On Execution
by Shawna Forde, Arizona Death Row
transcribed and edited by Emily Nghiem
As a leading nation, we are progressive in most ideals, compassionate with vested interest in humanity. We adhere to our Justice System as the best. However, there is still one issue that holds us hostage to the Dark Ages: Execution.
If we continue to execute, we will not move in the direction of an advanced society. In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act which causes a great divide among its citizens over moral righteousness and true Justice. The Greatest Deception to our citizens is the Death Penalty.
If we are to change the fabric of our communities, we must work from the bottom to secure a strong foundation of this great nation; and, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Death Penalty as at our rock bottom.
Justice should never be about revenge. It degrades our morality. We must strive for human excellence in all aspects of our nation.
Thus, I will address key issues that all States should consider in our
conversations regarding the Death Penalty:
(1). The Death Penalty does not deter or impact reduction in violent crimes.
It is applied too inconsistently to be an effective deterrent:
(A). Out of ten people charged with exactly the same crime, nine will get
Life, while one gets Death.
(B). Prosecutors receive bonus payment for Death Penalty convictions. They have absolute power with zero accountability and often misuse it as a negotiating tactic. 98% of cases are pleaded out.
(C). The Death Penalty is supposed to be reserved for the "worst of the worst," but instead the "worst of the worst" are in General Population. Gary Ridgeway the "Green River Killer" killed 46 and got Life.
(2). Too many convicts were condemned based on circumstantial evidence,
not hard proof, and unfair trials.
(A). Over 135 have been released from Death Row, having been found innocent.
(B). Hundreds more have had sentences commuted. Statistics show that
50 percent leave Death Row without being executed. Let's not forget WM3.org
(C). Do we, as a just society, turn our backs on the victims of Death Row?
Isn't one innocent person enough to Abolish this Penalty? There have been
Hundreds proven innocent, and still it's unknown how many were murdered
before DNA testing? How many more will be murdered by our system?
(3). The cost of a Death Penalty case, from start to finish, can easily
run in the millions, creating added burdens on victims and society.
(A). This prevents economic stability, where resources could be invested in
sustainable community development instead of special housing and fighting appeals.
(B). Victims and survivors of violent crimes are forced to relive them over and over in a lengthy appeals process, exploited by the media because it involves the "Death Penalty."
(4). REFORM
The Death Penalty should not be used as a scare tactic to get a
conviction, nor be used for revenge. Such abuses prevent equal justice for all. Instead,
(A). There should be One set standard for All.
(B). By inmates working, victims can benefit more from receiving a percentage
of a person's income, that can be placed in a victim's fund.
(C). Victim impact programs can be set up to promote education, understanding,
healing, teaching and learning from one another's experiences.
First, we must Abolish the Death Penalty, then move forward with
a completely Reformed approach to our system of Justice.
(5). HUMANITY
Each person condemned to die receives three sentences:
Death, Time, and Torture. Convicts condemned by trial are then condemned by the Department of Corrections, "condemned for being condemned." Then placed on Death Row for up to 25 years.
(A). Solitary Confinement is a form of torture that forces profound human change. A lonely silence, a great void between nowhere and goodbye, it is a well-documented torture. By this dehumanization process as extra punishment, all of us in society are affected by this inhumane treatment.
(B). Mental and physical health are depleted, and thus become more costly for Death Row inmates to receive medications and treatment. Being locked up for 23 hours a day, in a small cell with no human contact -- ever -- for years, is insane and deplorable.
(C). Sadly, before many people are executed, they have become a totally different person, thus showing rehabilitation is possible. Many walk in faith, with high standards and other redeeming qualities. Killing them no longer serves its intended purpose, and instead becomes another tragic loss.
(6). CLOSING STATEMENT
We cannot forget that people on Death Row are human beings, mothers and fathers, a sister or brother, a friend or teacher, even a child or peer to someone. Our treatment and penalty given to them affects society as a whole. The threads that bind us all are our connection with Life, not bound by time, space or action, but neither are they irreparable. Indeed these bonds never break; they are our legacy. When we let go of who we are, then we become who we might be. Change is needed; and Abolishing the Death Penalty is part of that needed change.
-- Shawna Forde, Arizona Death Row
Please write to Shawna, and let her know how she can help Abolish the Death Penalty and Reform Criminal Justice.
Shawna Forde, ADC # 260830
Perryville Complex, Lumly Unit
PO BOX 3300
Goodyear AZ 85395
