I was quite fortunate to be in
attendance at this morning's press conference/lobby session in
support of repealing the death penalty here in Connecticut. My personal animus
toward capital punishment is long-standing, and based on a variety of
moral/ethical/practical/financial/sociological reasons. I may indeed
elucidate those views at a later date in this space.
My purpose today is rather to mention
the various wonderful people in attendance this morning in support of
this important cause. First and foremost, Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean,
Victoria Coward and other family members of murder victims
courageously and eloquently shared their stories of pain, and spoke
with great impact in favor of repeal. Anyone with a hint of humanity
could not have helped being moved to tears. The fact that these
people had to speak is a shameful commentary on where we are as a
society. My only regret is that our legislators who will vote on this
issue were not there to hear these words; I suspect those opposed to
repeal would lack the fortitude to look these people in the eye and
admit their opposition. If they had a scintilla of the courage of
these speakers, we would not be discussing this issue.
Great thanks should be bestowed on
Alexandra Ferreira, Kristin Bollig and their colleagues at CT Network
to Abolish the Death Penalty for organizing this event. Attendance
was strong, with the crowd spilling into the hallways. Also in
attendance were Paul Gustafson, a teacher at Hamden Hall, and Kevin
Barry, a professor at Quinnipiac School of Law, who brought many of
their students to lobby their respective representatives. Their
students' knowledge, passion and commitment to action are highly
inspirational. They restored some hope for our future in the heart of
this old cynic. It was also a distinct pleasure to meet Miles
Halpine, Communications Director for Connecticut State High School
Democrats. Miles aspires to run for political office some day; I hope
he does run, as young, smart, caring people like him will help make
our world a better place.
Finally, a word to our legislators,
particularly those opposed to overturning the death penalty: We care,
we vote, and we have friends who vote.
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