Tookie
I'm not a supporter of the death penalty. If ever there was a time not to protest the death penalty it is the case of Stanley "Tookie" Williams. Other than starting one of the most violent street gangs that has been responsible for the murder of at least hundreds and possibly thousands, he executed 4 completely innocent people. I cringed when Michael Moore became the face of the DNC during the last election, when I saw Snoop Dog pleading for clemency for Tookie I had to shut the TV off. Snoop Dogg, charged with murder himself and a former member of the Crips, demanding the governor pardon his ex-boss? Give me a break. He can write a thousand books about changing his ways, if the death penalty is legal in California then let him die. Meanwhile Californians should find another, more deserving, death row inmate to protest for, William Clark for one...
posted by mochi at 8:09 AM
7 Comments:
Surprising post from you, Mochi.
I read this post from a friend of mine:
How does a guy who murders (at least) four people in cold blood, and even laughs at the "funny sounds" that one of them is making while dying of a gunshot wound to the back, get a nickname like "Tookie?"
Earlier this week, when I promoted the righteousness of state executions, I got a late e-mail (after the segment was over), challenging my claim that I know evil when I see it. You don't really have to be gifted to recognize evil in a man. If he enjoys inflicting horror, pain, suffering and/or death on innocent people, he is evil.
Not everyone who kills is evil, but a man who shoots a storekeeper in the back and laughs at the funny sounds he makes as he dies is evil.
It is possible that Stanley "Tookie" Williams is not an evil man today, but he was when he committed the murders for which he is scheduled to (finally) die next week. Williams, the founder of the murderous Crips gang, has been on death row for 25 years.
His admirers insist that he is a different man than the man who murdered four people in cold blood during two robberies in 1979. He has since written children's books that preach against gangs and violence.
Unfortunately, Williams has never admitted his murders, and has refused to help identify other murderous Crips gang members. He appears to have a different attitude toward wanton violence, but he has not atoned for his own murders or informed on his gang partners.
To be sure, Tookie has done more than most evil men to make amends for his crimes, but he continues to deny his most egregious crimes and the legitimacy of his punishment. Therefore, while I can no longer claim to know for sure that Williams remains evil, he has specifically refused to take the most basic steps toward redemption, and therefore logic dictates a conclusion that he continues to embrace the evil that consumed him in 1979.
He should die, as scheduled, on Tuesday.
I would have to say that I would agree with you both.
-Jack
Had he not killed himself, I wouldn't have objected to the execution of Hitler either. I really believe that starting the Crips is a crime in itself deserving of the death penalty. I'm going to sound bi-polar here, I am strongly opposed to the death penalty but if it's going to be applied, apply it fairly.
Mochi just delivered a dose of shock and awe. I too favor the death penalty when applied fairly. As a criminal defense attorney, this may sound peculiar. However, I live in a state where Court-Appointed counsel on death penalty cases receives fair compensation, though not astronomical ($75.00 per hour), with equally fair compensation for expert witness testimony, private investigator fees, etc. Further, attorneys must be deemed capital defense qualified by the State Board of Indigents Defense, and the District Court, to even permit them to represent a capital offender. Sadly, this is not the case in many states, such as Texas, where the legal fees usually max out and just about any Joe Blow attorney can be appointed. The latter truth, I suspect, is why so many executions take place in Texas versus every other state.
Kevin,
I had no idea that this may be an explanation concerning Texas. A lot of ideas get thrown around but I rarely hear an informed one!
Mochi,
It is hard to see people like Ted Kennedy who commit heinous crimes and walk free because of their money, while others actually have to pay the price for thier crimes. I agree that we need to slap our justice system ion the head every time it peeps from beneath its blindfold.
-Jack
Since his fate now rests in Schwarzenegger's hands, it will be interesting to hear what Schwarzenegger's rationale is if he lets him live.
I really don't see the point in killing someone who's in prison and no longer a threat to society. It's just vengance you're asking for. Letting someone live is compassionate. Nothing will undo what he's done. How does killing him make things any better?
Anon,
Did you read my comment above?
Just curious.
Thanks,
-Jack
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