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Tell us what you think >>
Selected submissions will be posted here regularly, so visit again to read more
comments.
09/26/2008
Traore
New York
I'm for the death penalty. the capital punishnment serves as the ultimate deterrent for violent criminal behavior and the criminals who are put to death are the worst of the worst and they deserve their faith; however, It's a shame that the subjects of this process are chosen by money, luck, and race.
5/30/07
John D. Pearson
Chicago, Il
No, I believe that we should have as many laws on the books mandating the death penalty as
Great Britain did up until the 19th century 251. Only then can we have a sane and just
society.
5/18/07
I watched this program and was deeply concerned that the filmmaker did not take into
accout the NATURE of the crimes that were committed. Statistics can be used for any
purpose and interpreted in any way to fit the view of the beholder. I would like to submit
that each case should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. As a case in point, many
heinous crimes that are committed by black people such as those committed against Channon
Christian and Christopher Newsom deserve extremely harsh punishment, not because the
crimes were against white people, but because of the heinous NATURE of the crimes. As a
result of the NATURE of any given crime and the rap sheet of the perp, sentences can and
should be harsh. If you, the reader, are not familiar with the aforementioned crime, you
owe it to yourself to learn about it. It is a perfect "case in point." How about the black
men who recently brutally beat elderly white people? These are not unique cases. I think
the filmmaker did a disservice to all peoples who need to be informed of the true nature
of how race fits into our criminal justice system. Injustice is not just a "black
problem." The film simply reinforced a false notion of how race unfairly plays into the
justice system. And, at the outset, the narrator admitted that the NATURE of the crimes
would not be considered. That is a shame because context is everything.
5/2/07
Elliot Cramer
Chapel Hill
There were some serious errors. ALL of the statistical statements where it was stated that
murderers of whites were x times as likely to get the death penalty as murderers of blacks
were wrong. None of the studies showed this. The Baldus study was not evaluated by the
Supreme Court because it did not need to; it was severely criticized by the lower courts.
The kind of apparent racial discrimination noted was not really against blacks. since, as
stated 95% of the murderers of blacks are black themselves. To remedy this alleged
discrimination by executing more murderers of blacks, one would be mainly executing
blacks. It is relatively rare for blacks to murder whites and extremely rare for whites to
murder blacks. The reason murderers of blacks are less likely to get the death penalty is
that these murders tend to be less aggravated than those involving black victims Since
1961 twice as many whites as blacks have been executed in North Carolina, 28 vs 13.
4/12/07
Cyndie Hasty
New York, NY
Really enjoyed (if that's the right word) the recent documentary,RACE TO EXECUTION. Thanks
for airing this all too important look at race and inequality in our judicial/penal
system. I look forward to more programming like this and hope to see a follow-up on this
subject soon.
4/10/07
Rory Little
San Francisco CA
What is great about "Race to Execution" is how balanced it is, presenting both the
victim's and the defendant's perspectives. There is no doubt that race plays a role in
capital punihsment, as it does throughout our criminal justice system. But does that mean
capital punishment should be outlawed even for Timothy McVeigh, the white Oklahoma City
Federal Building bomber who killed 168 people and about whose guilt there was never any
doubt? This film is very thought provoking and informative. Thanks for making, and airing,
it.
4/10/07
jeanine Tobin
Chicago, IL
I only hope that this documentary gets the wide-spread attention that the issue has to
have. The adage, "Justice is blind," is indeed naively untrue, and the only blind people
are those who don't understand that we humans filter all our experiences through the
lenses of our own emotional selves. Judges, juries, attorneys, newspapers, politicians,
voters---none are immune, and those who manipulate the media know it. Until our electorate
becomes educated to this fact, we have to support the efforts of such criminal defense
attorneys as Andrea Lyon and Brian Stephenson. They are my heroes.
4/4/07
Adam
Minneapolis, MN
I watched the Independent Lens program on PBS/TPT in Minnesota tonight. There are moments
in life when you stop and say "oh my goodness - is this what they've been telling me all
along?". I've been a blind supporter of the death penalty as a representative of the
Judeo-Christian template which under girds and permeates our legal system. Your program
didn't give me the chance to get defensive. Somehow your program weaved the truth past all
my rationalizations. I find myself beginning to grasp a real, substantive objection to the
death penalty. I can't talk myself around this one. I really have to rethink all of this.
4/4/07
Evan Kleinman
Queens, NYC
There are many factors that come into play that approach the controversial subject of the
death penalty in the USA. However, I think the first question we must ask ourselves and
that Bryan Stevenson brought up in this film is that there are certain mindsets
fundamentally ingrained in society. Because "racism lies at such a deep seated level in
this country that we don't even know it's there" Society automatically and often times
subconsciously vilifies individuals who appear to fit certain stereotypes. Therefore, is
our society one that should allow legal/political institutions to legally murder someone?
Are we as a society...as a species even....able to achieve a state of mind that eliminates
the possibility of racial or economic bias in our decision making process??????
4/3/07
Alan Owens
Ann Arbor, Michigan
According to film RACE TO EXECUTION most Americans want the death penalty. But it is run
like a lottery What this writer believes is that each case should be taken separately and
penalities should be applied distinctively. I don't believe social science can work.
4/3/07
Regina Lavender
I think that Capital punishment ir wrong for moral reasons: First of all, it want bring
the deceased back or lessen the pain that a survivor may be experiencing . Crime will
always be apart of society. Society members need to enhance and protest for a justice
system that serves all members of society. Rather than system that operates on the fashion
of subjecting "race" as a criteria to develop its standards of judgment.
4/3/07
Faith J.
New Orleans, La.
I saw this series at least a day or two ago and I was so glad that this was finally coming
from underneath the microscope because no one else was seeing it but the black community.
I recently evacuated from New Orleans, La. to Houston, TX and a white man just shot &
killed a black man for bumping into him while getting on the bus. In all the interviews
with the witnesses, they all took the white man's side except for two of them. Anyway, one
day after the man was killed, the white man was released because out here in Texas it's
legal to carry a firearm while on the bus or anywhere as long as it's in a holster. A
person can also fire if their in danger or trespassing on someone's property. The state of
Texas is all about teaching black people lessons because the community seems like it's
segregated. Black Texans don't speak up for what's wrong & right and when Louisisanians
did it, it seemed like they were all stunned. Furthermore, we didn't see anything saluting
black people or even recognizing them until we came here. Texas makes everybody fend for
themselves and offers no assistance to anyone; for instance, thwy say when you apply for
food stamps you must have a job to keep food stamps flowing in and out of your household.
Now if you have a job, why would you need food stamps?!
I agree with attorney & author Scott Turrow because when a black person walks the street
all white people feel threatened by just being in their presence. I also believe that this
is training a black person to where he should go even if it is a grocery store - they
don't want to step there. The media is just making it worse for all blacks because we
don't see enough of what's really special or anything else that embraces us on TV. RACE TO
EXECUTION just brought forward an affirmation and epiphany to me about capital punishment
because I kno the government, the judicial system, etc. and how they work. I think it's
unfair that kids will never know their father because of a possible crime he didn't commit
or to get a death sentence for something he didn't commit. I think the judicial system
wants to break down the black family and stop us from reproducing. I think that it's sad
that this government can stoop so low!
4/3/07
Champaign, Illinois
In the film, Coty Kite , daughter of the murder victim in Alabama, speaks from a Christian
view, saying that she was pleased to see Robert Tarver, the convicted killer of her
father, die in the Alabama electric chair. She says that she was even afraid of the
possibility of him not dying because justice needed to be done and her family needed to be
able to grasp that feeling of justice.I wholeheartedly disagree with this. I typically
would not bring Christianity into any death penalty debate, but if another person is
initiates it, I have no qualms about giving my opinion.
Justice, from a Christian stand point, is giving to God and other what is due to them. In
Christianity, what is due to everybody (convicted murderers included) is a personal
relationship with Christ. No matter how serious a crime against humanity an indivual may
commit, Christ is still due to that individual. For that reason, justice requires two
parts.
First, the criminal must be adquately punished and come to the realization that what was
done was a morally destructive act. Secondly, the person must also be given an opportunity
to come to know Christ. Only when this is done is justice truly administered. The death
penalty obviously takes away the opportunity for this person to come to know Christ. If
one is no longer living, it is difficult for this to occur. For that reason, Coty Kite,
when speaking of justice being done from a Christian sense, misspoke. Justice, actually
was not given to him, but instead a brutal retaliatory murder took place by the state
which resulted in one more pointless death.
4/3/07
Tucson, Arizona
What most impressed me about the film was its even-handedness. People on neither side were
made to appear foolish or fanatical. In a way, that even-handedness made those who support
capital punishment seem more clueless than evil but their cluelessness eventually seemed a
chosen rather than unavoidable. For me, the most moving scenes were at the very end, when
the freed man who talked so much about his happiness and joy and normal life finally broke
down and his PTSS became as evident as one would have expected it to be. Anyway, I would
hope it is viewed widely and publicized and reviewed so that everyone becomes aware of it.
4/3/07
Jill
I grew up in a rural area, between Syracuse and Utica, NY. The whole area has experienced
an increase, in criminal activity. The murders that take place in the city, are mainly
black person against black person. In the rural areas, it's white against white. Many
times when a case comes up for trial I've wondered, how it could be considered a trial by
ones peers? The jury in any case, is almost all white. This areas population is largely
white. There is however a good sized black community.
Jury duty notices are sent out ahead of time. Many times they don't even know which case,
will definitely be going to trial. If they know ahead of time, that there will be a black
person coming up for trial, especially a murder trial can't they call more black members
of the community as jurors? Sadly media perception is lopsided in many cases, a white
missing child is more publicized than a black missing child, rich over poor are given more
air time and celebrities that make up a very small percentage of the
population, are shown walking their dogs, while a fireman that saved people from a burning
building, goes unrecognized! I give the local media coverage a round of applause in our
area, they seem to cover all murder trials equally. It's shows like Cops and America's
Most Wanted that seem to scare American's that live outside of big US cities, into
thinking black people are bad.
4/3/07
New York, NY
The Race to Execution documentary presents a long trace of human rights of this country.
In many states where the death penalty is part of their Criminal Justice System they have
been certain to apply to those races that have no control on our economy, it is more
likely to use them as an escape-goat and justice is far from enforcement. Certainty we
need more people. We need enough courage like Rachel Lyons film producer, to educate the
people to speak up for their human rights and to persuade humanity and not for the
darkness of death. I personally don't believe in the death penalty since one's crime
doesn't justify another. In my opinion who ever condemned some one to death is as
incumbent of self criminal, and if that is the case, if one could be excused of such acts,
why not the other one, when both are carrying the same weight are taking away the life of
a person. I believe that there are many ways that the Criminal Justice could punish and
isolate an individual that is part of our social corruption once it is proved, not in the
death penalty and discrimination. Thank you for the media production of Independent Lens
like "Liones's Production".
4/3/07
Edmonton, AB Canada
I'm afraid I don't understand how retribution makes anything better. Neither does it bring
closure... there is never closure when a loved one is murdered. It just becomes part of
you. My husband was murdered by a native person who had just been released from jail a few
days before he murdered my husband! He has got drugs from a doctor and while under the
influence of the combination of drugs and alcohol, he killed my husband in his store at
noon!
Naturally our family was devastated! But not one of us would hae wanted the young man to
be executed. Closure from a crime of this sort never arrives; but if you forgive him, then
at least you can go on to live with the tragedy and not become a bitter person intent on
retribution. What really needs to be done is for society to find a way to improve lives...
so that individuals can grow up to value life and to live a rewarding life.
It appears to me that racism, even that which is subtle and imintended, really impacts
negatively on the lives of black people in your society and on native people in my
society. Executing them for
their crimes does not deter and is not the answer to the problem.
4/3/07
Abraham James
Minneapolis, MINN
I watched the Independent Lens program on PBS/TPT in Minnesota tonight. There are moments
in life when you stop and say "oh my goodness - is this what they've been telling me all
along?". I've been a blind supporter of the death penalty as a representative of the
judeo-christian template which under girds and permeates our legal system. Your program
didn't give me the chance to get defensive. Somehow your program weaved the truth past all
my rationalizations. I find myself beginning to grasp a real, substantive objection to the
death penalty. I can't talk myself around this one. I really have to
rethink all of this. I really need to see this whole thing again.
3/29/07
New Orleans, LA
I try to teach my students, some of whom will become prosecutors, that their job is to
seek justice, not obtain convictions. Anyone who believes otherwise has no role in front
of a classroom or working in the criminal justice system. I am also tired of talk about
racial discrimination in the justice system from those who have no knowledge or interest
in how we arrived at this very sad state of affairs. In my opinion such people flunk
citizenship 101 and should not be allowed to serve on juries. Race to Execution was very
well done, and required viewing for those who believe in responsible citizenship.
3/29/07
New York, NY
This was a terrific, gripping program that translated abstract issues of life and death
into compelling, parallel human dramas. My conviction about the inadequacy of the death
penalty as a state administered sanction did not change, perhaps, but the emotional force
behind my strong feeling that such a penalty has always been--and is still today--unfairly
administered burns hotter now than before.
3/28/07
Toronto Ontario, Canada
The media can be more responsible by telling the truth behind race and crime, and by not
asssuming always that it's White racism and poverty that are solely responsible. Here in
Canada, The Toronto Star makes in a policy to omit racial descriptions of visible minority
member suspects whom police are seaerching for.
Until the media and the public at large all over North Americsa start being honest about
Race and Crime, no solutions will ever be implemented, let alone developed. That may not
be pleasant to hear, but it is the truth.
3/28/07
Morton Grove, Illinois
I reject the argument of "victim based discrimination". Less than 50% of murders have
white, non-minority, offenders. White defendants get more than 50% of death sentences and
executions. If death sentences were imposed on killers of black victims as often as they
are imposed on killers of white victims, we would see the explicit - instead of implicit-
claim of discrimination based on the race of the [black] defendant. Race of the victim
would not be the issue then.
3/28/07
Natchitoches, LA.
I agree with Scott Turrow on race issues because people always see minorities as the bad
guy or the problem. I also have a question who do you contact besides God, if you've been
wrongfully accused and have no one to help defend you and please don't say NAACP because
they don't answer phones. And some public defendant really don't care and try to defend
you properly.So once again a minority is behind bars for something he/she hadn't done.
Where is the JUSTICE.I NEED HELP.
3/28/07
Sandmadd
Los Angeles, California
What the film didn't mention is that blacks can be just as hard on criminals as anyone
else. At the same time, we know that the justice system is broken. On my last jury duty
assignment, I told the judge that I couldn't vote for the death penalty because of all the
dna death row exonerations. I was then thanked and excused. It seems as if trial lawyers
don't want jurors who think critically. We only question the smarts of the jurors after
celebrity trials, like O.J.'s or Robert Blake's. But, everyday defendants like those in
this film also make you wonder if juror emotions rather than brains drive their decision
to condemn. I'd like to see a deconstruction of Mr. Tarver's trial, to have legal eagles
independently examine the evidence and the witnesses, and interview all the parties,
including the jurors and judge, about their roles in convicting Tarver. Exactly what made
those jurors absolutely convinced that this man and no one else killed the victim? I also
think the system will never be fixed as long as there is bad faith and malfeasance on the
part of law officials. Some of these bad actors should be made to pay.
3/28/07
Martha Howard
Race to Execution was an excellent reflection of the deadly level of racial injustice in
our "criminal justice" system. It is extremely topical, given all the problems currently
going on in, for example, the Texas juvenile justice system, where an African American
high school student is serving a 7 year sentence for shoving a hall monitor in school.
This was one of the best and most relevant PBS films I have seen in the last few years.
3/28/07
Kob
Biloxi, Mississippi
Mr. Tarver got a travesty of a trial on top of which , the judge overturned the juries
verdict of punishment. the daughter of the man who was murdered wasn't seeking justice but
was looking for someone who could be executed so she and her family could get closure
whether right or wrong. personally, i feel that the death penalty should be abolished so
this country can enter the 21st century like all other countries. it also seems that the
death penalty is the verdict mostly for minorities not whites. this needs to change along
with the composition of juries, which are overwhelmingly white.
3/28/07
Alex Veeneman
Lanett, AL
As someone who has been involved with the death penalty for 24 years, who has witnessed an
execution of an African American in Alabama who had had an all white jury and who has
investigated 2 other death penalty cases where there was an all white jury, please do not
tell me that race is not a factor. Of course it is, as is poverty, which all too often in
the South go hand in hand.Attorney Bryan Stevenson is correct when he says in the film
that we as a society do not deserve to kill and certainly the South with its terrible
history of racism can not be trusted to mete out justice. And why do we need to
kill?
We have life without the possibility of parole, which saves money and contrary to popular
belief the death penalty is not a deterrent. The highest murder rate is in those states
with the death penalty. As for closure, there are many murder victim families who speak
out against the death penalty because it does not bring closure. So why do we need to
kill? I think that is the question that we as society need to ask ourselves. We are
grateful for the discussion this film stimulated.
Esther Brown
Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty, Alabama
3/28/07
Alex Veeneman
The death penalty, although favored by many, in my opinion, is wrong. People shouldn't be
sent to die just because we can. If a crime should happen like this again, maybe we should
just give them life in prison without parole, like George Ryan did for 167 people in 2003.
Race could be a factor, but we can't just sit here and let people die whether or not they
committed the crimes. We need to be easier on our justice system.
3/28/07
Kansas City, Missouri
"Race is definitely an overwhelming element of our ""criminal injustice system."" Our
nation's foundation is built on lies, deceit, dishonesty, and hypocracy. The founding
fathers constructed rules that applied to the privileged and rules that applied to the
others, and still another set of rules that apply to the indigenous people of this land,
the people who were forced to come here in chains, and those who were at one time
considered the latest group of immigrants.
I live in Kansas City, Missouri and attended a community college there where I had a
circuit court judge tell the class of mostly afro-american students that Kansas City has a
street that is a racial dividing line that is called Troost Avenue. To the west of Troost
Avenue is basically where white people live and to the east is the black area of town. I
has not realized this before commented upon by this professor. But what it all meant to me
is you live over here, and I'll live over there because I am a bit more deserving than you
are and so it goes the inferior according to one group and the superior according to this
same group who is of course the group with affluence, influence, and power. It is no
different when it comes to the judicial system. "I have rules for me and those like me,
rules for you or average Joe, who is similar to me, and then there are rules for you who
are so seemingly different.
Just an observer
They don't throw
Us the ball so we
Can play too in
Kansas City...
How about your town?
3/28/07
Patrick Greiff
New Orleans, LA
A wonderful piece. Highlights the ugly vestiges of slavery that remain in America. What
Andrea stated in the end is truly the heart of the matter and so well put. That the
biggest misconception of justice in this country is that we reserve death for the worst
crimes when, in fact, we implement it for the poor, the uneducated, and the defenseless.
The capital punishment system in the US is an embarrassment before the eyes of the world
and the antithesis of justice. Before even considering the social, moral, or ethical
validity of capital punishment, the system needs to be fixed...or abolished.
3/28/07
Barbara Acuna
Baytown, Tx
When you enlist the assistance of Human Rights organizations all over the world, and the
United Nations to help save the life of your 17 year old son from being killed by the
government, then you understand how wrong the death penalty is. When you experience the
prejudice of the judge, jury, police, procecutors and the defense team that work together
unscrupulously to ensure an efficient victory.
Once the wheels of the death machine begin to turn, it is almost impossible to stop
them.Only when people see the truth, as this show has portrayed it will they understand
that a system like this can not exist. Even when they are told it is for the worst of the
worst. It is the worst of the worst of the justice system.
3/28/07
Nada King
Fries, Va
It is hard not to be touched deeply by all sides involved in your story. Yes, there is
injustice, yes there is discrimination, and all these things must be addressed, exposed
and dealt with. But we can not stop executing justice, which I believe death penalty is,
to those who commit hideous crimes. When those who oppose death penalty talk about the
inhumane act of it, they are denying justice to the victim of the crime. No one was there
to defend him/her, no one seen his/her look in their eyes as they were struggling for
their life, as the beastly face laugh and mocked them. There has to be ultimate penalty
for ultimate crime, else there will be no fear of committing them.I believe that most
people understand that, and it isn't a very hot issue when people choose te candidate who
represent them. These issues are very important, to all of us individually but also as a
nation.
3/28/07
Mercedes
South Philadelphia
I think this should STOP this is some crazy behavior going on. We need to stop the the
violence and increase the peace. Please turn in your guns because once u shoot u can't
stop that bullet even if u wanted to so ladies and gentlemen please ...........STOP THE
VIOLENCE AND INCREASE THE PEACE............and this is coming from a 12 year old girl from
South Philadelphia. This is about the guns in south Philly.
3/28/07
Sue Williamson
Ojai, CA
This was an absolutely brilliant film. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your courageous
work. People in America act like there is no racism here. This film exposes the truth of
the whole rotten judicial system. Keep up the great work!
3/28/07
Ron Skinner
Phoenix, Arizona
One of the attorneys on the program said he had seen anti death penalty advocates become
death penalty supporters when someone in their home was murdered. He say’s this as if it
were a paradox. Of course the parent of a murdered child, husband of a murdered wife, or
wife of a murdered husband would want the perpetrator executed! This is why we, as a
society, must decide the death penalty is wrong.
3/28/07
Barbara Acuna
Baytown, Tx
I want the death penalty to be abolished in the world.
We experienced this, and it is so destructive. If you want more information on the
in-justice system, I'll be happy to show you evidence.
3/28/07
Eden Devereaux
Kansas City, Missouri
I don't believe in capital punishment, if you believe in The Word, it states as a rule of
life, "Thou Shalt Not Kill." To me, that sounds like sound advice, that if everyone
followed (including the government and government officials because this Biblical Law did
not exclude this group). But alas, we are simply disobedient. Does the government believe
(and the government is supposed to represent the people of this society), that it is above
the ultimate maker of Law to Live by? Does the government who supposedly represents the
masses actually believe that the masses want to be murdered for infractions that we
simple, hard-headed human beings invariably commit? There are 3 sides to every story,
yours, mine, and of course the truth!
3/28/07
MISTA SANDMAN KNUCKLE UP ALBUM
MISSOURI CITY, TXS
Whats up?,and Whats going on?,I mean,its like you guys have heard my album already!,I'm
gonna start by saying that its about time somebody started focusing on whats really
happening to many of our black men,and I am so glad to know that I am not alone when it
comes to these injustices.
3/28/07
SF, CA
This film was really balanced, which made me want to keep watching. I believe in the death
penalty, but why can't we be fair?
3/28/07
Rob
New York
Truly deeply moving. The film was great, and will have a huge impact on whoever watches. I
really feel what they do is wrong, and stupid.
3/28/07
Ken W.
Newport Beach, CA
I just finished watching the entire Independent Lens production of "Race to Execution"
(the title itself an unwise indicator of the film maker's bias). Being a former
prosecutor, it was painfully obvious that the author was so fixated on making the point
about race, that not even one reference was included regarding a far more significant
impediment to prosecutors: self-righteous white liberals who intentionally hide their
antipathy toward capital punishment during voir dire. (I won't hold my breath awaiting the
new film.)
3/28/07
David Rutland
Suffern, New York
At least this program states right off the bat it's blatantly biased, parochial,self
serving views. The statistical analysis of the criminal justice system as anything other
than a reflection of social truths, is a ignorant denial of the real solutions,causes,and
especially responsibility in race,class,crime, and criminal justice problems.
3/28/07
Rebecca Witonsky
Boca Raton, Florida
This film was painful and difficult for me to watch. I am a white Jewish woman who
supports the death penalty in limited cases. I am also quite painfully aware of the racial
discrimination which often occurs in the implementation of the death penalty. I told this
fact to a Jewish friend who opposes the death penalty, and she was shocked. To me this
racial factor is an undeniable aspect of the death penalty. I try to look at each
individual case, keeping the racial factor in mind but not only looking at race.
In analyzing the case of Mr. Robert Tarver, it seems to me that he should not have been
executed because:
1. the lone witness to testify against him was his co-defendant who made a plea deal to
get off.
2. the prosecutor struck out nearly all the black jurors.
3. The nearly all-white jury voted to give him life without parole. I don't think the
judge should have the right to overrule the jury and give the defendant a higher sentence
than the jury recommends in a capital case.
4. Alabama has an abysmal record in the category of racial injustice. I don't think this
factor disqualifies Alabama from ever executing black men who kill white victims, but
Alabama should hold itself to a higher standard on this issue because of its
painful
history as a cauldron of racial cruelty and injustice.
I heard the pain of the victim's family very deeply and did not disregard their agony
simply because they are white. I understand their need for healing and closure. But the
racism in this case seems too clear to allow the execution to seem like the right
decision.
3/28/07
James R. Murray
Chicago,Il.
One really has to hand it to Madison, of the four convicted criminals exonerated by the
now convicted criminal himself, George Ryan, Madison is the only one living outside of
prison these days. Perhaps their back in prison because they are evil men and not just
because they are black?
Question #1 When you have no other defense might as well use the race card, worked for
O.J.
Question #2 The media believe it or not bends over backwards to attempt to show the
minority community in a more positive light.
Question #3 No, The purpose of the justice system is to seek the truth, no person should
want any innocent person, black of white, to be sent to prison for a crime he or she did
not commit. Having said that, someone is going to have to come up with a better example
then Madison Hobley. It is my firm belief that Scott Peterson and Madison Hobley killed
their wives and children for the same reasons, the only difference is that Scott Peterson
is an animal that will pay for his crime and Madison Hobley is an "innocent" victim. Maybe
the media could dig up Madison's ex-girlfriend and turn her into a media celebrity for a
bit.
3/28/07
Professor Mike
State College, Pa
A prosecutor's job is to secure a conviction. Thus if Black jurors are more likely to
acquit, then it is completely logical to try to disqualify as many blacks as possible.
Nothing racist about it at all. After all, a competent defense lawyer will try to get as
many black faces on the jury for the exact same reason. It's how Johnny Cochran got OJ
off.
3/28/07
New Orleans, LA
My own opinion on the death penalty means nothing. I only ask that anyone who votes to
impose the penalty be required to go the whole route, to and through the final moments. I
call this the "Old Yeller Rule."
More on this idea at: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/1/15/12154/8205
3/27/07
Elliot Slosar
Chicago, Illinois
Both Madison and Andrea serve as heroic individuals in their own respect. Andrea is a
renowned defense attorney that has dedicated her life to the most noble of causes. Madison
has since dedicated his life to fighting for those inmates currently on death row...The
death penalty is a mechanism used by the American Government to oppress the poor and
eliminate minorities from society. Race to Execution brilliantly shows this...
3/27/07
Mary Landfair
Terre Haute, IN 47807
I am glad to know that I will be able to see and read more about Madison Hobley's story on
"Race to Execution". I was a correctional officer at Pontiac Correctional Center when Mr.
Hobley was there. I interacted with him during my assignment to death row. He was a very
quiet individual, who claimed of his innocence back in 1993. I will be tuned in tomorrow
to hear of his story. Thank you.
3/13/07
I think that it is just horrible that they do it they kill people i know they have dun
something wrong nut if the judges got told that they are going to death row what would he
do think about that all i can say is god bless.
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