put in jail. If the judge doesn't show up, then the date is simply moved, and forgotten about. How messed it that?

But, last Thursday the long awaited court date arrived. My brother and I both went with my Dad. We must have seen oh, about 35 cases addressed. Names were called out, people stepped up, and sentences were dealt out. Please keep in mind that this is Alabama we're talking about.

"Possession of Marijuana? $500 fine"

"Public intoxication? $300 fine"

"Underaged drinking? (underaged as in, 19) $300 fine"

These were the kind of "crimes" that constituted the majority of cases. Why should someone be punished for completely voluntarily consuming something that is less harmful than alcohol? Why should someone be punished for celebrating with some friends after the football game, while not destroying any property at all? Why should someone who is in college, living on their own, and taking on the responsibilities that come with it, be punished for simply having a beer? Each of these cases in a victimless crime. They should not be punished. These are college kids we're talking about. How many of them can afford to suddenly pay a $300-$500 fine? Not to mention that most of them got their license suspended, so now they can't even drive to get to work.

There were two other cases of petty theft, and one of domestic violence(never clarified on what that was). One of the petty theft cases consisted of a woman taking something(under $50 dollars) from Wal-Mart. She was fined $800 dollars, banned from Wal-Mart for the next year, and her license suspended. When the judge asked her how much she made a month she answered

"$400" I winced.

Then he asked her if she anything to tell him she answered

"Only that I need to find another way to take care of my money problems." I think I felt my heart break at those words.

People always say "Oh we need to help the poor, let's turn to the state", when in fact, nothing abuses the poor more than the state. Why can't Wal-Mart have handled this case privately? Just said, "Look, pay us back for the item you took, and don't come back for a year". Why is neccessary to involve the state in this?

The state tells people "Now you owe us a bunch of money which you're going to have a hard time paying. And, we're not going to allow you to drive to work, so you can make that money."

How is this justice?