They caught Melanie's murderer yesterday. I don't really know what to expect now. Because they caught him in Mexico and because the Mexican government does not extradite criminals to Texas unless the death penalty is off the table, I suppose I can expect that this man will be convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
The prison system, torture, and execution are topics that have been in my head lately. These are hot button issues right now as can be seen in the news and on TV and are addressed under the banners of human rights issues, the economy, and Homeland Security. The presidential candidates have debated these topics in relation to the "War on Terror." One of the biggest shows on TV today is Prison Break. Currently, the Supreme Court is reviewing lethal injection methods and, depending on their decision, there could be a moratorium on all lethal injection executions, though I don't see Texas being very happy about it. We are inundated with these controvercial topics daily.
I live in a state that executes more convicted criminals (innocent and guilty) than any other one. And this, oddly, is done proudly as in, "Hang 'em high!" It makes no sense to me why this would be a positive for our state since it doesn't seem to decrease the crime rate and we execute a high percentage of people who have been found innocent after the fact. A friend of mine says that if we are going to execute criminals, we should do it in a very public way - like in a town square and everyone is obligated to attend. That way we would actually have to face the horror of execution.
That being said, I know the right response, the humanist response, is to say that all executions, all torture, and any inhumane treatment of criminals is wrong. I should wave my fists in the air and remain unwavering in this opinion, despite what my state does, what my friends say, or whatever. But honestly I'm having a hard time with that today. The person I aim to be is extremely disappointed with me right now. I'm not able to step into that enlightened realm of forgiveness and understanding. Or maybe I'm choosing not to.
This man who, without a doubt, murdered my friend - who bludgeoned her to death and then set her half naked body on fire, burning her beyond recognition.. Why should he get any respect or human consideration?
I guess there's no redemption for me today. I'm the monster.
3 comments:
Wow Ginger...thank you for such a powerful and honest post. I cannot attempt to empathize with all you are feeling right now.
All I can say is that the fact that you ARE feeling all of is this proves that you are not a monster but a human being.
Monsters don't reflect, think, probe, question, analyze, examine....they just respond instinctively to te situation around them.
Deep hugs
I agree with Pete!! You are not monster. Pete said it beautifully!
Yes, your right this has been a hot topic issue in the media lately. In fact the other day I was thinking about the death penalty, after hearing something about it on the news, as I was ironing (that's when I do a lot of thinking!) I too have conflicting feelings about the whole topic. Kind of like the angel and the devil on my shoulder! I even thought to myself how my opinion would change if a loved one was a victim of such a crime. We see things differently once we've been affected personally! So like Pete said you are not a monster you are simply human!
I love you!! I am glad they caught the monster! At least he can't hurt anyone else!!
I'm often amazed at the wisdom of our founding fathers, who made the government so hard to change, so slow and difficult to manipulate. When I am frustrated with slow bureaucratic change I remember this is what protects us from flashfire coups and charasmatic dictatorial rule. The judicial system is similarly helpful in its tortoise-like speed. By the time a trial comes around, angry mobs will have lost their rage.
Your passion is allowed because the system protects you in this one small way.
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