written by Kenneth Foster JR
How does one begin to speak to so many of different cultures, beliefs and emotions. I know deep down I’ve had to search my mind to relay the knowledge and understanding I have towards the situation I bear. So, I hope the few words I speak will provide some enlightenment to you.
I this world we live in everything is made and done for a reason. Such as every action has a reaction and every good has it’s evil. It seems everyone is in fear of what is wrong with society. So many evil things top the list. Yet, most of our proposed methods are often more wrong, than the crimes and criminals you want to punish! Let’s be honest, the Government doesn’t care if those considered unworthy are abused, oppressed, tortured on even killed.
And this points us in the direction of Capital Punishment. Capital Punishment is one of those issues that divides everyone and keeps us at each others throat. The moral idea of Law and Order have been separated from the origin of it’s original revelation. You misapply these principals while forgetting the real components of Compassion and Mercy and then too many self-righteously try to justify your wrong actions. Does society even realize what goes on in prison?
Most men are stripped nude in fields after work and forced to shower and dress in rooms that hod over 40 to 100 men. Some are locked in their cells and only given 1-3 hours a day outside. Then our system releases these inmates back into society full of anger, humiliation and a sense of no hope and direction and they call this “REHABILITATION”.
I am a living witness to INJUSTICE, however my words are not a plea for me. It’s a plea to you and all of those that support the Death Penalty. I was wrongfully convicted of Capital Murder. My crime came down to only being present at the scene the crime. You can say guilt by association. I never committed the crime, yet I sit on Death Row with the man who did. Is sending me to Death Row Justice?
If you’ve ever had the wind knocking out of you on been sick in the stomach so bad to where you was sick, you will know how I felt when the Judge said Death. All my goals to finish college and aspirations to raise my daughter were crushed. I did not see Justice, what I saw was men and women grasping for power and prestige at the cost of my life!
I have made my choice and they are my own. I do however choose to believe in redemption and the power to forgive. I cannot change the tragedy of what has happened, but I can choose to change myself. We as humans are too flawed to function with the discernment to Judge a person. Life, any life is valuable beyond any price. There are just and reasonable alternatives to the death penalty such as sentences of life without parole along with programs of restitution.
Many inmates on death row have learned compassion and mercy through grief and hardships and have proven to not be threats to society (a stipulation the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt before they can sentence one to death).. Supporting the death penalty has no eyes to see. Even if you say, “I support the death penalty only for those who did their crimes.” Still, if you approve it, there is always the chance that a man wrongfully convicted will be executed.
How is Justice, Justice, when innocent men, proven innocent men are still allowed to be executed? The only way change will come about is through voicing your opinions as long as it is for goals of reconciliation and building others up.
Tell me how this will come to a good end? Criminals commit crimes against society, the law enforcement agencies and judicial system commits crimes against us by giving us inexperienced lawyers and then contradict the law set to be followed. Then you (society) supports it all and therefore the cycle continues!
I’m only 25 years old and everyday I try to not let my surroundings damper me I see the past and I view a Pond of Tears. But, I cannot turn back time. I can only strive in my heart to teach, express and show what I know. So, I ask the Light of God to shine on a life of ups and downs, so I must take the first step and hope you will follow to let the wrong drown.
Look around you. Look at the ones who have lost family members, yet through compassion and understanding they have come to peace and know killing, any killing, is wrong. So many try hand for revenge. It may not even offer any real promise on contentment to what you want. Sometimes, in fact, it is a big part of the problem.
I’m thankful for these men and women who have come together. These may be the ones who forever save my life and others like me (guilty or innocent). You know why these people can forgive. In my mind it is because they have sit and talked and walked and cried with us. Now, they see everyone is sinful, yet beautiful so this is why we must save and compliment each other and stand firm by them no matter what!
The things I say don’t just come from me, but all of us on POLUNSKY UNIT. Not because they told me, but because I feel it in my mind, body and soul. If we plan to change things we first must change the way society looks at us and that can be done through working with and educating the public and supporting victims and prisoners families. Reach out to Amnesty and your local web sites. Join organizations and write letters. More and more are taking a firm stand….. Please join them!!
