The Alabama Supreme Court has set the dates for the State of Alabama to murder four people between January 14th and the end of April. It seems they do that at this time of year for some reason. Perhaps it is an unconcious recognition that the baby whose birth we celebrate in such loving ways around this time was destined to die at the hands of the state in the spring of the year.
If I recall, at least one of the members of the Alabama Supreme Court used "Amazing Grace" as the musical bed under her political advertisements when she ran. What hypocrisy.
And those of us who reside, vote, and pay taxes within the boundaries of this State are the State of Alabama. So, I suppose we are murderers too. Until we do something about it.
Kind of ironic. Our response to murder is to murder.
It is time to end this horrific, archaic, evil, expensive, socially destructive practice. It's time to call it what it is.
There is no justification for capital punishment. We lose nothing if it is abolished.
What is gained?
Perhaps a piece of our souls.
Please allow me to use your blog to publicize this letter from Tom Duley (by way of Deb) from my inbox.
ReplyDeleteDear Friends,
Unfortunately, the Alabama Supreme Court has set five execution dates for 2009. The first date is set for Thursday, January 15th. We will be holding a vigil that day to protest the execution of James Callahan and the death penalty. The vigil will be held at the corner of 8th Avenue North and Richard Arrington Blvd. North, across from the Jefferson County Jail/Justice Center. This is at the east side of the Birmingham Museum of Art. Feel free to bring posters that express opposition to the death penalty. Please remember that the vigil is being carried out in accord with principles of non-violence and a deep respect for the humanity of all people.
We WILL vigil even if the execution is called off for any reason. There was some confusion about that the last time when Thomas Arthur’s execution was stayed. I apologize for that confusion. Just make a note going forward that we WILL vigil on execution dates even if the execution is canceled for any reason. We will gather at 11:45 AM and stand vigil until 1:00 PM.
I hope that you will come for some or all of that time. Please bring as many friends as you can.
If you want to make a note, here are the scheduled executions as released by the AL Supreme Court:
James Harvey Callahan, Jan. 15
Danny Joe Bradley, Feb. 12
Phillip Hallford, March 19
Jimmy Lee Dill, April 16
Willie McNair, May 14
Peace.
Tom Duley
Executive Director
Urban Ministry, Inc.