Tookie Williams executed
I’ve never respected him. He pumped his body up with steroids, starred in Hollywood movies with no acting skill yet made millions, and later became the republican governor of California. Yes, I’m talking about Arnie.
I’m sick to my stomach at what he has done today, ordering the execution of Tookie Williams the founder of the notorious Crips, who later reformed and wrote loads of books exhorting young black men to rise above the gangs and live constructively. I would like to ask Arnie in what situation would he grant clemency? I can’t think of a better case, so if he can I’d like to know. And if he can’t I’d like to know why the policy of clemency exists there at all?
I’m a little biased I suppose, as I oppose the death penalty. George W Bush put 84 people to death in Texas before he was president, and recently the 1,000th person was executed in the USA. Has it worked? Is the USA a peaceful place? Is there an unusually low murder rate as a result of this deterrent?
In my opinion the death penalty should not have been given to this man, or any other person. But it was, and there is a policy called clemency, I just don’t understand when it might be used.
Giving clemency in this case would have given hope to millions of Black people in America, hope that they could escape the trap of ghettoes and gangs, hope that they could turn their negative experiences around and create something positive and lasting. This will be the legacy still, but those millions will understand in their bones that even if they do turn around and start living constructively, they will never be forgiven for falling in the trap in the first place. With such an unforgiving state, what is the point in striving to be accepted? Millions may now give up hope.
I am not suggesting that he does not pay for his crimes. I understand that he admits various previous crimes, but claims he is innocent of the murders which have led to his death penalty. I believe murder requires a life sentence. In fact, I believe the judicial system needs a major overhaul, here and in the USA; the system of prosecution and defence does not recognise the vast grey area between truth and lies, creates a combative atmosphere and does not necessarily illuminate anyone as to what actually happened. I prefer a system of village elders, who listen to all sides and decide on appropriate actions. The problem with putting laws into books is that justice is not a ‘one size fits all’ phenomenon, a more individual approach is needed. Even Sharia law offers a more positive outlook, where ‘blood money’ can be paid to victims/relatives instead of receiving a harsh penalty.
God bless America, God save America. God save us from America.
I’m sick to my stomach at what he has done today, ordering the execution of Tookie Williams the founder of the notorious Crips, who later reformed and wrote loads of books exhorting young black men to rise above the gangs and live constructively. I would like to ask Arnie in what situation would he grant clemency? I can’t think of a better case, so if he can I’d like to know. And if he can’t I’d like to know why the policy of clemency exists there at all?
I’m a little biased I suppose, as I oppose the death penalty. George W Bush put 84 people to death in Texas before he was president, and recently the 1,000th person was executed in the USA. Has it worked? Is the USA a peaceful place? Is there an unusually low murder rate as a result of this deterrent?
In my opinion the death penalty should not have been given to this man, or any other person. But it was, and there is a policy called clemency, I just don’t understand when it might be used.
Giving clemency in this case would have given hope to millions of Black people in America, hope that they could escape the trap of ghettoes and gangs, hope that they could turn their negative experiences around and create something positive and lasting. This will be the legacy still, but those millions will understand in their bones that even if they do turn around and start living constructively, they will never be forgiven for falling in the trap in the first place. With such an unforgiving state, what is the point in striving to be accepted? Millions may now give up hope.
I am not suggesting that he does not pay for his crimes. I understand that he admits various previous crimes, but claims he is innocent of the murders which have led to his death penalty. I believe murder requires a life sentence. In fact, I believe the judicial system needs a major overhaul, here and in the USA; the system of prosecution and defence does not recognise the vast grey area between truth and lies, creates a combative atmosphere and does not necessarily illuminate anyone as to what actually happened. I prefer a system of village elders, who listen to all sides and decide on appropriate actions. The problem with putting laws into books is that justice is not a ‘one size fits all’ phenomenon, a more individual approach is needed. Even Sharia law offers a more positive outlook, where ‘blood money’ can be paid to victims/relatives instead of receiving a harsh penalty.
God bless America, God save America. God save us from America.
posted by Firegoat @ 6:08 pm
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