Tonight a man will get the death penalty. The 1002nd since the death penalty was reallowed in 1977. The 1000th was just a couple weeks ago. No one made a peep. His name was Kenneth Boyd. What makes these two men different? Why does a Vietnam veteren get a little rally and a creator of a decorated gang get possible riots? The governor of California has declined a last chance of clemency. Was he wrong for thouroughly thinking something out. He let the parties debate this to him. But with everything in life, there has to be a winner and a loser. Imagine being in a no win situation. Now the governor has to be blasted. What amazes me is Tookie never apologized to these four victims. I asked that someone bring proof he did and no one ever did. I only got insulted and was told I don't know what I am talking about. When people speak of the one sidedness of his trial, no one spoke how disruptive Tookie was. He even claimed being brain damaged and making excuses. I understand he changed over and did a 180. But, what does that have to do with taking away many lives? Directly, because even though he was only caught for four murders, how many he was a part of. And inderectly, he was there when gang wars were starting. He was making orders from the inside. Is this all supposed to be ignored because he turned over a new leaf. Does taking away someone else's life become insignificant because you found "God". For over 20 years, he got better accomodations than the homeless, the poverty stricken and orphans of this nation. A hard working man gets unemployed, he still have to pay taxes for Tookie's right to watch HBO. Lastly, I never got a response to those who have oppose my opinions when I asked them if they or a loved one have been a victim of gang violence. I have. My father was a victim of the Latin Kings. November 26, 1986 to be exact. the day before Thanksgiving. Imagine on a day of family, and you have to wonder if you will have a father still. Is that the sort of thinking for a then 9 year old? Well, Tookie made that happen for a great number of families. This execution is not just for retribution for four indivduals. This is for 9 year olds who weren't as lucky as me, and had to find out what is was like to not have a dad, mom, brother, sister, aunt, friend not around anymore. Ask those people. So as most of us will sleep tonight, a man will take his last breath in a room. I feel under circumstances the right things are needed to be done to rectify the wrongs.
exactly.......
I understand that he has changed and that he was trying to right his past wrongs and turn the youth away from gangs, BUT this man is far from a saint and his new found righteousness doesn't come close to accounting for his past actions. God bless him for doing some good with his life at the end and if he did find god and he is a new person, then hopefully there will be a place in heaven for him; but he is responsible for countless crimes. Guilty by association, he created a monster that he himself was powerless to stop. He sat in a prison for over 20 years charged with murdering 4 people and he proclaimed innocene throughout and needless if he was innocent or guilty, he was to blame for other lost lives be it those of the victims of his gang or of the gang members itself. It's a tough decision to make, but all things considered I stand by governor Schwarzeneger in his decision. The evil outweighed to good in "tookies case".
I don't believe in the death penalty. I wouldn't disagree with him getting life though.
I'm late, but I'll say this. To put him to death was the easiest way for Stanley "Tookie" Williams to escape the mental torture of guilt. Killing him spared him of thinking and regretting his actions. It sent him to God for judgement, yes. But, his death should've been decided by God, not by man.
I don't respect or appreciate the Death Penalty! It's so barbaric. We don't have the right. "Thou Shalt Not Kill" applies to EVERYONE!!!
I know I'll get people saying "Don't make this a religious matter", but it is to me. If God wanted "Tookie" to die, he would make it so. It's not man's responsiblity to put a man to death.
That's my opinion and, by God, I'm sticking to it!