I’ve had several emails from readers about my earlier posts on this blog about the execution of Tookie Williams by the state of California (Another human being snuffed out by state-authorized and funded lynching and Austrian Greens call for revoking Schwarzenegger’s citizenship over his role in the killing of Tookie Williams), so I think it might be to clarify a few points.
I absolutely 100% oppose the death penalty. I don’t really care if the condemned person is a completely reformed person who is contrite and repentant, or if the condemned is defiant and hateful even to the end, because in the end the issue is not about the goodness or badness of the person being killed, but rather the fact that a killing is taking place and that all members of society (even those of us who believe that execution is wrong) have to pay for it.
I also oppose any other form of state-funded killing. I think war is also wrong and I believe that tax-payer funded abortions are wrong (I know, I’ve just upset my progressive readers too). I don’t think anyone should be compelled to pay for something they don’t believe in.
As far as the Tookie Williams case, I discussed him because first I oppose all executions, but secondly because his case was one in which there was a serious question of innocence at stake,and because he had been living a good life behind bars and was doing society good. And there was no good done by his killing, except to appease the blood-lust of our sick and crazy society. (or in other words, even for those who believe the death penalty is right in some circumstances, this particularly execution could be wrong for them too)
Also for the person who asked how one “could be Christian and read the same Bible I do and not believe he should have been killed years ago.” I would encourage you to read these words of Jesus (who I might add was a victim of the death penalty in his day)…
“You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:38-48 (NRSV)
Also as far as my language goes about referring to Tookie’s execution as a lynching, I think I’m dead on the money. Just do a google search for the n-word and Tookie’s name and you’ll come across tons of websites that are too disgusting and hateful for words. Here are a few examples (please be warned that these links are to extremely offensive hate language)
http://unicast.org/forums/topic.php?topic_id=208705
Unicast.org: Count Down to The public Roasting of N***** Tookie
http://www.vnnforum.com/showthread.php?t=26598&page=1&pp=20
VNNForum.com: Stanley Tookie Williams..less than 2 weeks left
“13 more days until that savage n***** is sent to Hell where he belongs!! . . . This is going to be classic..I’ve got a bottle of champagne chilling for the occasion”
http://aryan-nations.org/
Aryan-Nations.org: A realistic look at the life of “Tookie†Williams
“If the black rioters need some judas-martyr to still allocate another reason to riot and loot, here is your chance, remember that this beast wanted to poison your children, and yourselves, and now thinks that by having some liberal n****** and jews support his cause, he will be allowed to exist.”
http://www.ubersite.com/m/80761
Ubersite.com: Stanley “Tookie” Williams has been executed
“Anyway, it looks like they are predicting riots or something. It is too bad the weather in southern California can’t dip down below freezing. We all know blacks don’t like to be outside in the cold, so that would put the kibosh on any rioting activity. Plus, if you can make rioting and looting look like work somehow, that s*** will come to an end also.
F*** the black community. Why does everyone have to feel sympathy for their “leaders” who are all morally bankrupt and have long criminal past histories?”
http://okimc.org/newswire.php?story_id=1351
Scroll down on the comments to read this comment keft by B.O.B. – “The N***** deserved what he got”
I point these links out to show the virulent racism that is present in America today. I also point out these extreme examples to illustrate the fact that likely many, many more are subconciously racist but won’t admit it.
Thanks for this post.