Recently, a woman describing herself as a “Christian” who “was raised in the Bible belt” wrote and asked me two very simple, yet, quite complex questions. “Why do you believe the death penalty is wrong?” And “Is this an issue you feel strongly about?” My immediate, unequivocal response was, “Yes.” Killing a person accused of murdering another is an act of vengeance, pure and simple. To snuff one of our own does nothing to benefit the victim’s family or society as a whole. We don’t rape rapists for justice. And we don’t set arsonists afire. So why kill someone convicted of murder?
By applying our consciousnesses to death, we generate the kind of hate-filled and violent energies we have become witness to around the globe. We cannot separate ourselves from the condition of the planet. But we can change it. We can evolve from the death and destruction that runs rampant. We can create peace and harmony in our lives. We can change our personal reality. But we need to play our parts to do it. And we need to put our energies into something different like life and love and joy. And that is the message, the ultimate lesson.
In the matter of Jesse James Hollywood, the victim’s family will get its justice. All those kids who were involved in this case, along with their families, have been and will continue to suffer tremendously as a result of what happened. There is no way to live in peace when a dear family member rests uncomfortably on Death Row or in prison for life.
As for my new friend-she went on to explain that she too was a murder victim’s family member. In 1999, her uncle was murdered in his home. But for her, what made it so unbearable was the fact the alleged killer got off Scot free. She felt he should have gotten the death sentence instead. Why? “Because he bragged about getting away with murder.” This woman believes justice was not served in this instance.
However, in conclusion, she admits, “I am too involved in this, therefore can not be objective such as yourself. However, I felt that in the end he will have to answer to God. This is somehow comforting to me. I hope you will not think me a harsh, bitter person because of my views. I am just being honest with you. I sincerely hope that justice will prevail in this case you are involved in. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Markowitz family. I hope that you will continue your good work to the best of your ability.”
You can rest assured that I will.
