The Movement To Abolish The Death Penalty

When People Of Color Are Killed In The Inner City, When Homeless People Are Killed, When The "nobodies" Are Killed, District Attorneys Do Not Seek To Avenge Their Deaths. Black, Hispanic, Or Poor Families Who Have A Loved One Murdered Not Only Don't Expect The District Attorney's Office To Pursue The Death Penalty -which, Of Course, Is Both Costly And Time Consuming- But Are Surprised When The Case Is Prosecuted At All.

Mercy Is "stronger And More God-like Than Vengeance".

Writing Is Like Praying, Because You Stop All Other Activities, Descend Into Silence, And Listen Patiently To The Depths Of Your Soul, Waiting For True Words To Come. When They Do, You Thank God Because You Know The Words Are A Gift, And You Write Them Down As Honestly And Cleanly As You Can.

I Keep Thinking Of The Gifts Of My Own Upbringing, Which I Once Took For Granted: I Can Read Any Book I Choose And Comprehend It. I Can Write A Complete Sentence And Punctuate It Correctly. If I Need Help, I Can Call On Judges, Attorneys, Educators, Ministers. I Wonder What I Would Be Like If I Had Grown Up Without Such Protections And Supports. What Cracks Would Have Turned Up In My Character?

I Realize That I Cannot Stand By Silently As My Government Executes Its Citizens. If I Do Not Speak Out And Resist, I Am An Accomplice.