9 years ago, I became a victim of murder. I am still alive, yes, and my heart still beats, sure... but part of me died the day Arkansas executed my biological father, Jack, in cold blood. While I am a firm believer that murderers should be put away for life, there is no reason they should be subjected to cruel, unusual, barbaric punishment. When the state kills someone to show that killing people is wrong, not only does it make NO sense logically and/or morally, but it costs more than can even be fathomed. And I don't just mean money and tax dollars, y'all. However, I can show you the receipts; it costs WAY more to execute someone than it does to just leave them in jail, locked away from society to never hurt again. But that's not even what I am talking about, really. Money can be made and spent again. No, what I am talking about here is the pain that the families on BOTH sides have to endure. Every single time the prisoner is set to be executed (and you know it doesn't happen quickly), the families say their goodbyes, tears and heartache overtakes them, the crime is relived, the trauma comes up all over again... and then, STAY OF EXECUTION. All pain and agony for nothing. And what happens when the inmate is eventually killed off? I can tell you from personal experience, his/her family and friends go through Hell for years and never heal from what they experience. For what? The victims don't come back. They are remembered and loved, and can be without more killing!
So, please... Please help me and my daughter, Tegan, get back to Washington D.C. this summer so we can join fellow Death Penalty Abolitionists to peacefully educate and protest capital punishment. We spend 4 days (day and night) protesting in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, speaking to anyone who would like to exchange views, to help educate and put a stop to the death penalty. Every dollar helps, as we need flights, a hotel stay, unlimited water, etc. The money will only be for Tegan and myself, and any leftover funds will be donated to the AAC. There will be a link below with their information, as well as resources regarding capital punishment and the Fast & Vigil event itself. Thank you, and may you be blessed.
Organizer
