I would be lying if I said, “I categorically do not believe in the death penalty.” Because I'm afraid the moment someone I love is brutally murdered my initial reaction would be one of anger, hate and a desire for vengeance without thought of a trial or consideration for what might be labelled “mitigating circumstances”. So, in that respect I can empathize with the relatives of victims.

However, when considering the system of “justice” I can say without reservation the death penalty has no place in our society. Justice is defined as conformity to the principle of moral rightness in action or attitude. In order for justice to be served, those implementing it must aspire to moral excellence and not be motivated by emotion, passions and even less by a desire to further their careers. As long as we do not hold those in authority to the same standard, and higher, of moral rightness as that which they impose on the citizens, “Justice” will not be served.

This is evidenced by the 70+ men/women who have been proven innocent after having been convicted and sentenced to death through corrupt, treacherous, illegal and deceitful means practiced by the system. It has somehow crept into our nature to fear, hate and destroy what we do not understand, hence the ease with which we murder and execute human beings. Until we find a means to understand and cure the ills that plague our society we will continue to be faced with this dilemma.

Patrick Page, Death Row Inmate, 2001.

Patrick Page #N-21564
PO Box 99
Pontiac
Il 61764
USA