In Others’ Words: Death Row and Redemption

My mother wrote this and sent it to me (and some others). It touched me so much I wanted to share it with you. With mom’s permission, of course. I hope it will move you to action, too. Time is of the essence.

This morning I listened as KATU news interviewed the mother of one of Stanley “Tookie” William’s alleged victims, Albert Owens. She claimed Jamie Foxx’s support of Tookie Williams is only an effort to make more $$$. In addition, she accused community & civil rights leaders of using the case to stir up anti-racism support, etc. It was very sad indeed because, in reality, she has lost her son forever … something I cannot fathom … and is clearly still VERY angry … which is probably normal.

Also, I find it very curious that articles I read about Williams’ case, mention all 4 victims by name but the (surviving) Taiwanese family members are NEVER mentioned, quoted, or seemingly followed up with. Only the Owens family. Hmm.

I’ve noticed that regardless of whether or not they believe Williams committed those four heinous murders 24 years ago, many people do not seem to believe that redemption is possible. I am compelled to ask: who of us is the same person we were 24 … 10 … 5 years ago? We all know that our justice system is sorely lacking in many areas, rehabilitation being one of those. Yet when someone manages to rehabilitate themselves, on their own, within the limited confines of prison, we choose to question if it is possible, instead of recognizing the extraordinary resolve it takes to do so (for more than 10 years, in this case).

Is Tookie Williams faking it? Too many questions gnaw at me:

-Just as much earlier, violent actions and interactions shaped his former self … how can someone spend six years in prison isolation (segregation), become engaged in the activity of writing children’s books condemning the very violent lifestyle which put him away, donating the proceeds of book sales to anti-gang organizations, working with statewide school officials, bringing about REAL beneficial change for others - and not be affected by those actions and interactions??

-Conviction based on circumstantial evidence case (hearsay testimony from “admitted” criminals trying to cut a deal) + unethical jury selection + possible redemption = death? It doesn’t take long to familiarize yourself with the case.

Life, at it’s best, is filled with unending internal struggle, growth, redemption, and positive contribution. It is what we all hope for. Perhaps for Williams, like so many others, it took landing on death row to begin that soulful journey. What is important is that it has begun. While he can never erase his sordid past, if he lives, Williams can continue the work of steering others from that same path. If not, I pray he finds something greater than all this on the other side, but know in my heart that we will have lost the witness of something inspirational.

Wiliiams’ execution is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 13. I hope you find it in your heart to:

1. Sign the petition for clemency!
2. Call the governor! 916-445-2841
3. Email the governor!

“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” ~Prophet Muhammad (from Ibn- Majah)

Comments

4 Responses to “In Others’ Words: Death Row and Redemption”

Wally Nut on December 10th, 2005 11:51 am

One problem that I see goes back to the assumptions. If I believe that the state has a right to execute someone in cold blood, then on what basis does one earn the right to not be executed? Perhaps rehabilitation is irrelevant. If I were to petition for clemency because Williams has become a better person, aren’t I acknowledging that the state ought to carefully consider those worthy to still be killed, as opposed to those who are no longer deserving to be killed? The sentencing of Williams to death was not done contingent on anything, including his redemption. It was done as a punishment, state sponsored revenge of the most horrible kind, in my judgment. For those who believe in this and somehow justify this, it would be a travesty to change it just because the person so condemned has been redeemed. I do not think that Williams should be granted clemency because he has become an asset to society. I think he should not be killed because it is horribly wrong for the state to kill anyone.
LaReinaCobre on December 10th, 2005 1:24 pm

Wally,
I am in agreement with you on this, as I am striving to believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all people.

In the case of Williams it seems that there are two approaches: the anti death penalty approach, and the “this man deserves to live,” approach. If the goal is to save a life, then I wouldn’t say either one is invalid. Clearly, for anti death penalty folks, Williams furthers their argument - he is an example of what can happen when we value life.

But there are still quite a few people who believe in the death penalty as punishment, and so they need to be appealed to differently. Sad, but true.
PeaceBang on December 10th, 2005 7:41 pm

Hafhida Sofia, thanks for posting on this. I have been thinking a lot about it. I am TRYING to be opposed to the death penalty on principle, with the possible exception of those people I feel have acted out of the most heinous sadism and who incarnate evil (like BTK). But how can a jury determine who is truly evil? They can’t. And I don’t know but that someone like BTK can redeem himself in 20 years, too. I’m glad I’m a minister and can ponder the ideas without having to pass the sentence.

I also connect my stance against the death penalty to my Unitarian conviction that all human beings are capable of moral improvement. This, to me, is the heart of what we mean by “inherent worth and dignity.” It means that we can earn our way back into dignity when we have grossly violated it, taking full responsibility for our crimes and doing everything in our powers to redeem ourselves (which we must, because no one died for our sins).

To kill someone who has killed is a stark, violent vote against the belief in moral improvability. I just can’t make that vote.

I don’t know what to feel toward Tookie so I am focusing my prayerful thoughts on the families of his victims, and on Gov. Schwarznegger. What a terrible burden to them all to bear in this human drama.
Bill Baar on December 19th, 2005 5:37 am

Most of the things I’ve read on UU blogs have dealth with the morality of the death penalty.

Our experience in Illinois was the morality of the penalty wasn’t the issue. We simply couldn’t be sure we were executing the guilty person.

Our judical system was so flawed, we were convicting innocent people.

That’s reason enough for junking this kind of punishment. The system itself is too flawed.

Maybe that’s a way of dodging the morality argument.

But it is odd to me though that so many have overlooked the practical side of this issue.

I’d never want to see the penalty used again in Illinois because I don’t have that much faith in the system here.