Imagine the good that could have come from keeping one man alive. With his high profile supporters he could have really made a marked difference in the future of gangs all over the country.

Clemency is a powerful tool but only if you choose to use it. Wasn’t there an article in the paper a few days ago about a man who spent something like 17 years in prison, claiming innocence the whole time? Finally his case was reopened and he was released. Men who rape and murder children are left in prison, some even being released eventually with our limited capacity/laws to monitor them. Yet this man, who could have had endless opportunities to do wonderful things, dies by lethal injection.

What must one man do before he is forgiven? What are the lengths we have to go to before we are deemed worthy of a chance? I back the death penalty whole heartedly but there are instances where it is no longer appropriate. This is one of those times.

Rest in peace, Tookie.