The morning after Troy Davis was executed, the state of Georgia set another execution date. Marcus Ray Johnson is slated to be put to death on October 5. The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles should hear from us (fax: 404-651-6670; email: Clemency_Information@pap.state.ga.us) about this case too, because all executions are wrong.
Even if there are no doubts about guilt (as there was in the case with Troy Davis, and as there is in the case with Reggie Clemons), even if there are no horrifying mitigating circumstances (like the ones that led Ohio’s Governor John Kacich to commute another death sentence), and even if the crime is particularly heinous (as was the case with the execution last week of Lawrence Brewer in Texas) the deliberate putting to death of a human being is not justice and is a fundamental violation of basic human rights.
It is also a power that no government, and no fallible, human-being-operated justice system should be trusted with.
The same night that Troy Davis and Lawrence Brewer were put to death in the USA, a 17-year-old was hanged in Iran. Two days earlier, a Sudanese man in Saudi Arabia was publicly beheaded for the crime of “sorcery”. The day after Troy Davis’ execution, Alabama lethally injected Derrick Mason, its 5th execution of the year. Tomorrow, Florida is scheduled to execute Manuel Valle, who has been on death row for 33 years and has received no meaningful clemency process.
The disturbing facts and stomach-churning drama surrounding Troy Davis’ case resulted in a remarkable amount of attention. But all these executions are wrong. The death penalty is wrong. It must be abolished.
Brian Evans has written a perfect post. His message is one that may be applied to any death penalty/human rights situation.
Brian Evans has written a perfect post. His message is one that may be applied to any death penalty/human rights situation.
I disagree, everyone on this Earth has a right to grow old and die naturally. If that basic right is taken away by some murderous scumbag then he/she should instantly forego the same right and be sentenced to death also.
I disagree, everyone on this Earth has a right to grow old and die naturally. If that basic right is taken away by some murderous scumbag then he/she should instantly forego the same right and be sentenced to death also.
Executing someone does NOT prove they are guilty. This was true back in Salem, Massachusetts, and it is true today! Just because someone receives a “trial,” does not mean it is fair. This was true of the Spanish Inquisition, and it is true of a “cop killer” today! The fact that Troy Davis was accused of murdering a cop meant that he had to receive the maximum punishment. If however a cop murders a civilian, they on the other hand usually receive the least possible punishment available. In the Bible belt of the 1920’s, lynch mobs were hanging African Americans without trial, so to find prejudice amongst jurors comes as no surprise. What did come as a surprise were the Supreme Court’s decision and the silence of President Barak Obama! The Innocence Project shows that many on Death Row were in fact not guilty of the crimes with which they were charged. Some were incarcerated for years. Since equal justice under the law does NOT exist, neither should capital punishment! A person is supposed to be presumed innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law. Unfortunately, in many cases, the jury pool is prejudiced by pre-trial publicity. The worst “evidence” is eye whiteness testimony. The best evidence is physical such as DNA. In the case of Troy Davis, the lack of physical evidence, and the reversal of testimony by “eye witnesses” indicates that at the very least, Troy Davis should have remained alive while other suspects were investigated. Now, Troy Davis is no longer here to defend himself, and we as a nation have sunk about as low as it can go and still call itself a democracy.
Executing someone does NOT prove they are guilty. This was true back in Salem, Massachusetts, and it is true today! Just because someone receives a “trial,” does not mean it is fair. This was true of the Spanish Inquisition, and it is true of a “cop killer” today! The fact that Troy Davis was accused of murdering a cop meant that he had to receive the maximum punishment. If however a cop murders a civilian, they on the other hand usually receive the least possible punishment available. In the Bible belt of the 1920’s, lynch mobs were hanging African Americans without trial, so to find prejudice amongst jurors comes as no surprise. What did come as a surprise were the Supreme Court’s decision and the silence of President Barak Obama! The Innocence Project shows that many on Death Row were in fact not guilty of the crimes with which they were charged. Some were incarcerated for years. Since equal justice under the law does NOT exist, neither should capital punishment! A person is supposed to be presumed innocent, until proven guilty in a court of law. Unfortunately, in many cases, the jury pool is prejudiced by pre-trial publicity. The worst “evidence” is eye whiteness testimony. The best evidence is physical such as DNA. In the case of Troy Davis, the lack of physical evidence, and the reversal of testimony by “eye witnesses” indicates that at the very least, Troy Davis should have remained alive while other suspects were investigated. Now, Troy Davis is no longer here to defend himself, and we as a nation have sunk about as low as it can go and still call itself a democracy.
Aside from the fact that it is a violation of basic human rights (which I firmly believe it is), how can we continue to use the death penalty when it has been proven faluty? Innocent people have been put to death in the name of "justice", only to be exonerated too little too late.
This isn't a JUSTICE system, it's just another way of taking lives. Killing because of killing only instigates MORE killing. I mean, if you put John Smith to death for the murder of someone, and there is even a THOUGHT of his innocence among his family and anyone else, who is to say they wont be motivated to retaliate? What good have you done then? Violence and death will only beget violence and death. I personally believe that EVERY human life is beautiful and valuable, regardless of the wrongs they have commited. I believe that EVERY person can be redeemed as a human despite they wrongs they have commited, also.
I also agree with Mr Matuska's statement of "The fact that Troy Davis was accused of murdering a cop meant that he had to receive the maximum punishment. If however a cop murders a civilian, they on the other hand usually receive the least possible punishment available." I will leave it at my agreement, as going on with that could give me a book to publish, and simply say that there is something dreadfully wrong with our system. And too many turn a blind eye and don't care.
Aside from the fact that it is a violation of basic human rights (which I firmly believe it is), how can we continue to use the death penalty when it has been proven faluty? Innocent people have been put to death in the name of “justice”, only to be exonerated too little too late.
This isn’t a JUSTICE system, it’s just another way of taking lives. Killing because of killing only instigates MORE killing. I mean, if you put John Smith to death for the murder of someone, and there is even a THOUGHT of his innocence among his family and anyone else, who is to say they wont be motivated to retaliate? What good have you done then? Violence and death will only beget violence and death. I personally believe that EVERY human life is beautiful and valuable, regardless of the wrongs they have commited. I believe that EVERY person can be redeemed as a human despite they wrongs they have commited, also.
I also agree with Mr Matuska’s statement of “The fact that Troy Davis was accused of murdering a cop meant that he had to receive the maximum punishment. If however a cop murders a civilian, they on the other hand usually receive the least possible punishment available.” I will leave it at my agreement, as going on with that could give me a book to publish, and simply say that there is something dreadfully wrong with our system. And too many turn a blind eye and don’t care.
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troy davis has been executed praise God!!
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Thank you God … the goal has been achieved and many of us are not just happy but Very Happy that that murderous scum has been executed. However, many of us also mourn for the victims of this murderous scum’s crime. Those of us who actually recognize the true victim as opposed to you bleeding-heart socialist liberals.
And for all who want to bash the police, courts and such … why don’t you tell us who the murder was instead of standing at the finish line and sceam bloody murder for the bloody murderer. Tell us who murdered this young father and police officer … and give us the proof.
Didn’t think so ……………………
Why are you all focusing on the murderer? Why no concern or long-winded, bitter, finger-pointing, accusation filled rants for the victim of this murderous scum. Why not be concerned for the police officer and his survivors? Sure, a few of you will utter a brief word or sentence about them but then back to how horrible it is that this murderer is an angel and the world is all wrong?
Law enforcement got it right, the courts got it right and with God’s help, the soul of troy davis got put right where it belongs – in the burning depths of hell.
I thank God for the poison used to put this worthless excuse for a human being to death. Thank God for the execution of troy davis. And may God watch over the selfless and ever-watchful eyes of the courts and law enforcement who got it right again.
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troy davis has been executed praise God!!
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troy davis has been executed praise God!!
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Thank you God … the goal has been achieved and many of us are not just happy but Very Happy that that murderous scum has been executed. However, many of us also mourn for the victims of this murderous scum’s crime. Those of us who actually recognize the true victim as opposed to you bleeding-heart socialist liberals.
And for all who want to bash the police, courts and such … why don’t you tell us who the murder was instead of standing at the finish line and sceam bloody murder for the bloody murderer. Tell us who murdered this young father and police officer … and give us the proof.
Didn’t think so ……………………
Why are you all focusing on the murderer? Why no concern or long-winded, bitter, finger-pointing, accusation filled rants for the victim of this murderous scum. Why not be concerned for the police officer and his survivors? Sure, a few of you will utter a brief word or sentence about them but then back to how horrible it is that this murderer is an angel and the world is all wrong?
Law enforcement got it right, the courts got it right and with God’s help, the soul of troy davis got put right where it belongs – in the burning depths of hell.
I thank God for the poison used to put this worthless excuse for a human being to death. Thank God for the execution of troy davis. And may God watch over the selfless and ever-watchful eyes of the courts and law enforcement who got it right again.
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troy davis has been executed praise God!!
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Ron Matuska & Dave,
Couldn't agree more !
"Copkiller" … deliberate term of incitement …. attaching a suprasignificance to the deaths of the uniformed which the snuffing of other mortals, of simple, "ordinary" souls, may not share.
& true again … police murdering civilians … even in broad daylight, in open, public places, acts recorded on video by the people …. police murdering unarmed, defenseless civilians they hold down on the ground before pumping bullets into them…. get away with their coldblooded murders.
It's like William Calley, butcher of My Lai .
Got life imprisonment for the massacre of 500 villagers.
& spent 3 years of it in house arrest before being released.
Only don't share Mr Matuska's surprise at Obama's silence.
A mass murderer of impoverished villagers by drones flying unmanned 50,000 feet above the earth, what do you expect of him ?
Ron Matuska & Dave,
Couldn’t agree more !
“Copkiller” … deliberate term of incitement …. attaching a suprasignificance to the deaths of the uniformed which the snuffing of other mortals, of simple, “ordinary” souls, may not share.
& true again … police murdering civilians … even in broad daylight, in open, public places, acts recorded on video by the people …. police murdering unarmed, defenseless civilians they hold down on the ground before pumping bullets into them…. get away with their coldblooded murders.
It’s like William Calley, butcher of My Lai .
Got life imprisonment for the massacre of 500 villagers.
& spent 3 years of it in house arrest before being released.
Only don’t share Mr Matuska’s surprise at Obama’s silence.
A mass murderer of impoverished villagers by drones flying unmanned 50,000 feet above the earth, what do you expect of him ?
Though you fools march, cry, whine and pray for this murderous scum; a piece of evil garbage who murdered two young men, one a police officer, you fail to be consistent with your outrage since you do not have the ability to do so.
You carry with you a huge amount of guilt … and you feel it will somehow make you feel justified for walking this earth if you worship at the foot of this murderous scum because he was black.
We DID NOT see you crying, marching, protesting or screaming for the govorners head for the execution of Lawrence Russell Brewer. Brewer was executed for the grisly 1998 murder of Mr. James Byrd in Jasper, Texas.
Lawrence Russell Brewer, like Troy Davis, was nothing more and nothing less than a vicious murderer. And, they both deserved to be executed.
Where was the outrage from these morons for Brewer? You cannot reasonably answer that except to say Brewer was guilty and Davis was not. Of course we all know that Davis was guilty of mass-murder. But this is not the reason for your illogical reaction. It has to do with race and only race. You fools go as far as to say that Davis was executed because he was a black man and the two innocent men he executed were white. Sad, sad, sad excuse.
I thank God for allowing troy davis to finally pay for his heinous and evil deeds. Thank you God for executing that murderous scum.
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Troy Davis has been executed praise God!!
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Though you fools march, cry, whine and pray for this murderous scum; a piece of evil garbage who murdered two young men, one a police officer, you fail to be consistent with your outrage since you do not have the ability to do so.
You carry with you a huge amount of guilt … and you feel it will somehow make you feel justified for walking this earth if you worship at the foot of this murderous scum because he was black.
We DID NOT see you crying, marching, protesting or screaming for the govorners head for the execution of Lawrence Russell Brewer. Brewer was executed for the grisly 1998 murder of Mr. James Byrd in Jasper, Texas.
Lawrence Russell Brewer, like Troy Davis, was nothing more and nothing less than a vicious murderer. And, they both deserved to be executed.
Where was the outrage from these morons for Brewer? You cannot reasonably answer that except to say Brewer was guilty and Davis was not. Of course we all know that Davis was guilty of mass-murder. But this is not the reason for your illogical reaction. It has to do with race and only race. You fools go as far as to say that Davis was executed because he was a black man and the two innocent men he executed were white. Sad, sad, sad excuse.
I thank God for allowing troy davis to finally pay for his heinous and evil deeds. Thank you God for executing that murderous scum.
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Troy Davis has been executed praise God!!
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the bible tells you that what every law we whole down here he will upwhole up there and i believe that if some one come into your home and rape you he needs to get life if someone comes in a rapes you and then cut you up he no longer have a right to life. but the in the case of troy no one was 100% sure he did it so you cant kill someone without knowing 100% that they did it if you do that ten you are a murder just like you think they are
the bible tells you that what every law we whole down here he will upwhole up there and i believe that if some one come into your home and rape you he needs to get life if someone comes in a rapes you and then cut you up he no longer have a right to life. but the in the case of troy no one was 100% sure he did it so you cant kill someone without knowing 100% that they did it if you do that ten you are a murder just like you think they are
…via-a-vis Marcus Ray Johnson, I am not certain what by "….even if there are no doubts about guilt…." in the context of what about the case is known applies….part of the reason a stay was issued is that the case is both by evidentiary and by testimonial doubts plagued….please advise….
…via-a-vis Marcus Ray Johnson, I am not certain what by “….even if there are no doubts about guilt….” in the context of what about the case is known applies….part of the reason a stay was issued is that the case is both by evidentiary and by testimonial doubts plagued….please advise….
La pena di morte non serve a nulla
La pena di morte non serve a nulla
It's ironic that the logic behind the death penalty is an eye for an eye, however, no one in the court system suffers if they get it wrong and execute an innocent man. The court system is not flawless, and therefore, execution should not be an option.
http://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executed-possibly-inn…
It's ironic that the logic behind the death penalty is an eye for an eye, however, no one in the court system suffers if they get it wrong and execute an innocent man. The court system is not flawless, and therefore, execution should not be an option.
http://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executed-possibly-inn…
It's ironic that the logic behind the death penalty is an eye for an eye, however, no one in the court system suffers if they get it wrong and execute an innocent man. The court system is not flawless, and therefore, execution should not be an option.
http://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executed-possibly-inn…
It’s ironic that the logic behind the death penalty is an eye for an eye, however, no one in the court system suffers if they get it wrong and execute an innocent man. The court system is not flawless, and therefore, execution should not be an option.
http://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executed-possibly-innocent