Here we post a topic for open discussion. Read on and give it some thought. Then when you're ready to add your voice to the dialogue, give us everything you've got.
Our current topic:
Was the sentencing to death of John King, one of the apparent vicious and racist murderers of James Byrd Jr. ,adequate; or, would a sentence of life without the possibility of parole been a more meaningful punishment?
Submit Date: 9 MAR 1999 Name: ROBERT Email: scarletr@kda.attmil.ne.jp Response:
I do not believe anyone other than God has the right to decide who lives or dies. Nevertheless, given the two choices, I believe life in prison would be more punishing.
Submit Date: 9 MAR 1999 Name: Stella Email: Stella1@jnlk.com Response:
The Jury did am adequate job. To my knowledge Mr.Kingh as shown no remorse about his crime. My opinion is that he is proud of himself. Being we are a nation of civilized people, the death penalty is a worthy punishment. The way James Byrd ws killed showed intense hatred and as human beings we are tempted to respnd the same way. If Mr. King dies he will not do that to another human being.
Stella
Submit Date: 8 MAR 1999 Name: Benjamin M. Bynum Email: bbynum5551@aol.com Response:
I think the sentencing was adequate as long as it is carried out within a quick period of time.
Submit Date: 8 MAR 1999 Name: Email: BRADFO43@CCVAX.MMC.EDU Response:
I thought you afro webpage folk might be interested in this article from the Crisis:
This was sent along by a friend who said the following:
"Attached for your insightful reading is a commentary that I found to be very interesting, and I thought I would share it with those who had an ear to hear.
"It is taken from the "CRISIS" January/February, 1999 issue. I felt it was worth passing on, especially to those who have not yet read."
BLACK HISTORY MONTH - A GLOBAL CELEBRATION
By C. Stone Brown
For many African Americans, Black History Month is a social paradox. It is a month that has a dual disposition. It gives blacks a chance to look back at the achievements of their distant and recent ancestors. Yet, its very existence reveals hypocrisy, cynicism, and ignorance by Europeans who intentionally sought to destroy any record of African's illustrious past.
-- BREAK -- BREAK -- BREAK
Note from Afro.com. We are unable to include this rather lengthly article due to copyright issues.
BRADFO43 has stated that if anyone is interested in reading it they should contact him directly.
BRADFO43@CCVAX.MMC.EDU
Submit Date: 7 MAR 1999 Name: sharon Email: Response:
The Murderer has time to right him self with the God. As he knows when he is to be killed
where as the person he Murdered probably had no
chance. He is being given an unfair advantage
sentanceing him to death would mean he would suffer for longer no matter what he gets he can not suffer enougth., Not for me anyway.
Submit Date: 6 MAR 1999 Name: TheIntern Email: Response:
I have not visited this website for awhile, and just finished reading the response Bonnie Jackson gave to my second response under the Howard resignation in D.C. topic. Ms. Jackson, you only showed your own ignorance and intolerance of other people's way of doing things with your last response. I read the Webmaster's directions just as well as you did, but I, unlike you, understood them. They state, "You must at least have a name OR e-mail address to which others can respond." The operative word here is 'OR'. As long as you have a name to address me by,that is all you need. Anything you have to write to me can be posted right here on this webpage. For all you know, I might not even HAVE an e-mail address, so you should not concern yourself with trying to contact me directly in that particular medium. I'll tell you like Black mothers tell their children: it is better to be quiet, and for people to THINK you are stupid, than to open your mouth(or discussion page thoughts in this case), and remove all doubt.
As far as the John King sentencing, I think that he should have already been executed by now, and that time is a-wasting, BUT, I do respect the person's suggestion on this webpage that he should receive life imprisonment with the stipulation that he could have no outside contact with family nor the outside world for the rest of his life. With tv, the internet, and radio though, he could still contact the outside world, if he still lived. I don't see how lifelong COMPLETE isolation could be legally done to a prisoner in this day and age, but if it COULD be successfully pulled-off, it too would be a good sentence. That way, just as that respondent said, King would be forced for the rest of this particular lifetime to mull over his deed, and the fact that because of it, he can never see his family and loved ones again nor basically live healthfully as a normal human being.
Submit Date: 6 MAR 1999 Name: roslyn Email: b1276@bellatlantic.net Response:
No doubt this unfeeling person should be put to
death. I have no problem with the Death penalty
because I believe in "an eye for an eye". If
only I could pull the switch.
Submit Date: 6 MAR 1999 Name: Email: Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net Response:
What we really need is a Government that will overlook skin color, and disorganize the (over 200) white hate organizations (here in America) with the single agenda of ridding America of all African_Americans! The government states that their philosophy is protected by the constitution. If that's true -- why are you killing "King"?? with the Demise of those "Aberrations," (hate groups) America would smell just a tad better!! The Death sentence is very appropriate for "King!" I question the Method. His kind Warrants "The Chair!" A Hundred Trillion Volts shocking ass suits me fine! Burn him to a Stinkin' Cinder! Then Fumigate the Stinkin' Cinder...!!
Submit Date: 5 MAR 1999 Name: Larry MCINTYRE Email: LMcint4157@aol.com Response:
I THINK JOHN KING SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE.I THINK HE SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH ANY HUMAN,THIS INCLUDES LETTERS FROM FAMILIES ALSO I THINK HE SHOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH WHAT HE DID, AND THINK ABOUT IT.THE DEATH SENTENCE IS REALLY A PARDON ,BECAUSE WHEN YOU ARE DEAD YOUR ARE FREE.
Submit Date: 4 MAR 1999 Name: Email: jazmanj@hotmail.com Response:
OK Judicially speaking: justice(?) Legally, in the state of Texas, the crime is punishable by death. So he deserved to die.
Can we pack recompensatory action or come close to remotely punishing whites for 400 years of slavery, the murders, the raping of our formothers, the horid present reality of racism in this one case? If we try in any way to attach to this one murder a small portion of payback to the American system for what it has done (and is doing) to us- then we show insensitivity to the Byrd family. The system (specifically the judical) can not ATONE for what whites have done with the murder of one white supremacist. It sounds like we are looking for ATONEMENT(?)!
Are we, from the SAME American system?
In the meantime "Father, Father we don't need to escalate. War is Not the answer- For Only Love Can CONQUER HATE..." MARVIN GAYE. Do we really know WHAT'S GOING ON?
peace
jazmanj
Submit Date: 5 MAR 1999 Name: Terry Moten Email: tertramoten@msn.com Response:
All forms of punishment, be it the spanking of a small child or the execution of a murderer, if not administered in love to reflect the will of God, it is nothing more nor less than vengence. A vengence under the guise of a virtuous pursuit in the interest of justice. I being an advocate of the death penalty and a hater of that which stands in opposition to the will of God, do indeed wrestle with the existential gratification I feel knowing that King stands to die for his evil sin, yet I understand and am well aware, that anyone capable of reading this post, will also die under judgement. Truth is, many of us will exist in eternity along side King. Who of us, will King be able to look in the face and say "I knew you'd make it?" My prayer is, that if it be me that he looks in face and asks the question, that I would be able to respond... "I'm glad to see that you made it as well, my friend."
Out of the heart, the mouth speaks!
Submit Date: 4 MAR 1999 Name: joseph Email: joseph1teresa3@msn.com Response:
The death sentence was most appropriate for this individual. The last white person executed in the state of Texas for killing a black took place 150 years ago. Think about it. I am 51 years old and I can'nt recall a white being executed,lynched, whatever in this country for the killing of a black person. This person was executed for killing a slave. I guess our value decreased quite a bit after the civil war. As a teen in 60's Houston,Tx.,I recall reading the Forward Times (the black newspaper with white print). Almost weekly, you read about a black being executed. Gruesome details were circulated about the execution. 5, 10, 20 thousand volt electrocutions. Heads on fire, flesh frying, feces, urination, etc.. A black man was executed for two dominating reasons. 1. raping or being accused of raping a white woman. 2. Killing or being accused of killing a white. Talking about sending a message. We got the message 400 years ago. Do'nt you think the rest should get this message. Execute John King, "NOW". No more talking, no more debate, no more rationalization. As a matter of fact, we do'nt need to spend more money holding a trial for the other two. Send the 400+ year old message to all the citizens in this country.
Submit Date: 3 MAR 1999 Name: nail Email: 7779311nailnetscape.net Response:
Sentence with out parole because the only thing
they do when giving a death sentence is putting
that person to rest, give him life and let
God deal with him.
Submit Date: 3 MAR 1999 Name: Linda Gross Email: Llg25k13@aol.com Response:
I think the sentence fits the crime. Now King
can think about the life he took and wait for
the day of his execution. The only way the end
can justify the means is to have King dragged
behind his own truck, and that way he will
know how Mr. Byrd felt during his death and
how his family is dealing with his lost.
Submit Date: 3 MAR 1999 Name: kamandua Email: Response:
yes, i believe it is a necessary process to allow the appeal process, if you have been sentenced to death. How ever, I believe there should be a time and a number of appeals allowed statute placed...some of these have grown rediculous.
Submit Date: 2 MAR 1999 Name: thezealot Email: thelands@netzero.net Response:
The purpose of Jail is to serve as an adult form of timeout that is suppose to bring about repentence, just as any form of discipline. Death is separation, so by going to jail you are separated from your family, friends and the rest of the free world. Physical death casues a person to be separated physically from all living beings, and perhaps should preserved for occasions when there is no possibility of remorse or repentence, that is there hearts are hard ant they have been turned over to a reprobate mind. However, since we don't know a man's heart all we can do is discipline the action of a man. If we kill them then they have no opportunity to repent. This is why we discipline our children, so that they will come to know the truth. John King may never ever say I am sorry, or ask for forgiveness, but it is up to us those who have committed crimes against each other and God and have never asked for forgiveness but appreciate the fact they wake up every morning with a new opportunity, can we afford to or should we deny even the slightest possibility. Even if he is executed, that's not the worse, it is only when you meet the maker who has the power to kill both body and soul, now that is death, being separated from God for eternity. Is the death sentence adequate, if death is the penalty for such a crime and he was found guilty without a reasonable doubt then the sentence was proper for the law. But I tend to believe that there was some points that were trying to be made and some emotions that got involved and all that, and just blind rage that says if it was good enough for Byrd then let it be good enough for you Mr. King. Peace
Submit Date: 2 MAR 1999 Name: simon Email: talib@swbell.net Response:
Imagine standing before God, wating for Him to find your name in the book of life. Not finding it says becasue of your pride, arrogance and sins against Me and my word you are cast in to the lake of fire for eternity. I suppose it would be like being tied up by the ankles with a chain that is used to anchor ocean liners, tied to back of a turbo boosted 4 x 4 and then being dragged over fire and brimstone for 3 miles, 6 miles, 12 miles, 3,000,000,000,000 essentially never stopping. Now that's a sentence!!
Submit Date: 2 MAR 1999 Name: Terry Moten Email: tertramoten@msn.com Response:
Punishment is decided by the punisher, rehabilitation is a choice of the punished. He who sheds the blood of another man, so shall his blood be shed. For one to understand that last statement thoroughly, he must have a thorough understanding of Old Testament theology and customs, from which the statement is derived. Though Mr. King may be condemned as a man in his ontological essence, he can still choose to save his soul. Man can take away another man's life in time, but each individual control fate in eternity. Each of us can take a positon of advocation or opposition to the death penalty. However, the act of killing in of itself is not unrighteous behavior. It is the intent of the heart coupled with the act that makes conduct righteous or unrighteous before God. Righteousness starts and ends in the heart predicated on a willingness to please God and to reflect His will in our lives as we understand it to be so. So it matters not, whether we as individuals or as a government agree or disagree with the death penalty. The real issue is where is the heart of the individual who opposes or advocates the punishment of death. Does the advocate or opponent seek self-gratification in their position, or are they earnestly seeking to please and reflect the will of God as they understand it through their stance of advocacy or opposition. If carnality is the root of your position, either for or against, then indeed you stand in judgement just as does Mr. King. No more or no less so.
P.S. Out of the heart, the mouth speaks!
Submit Date: 2 MAR 1999 Name: Email: bradfo43@ccvax.mmc.edu Response:
I normally do not sanction capital punishment, but in this case, I think that it is an appropriate measure. The reason why I do not sanction capital punishment is because it is assigned disproportionately to Black men, particularly if they kill white people, than to white men, ESPECIALLY if they kill Black people. Plus, what opportunity for rehabilitation does this white supremacist have, in all reality? I mean, he was SMILING at the cameras after his conviction, and has been quoted as saying, "This was worth dying for." Why waste tax payers' dollars keeping him alive, feeding and housing him for the rest of his life, instead of just killing him? I don't think that capital punishment actually deters anybody from killing another, but in this case, I don't see any worth that these supremacists have to anybody on this earth, and I believe that an "eye for an eye" justice is due to the Black community, for a change. I just keep thinking about Mr. Byrd's sister crying on the front page of the newspaper, and about how I would feel if MY brother had been killed in that manner, JUST because of his African heritage. In my heart, I would feel that I deserved justice. Mr. Byrd's family deserves justice, and that only justice would be to know that his murderers are killed, and disallowed from continuing in life, just like their victim, Mr. Byrd was not allowed to continue with his life.
Submit Date: 2 MAR 1999 Name: Email: Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net Response:
The only meaningful punishment is to chain his ankles, and drag him behind the same pickup truck, on the same bumpy asphalt road, the same distance, until his head, shoulder, and right arm separates from his body!! And don't stop until his flesh tears away exposing his limbs to the bone!!! That's what he caused to happen to Mr. Byrd... It is only fitting that he should experience the same death he gave James Byrd Jr. This Cowardly Monster should never have been born to walk the same earth as Mr. Byrd!!! May King's soul Burn in Hell...
Submit Date: 1 MAR 1999 Name: Jeremy K. Grice Email: littlejroc@hotmail.com Response:
Meaningful sentence? If the roles were reversed I don't think anyone would have a problem putting to death a black man, so why are we so concerned with making a meaningful example of this white man? No punishment will ever bring Mr Byrd back to his family, so let's let justice be served (for once) and let the sentence equal the crime.
Submit Date: 1 MAR 1999 Name: D. Mcphee Email: Response:
The death sentence for John King is adequate. He should be taken out in the street & shot immediately. Although, I know revenge will not bring the dead brother back. Somehow the exection of John King seems fitting....
Submit Date: 1 MAR 1999 Name: Bonnie Jackson Email: bonjac@aol.com Response:
It is too bad that John King couldn't have been cloned. Cloning could have made it adequate. You see, the clone could have gotten a life sentence and watched as the real John King died. It would also be extremely important that John's clone go beyond scientific expectation. This clone would have like feelings and outlook on life as the original because only then would death be adequate. In other words, John needs to see himself die; feel himself die and then have to think about having to die again as he sit there serving a life sentence.
Submit Date: 1 MAR 1999 Name: Tate Email: ttax@erols.com Response:
In this case, the sentence fits. Life in prison
will not result in rehabilitation or a change in his views.
The family or children would not significantly benefit
from any additional civil penalties that may be imposed.
Submit Date: 1 MAR 1999 Name: Joe B Email: # Response:
I think this young man is sick, heart fill with hate, has no use in any decent society except for creating a hostile environment. I don't think I could vote for execution in any case, except for, in the case of rape of little children. I dont believe that anyone should have power intentionally say" I have to kill you because you kill someone" But it would not take much to persuade me for Mr. King. It would be a hard decision after many prayers with the higher council.
Submit Date: 1 MAR 1999 Name: Julio X Email: cause17@hotmail.com Response:
Simply, killing is wrong. Legallized or not. Let's not let others, no matter how evil their misdeed, drag us down to that level.
Furthermore, people of color know damn well that the death sentence is flipped on us predominantly. Any sentence or verdict where your judged by a jury of people who don't live in your neighborhood, who don't look like you, who don't need to think on where the next meal is coming, who don't need to protect themselves from the beast is a joke.
Submit Date: 1 MAR 1999 Name: Darnel Tanksley Email: DarTanksle@aol.com Response:
Of all the questions that could of been asked on this subject, this has to be the lamest. I beleive John King was the first White man to get death for killing a Negro in Texas. Now that raises questions.
