December 08, 2005
"Tookie" Williams
I've been reading a lot of editorials pro and con on the upcoming execution of Stanly "Tookie" Williams on Dec.13....I must admit that a couple of them did touch me in that they didn't try to excuse Mr. Williams of his crimes, but pointed out the possibility of his being granted clemency might prevent someone else from suffering as did his victoms....That is the only argument that might sway me in my opinion that his date with the needle is far overdue.
Several editorials have tried the "redemption" tack, and I don't find those too convincing....I HOPE that Mr. Williams may have found some sense of peace with his past and felt himself forgiven in penitance by his activities in trying to warn children from following his example. BUT redemption is a personal thing, between a person and their concept of whatever higher power they may believe in, and doesn't mitigate the societal need for punishment.
In the end, I found that the cartoon below sums up my feelings best:
While executing Mr. Williams won't bring back these victoms, it will bring some sense of justice to their families.
It must also be remenbered that Mr. Williams is not only guilty of the deaths he was convicted of, but by his being the founding member of one of the most vicious gangs ever to victomize society, the Crips, I believe that he has a responsibility for every bit of misery that has ensued from that group.
And that misery will continue to build long after Mr. Williams has met his end. He may be remorseful about his part in that misery, I hope so anyway, but that doesn't negate his responsibility for it. His actions subsequent to incarceration may prevent a few for falling into that trap, but how many more will? He bears a responsibility in the misery of every one of those that do, and the misery they inflict on the society at large.
I'm no fan of the death penalty. I prefer life imprisonment without parole.
Having said that, if my state adopted the death penalty (I hope we don't), and I served on a jury, and found the defendent guilty, and believed that the crime deserved the greatest penalty available under law, I would vote for the greatest penalty under law.
I see no reason to commute this man's sentence. If it is commuted, I do not believe that the reason will be his redemption, doubts about his guilt, or any good acts he might be capable of if his life is spared. I believe it will be due to his celebrity.
There are no doubt a number of people on death row who have truly repented and would do good works, even in prison, if their lives were spared. But they don't have Hollywood actors on their sides.
Unless we adopt a "death unless you repent and do good works before we actually get around to killing you" penalty, this man has been sentenced and if the time has come to carry it out, then it should be carried out.
Posted by: Grandma_Jo at December 9, 2005 06:14 AM