The Georgia Board of Parole and Pardons' failure to grant clemency to convicted killer Troy Davis is just one more example of the ills of our country. The fact that we put to death many innocent people in this country because of the hard line of a few is shameful. The state of Texas leads the thirty-six states who have the death penalty with the number of executions carried out. More have been carried out under our present Governor Rick Perry than under any other of our governors. It was shocking to hear Perry's recent statement that he never loses sleep over any of them! Even if one of them might be innocent. And this is the man who shamelessly prayed in front of our whole nation, displaying his so-called Christian beliefs for no other reason than to gain votes from the Christian Right. To me, this is typical of the hypocrisy shown by so many professed Christians running for office today.
As Sister Prejean (author of Dead Man Walking) says above, Jesus was a threat to the Romans and the religious hierarchy of His day because of His all-encompassing love, and insistence on equality for all. Forgiveness was a key word of His Gospel. And each and every one of us is deserving. Can you imagine that, if Jesus were here today, before healing someone He asked to see a green card, proof of citizenship, or Social Security card? Or asked who one was sleeping with. To refuse food or drink to a beggar in rags because to help him might make him dependent and not seek work?
It makes no sense to me to make a stand against abortion rights, then refuse to allow adequate sex education (not just abstinence) in our schools or planned parenthood clinics to assist the poor. Yet this happens in every election since Roe v Wade. (Texas, by the way, leads the nation in teen pregnancies.) It makes about as much sense as clinics to "cure" homosexuality. Both of these issues are in the forefront of so many religious political contenders today. And they attract a lot of voters who never bother to seek out or to understand the rest of their platforms. Which today seems to be to maintain the status quo.. or maintain or institute legislation that only helps the few.
And that's what these candidates count on.
Tonight Troy Davis will join the ranks of Dead Men Walking.. guilty or innocent. May God bless his soul.
Peace and love to all,
Marilyn
It makes no sense to me to make a stand against abortion rights, then refuse to allow adequate sex education (not just abstinence) in our schools or planned parenthood clinics to assist the poor. Yet this happens in every election since Roe v Wade. (Texas, by the way, leads the nation in teen pregnancies.) It makes about as much sense as clinics to "cure" homosexuality. Both of these issues are in the forefront of so many religious political contenders today. And they attract a lot of voters who never bother to seek out or to understand the rest of their platforms. Which today seems to be to maintain the status quo.. or maintain or institute legislation that only helps the few.
And that's what these candidates count on.
Tonight Troy Davis will join the ranks of Dead Men Walking.. guilty or innocent. May God bless his soul.
Peace and love to all,
Marilyn
Eloquent as always, Marilyn. I couldn't agree more with every word. Whether or not this man is guilty of this crime is in so much doubt, whether or not one agrees with the death penalty. I don't see how those capable of stopping this execution can live with the doubts. As for Governor Perry, his comments speak to the true heart of this man who wants to be next President of the United States.
ReplyDeleteThanks for voicing it exactly as it is.
I also loved the beautiful Sister's video. She also says it so very well.
ReplyDelete