The top of the news to be discussed was that the Alabama Supreme Court approved that an execution warrant would be allowed to be issued for a time frame rather than a single day. The rule goes into effect immediately. In the article by Lee Hedgepeth “Unending torture”: Following rule change, Alabama governor to decide how long state can attempt executions” we were given a voice for which we are grateful” On Thursday, a representative of Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty, an organization run by the men of Alabama’s death row, said that the rule change is likely to lead to extended periods of torture.
“Over and over again, Alabama tortured Joe James, Alan Miller, and Kenny Smith by poking and prodding them in invasive, often unsuccessful attempts to gain access to their veins,” the men of Alabama’s death row said. “Alabama’s governor should not have the power to make that process last as long as the state wishes. It could mean unending torture.”
Under the proposed rule, a representative of Project Hope said, those facing execution could suffer attempts to access their veins for hours without end — torture they say is forbidden by the U.S. Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishments.”
Our appreciation to Airgas, the largest US distribution network in the packaged gas industry with 24 branches in Alabama which stated that:” supplying gas for executions doesn’t fit in with the company’s mission. “Notwithstanding the philosophical and intellectual debate of the death penalty itself, supplying nitrogen for the purpose of human execution is not consistent with our company values.”
We also discussed the Guest opinion: “A culture of life excludes the death penalty” by Reverend Shane Isner, First Christian Church in Montgomery; Reverend Nan Adams, Providence Presbyterian Church in Montgomery; and Reverend James Platt, Allen Temple AME Church in Phenix City. We like the quote: “Now is the time to seek out more life-affirming options for reducing violence, holding offenders accountable, and addressing the needs of victims. A culture of life has no place for the death penalty.” We are glad to see religious leaders in a so called Christian state in the Bible belt to step up and use the influence they have in this state in love with the death penalty. We hope their people listen and that other clergy will follow their example.
And then there was the article by Roy S. Johnson: Gov. Ivey’s execution moratorium is indeed a chance to “get it right” or end them. Unfortunately we also agreed with his statement: "I’m not naïve. I know where I live. We’re a bloodthirsty state, justifying executions in the name of “justice” for victims of heinous crimes. We defiantly kill people even when the victim’s families are against it." Yes, that is indeed where we live but perhaps if the Christians in this state could really become Christians……
We discussed the article in the Guardian by Ed Pilkington “The nation’s executioners, the US supreme court’s shift towards capital punishment and we quote: “Harcourt expressed dismay at the court’s decision to overturn stays agreed by the 11th circuit court of appeals in two Alabama cases – Alan Miller and Kenneth Smith – who both went on to survive botched execution attempts. “It’s not easy to get a stay of execution from a federal court, and to have it upheld by the 11th circuit,” he said. “That’s rare, that’s hard. For it then to be lifted without explanation or reasoning by the supreme court is simply unconscionable.” Yes, it is unconscionable! Could it be that perhaps when you have absolute power you don’t need a conscience?
In closing and as always, we continue to thank all our generous donors who either gave by going to our website and using the “donate” button or who gave directly. Thank you also to all who took the time to read our notes, commented, liked and shared them on Facebook. You encourage us and make all the difference. Stay safe!
Esther
