I asked people to imagine the slow tormenting pain of waiting for death in a ready made tomb, called a prison cell. I also understand that hurt people tend to hurt people as a means of dealing with their own pain. So naturally there will be some who feel with everything inside them that those convicted of the act in taking anothers’ life deserves all the pain they’re getting. Even without knowing how or why certain events took place, people still feel as though someone must pay for the crime committed. By paying for the crime, I mean someone must suffer.Is this rational thinking or a reactionary surge of emotions caused by the pain of loss?? If it is rational then could it be said to be a premeditated thought waiting to be engaged?? Where is the humanity in that!?! Of course if it is reactionary, then some time to forgive the act is needed, but the event is never forgotten. RIGHT??
Look in the mirror, look at who you are and think of how you’ve come to be this person. Think of the things that transpired, the people whom you’ve encountered, and the experiences that have helped to mold and change you into who you see in that mirror. Has there never been a time when you were in need of some one’s forgiveness?? Or placed in a position where despite the feeling you were asked to forgive someone else?? Maybe you experienced an event, or several events which changed the way you now look at people and perceive your own life?? Look into the mirror again. This time look deep into your eyes and think of the most traumatic thing you had to endure in your life…Now thank God for His mercy in allowing you to make it through. At the same time truly humble yourself in realizing that everyone did not make it through their traumatic experience. For those who survived, the mental and emotional anguish may be slowly killing their souls. Think about that for a moment as you look into the mirror.
Again, hurt people hurt other people, so for some there will never be room in their heart for for forgiveness. For those people I pray God’s love fully embraces their pain to free them from the prison’s of hatred and rage…That tomb is worse than the one in which I reside. Those who look for justification to submit another to suffer for what is said to be right. Is it really right?? We tell children that two wrongs won’t make a thing right, yet as adults we use those two wrongs to make what’s not right, feel better. Really does it feel better and for how long?? The pain is never completely gone when dealing with the loss of a loved one. A picture, a song on the radio, a place, a conversation, the time of year. Almost anything can and will be a reminder. Yet you live and love, you laugh and cry, you give and receive all the things needed to keep the pain in a dormant state.
Now , I implore you for just a moment to think about those of “US” who are too grieving but without the beauties of life to help suppress the pains. Grieving in a place where love is an after thought., that sometimes you forget exists. Where the affection is misplaced and often misconstrued by orgasm slaves who indulge in homosexual acts. Where guards more often than not become intellectual bullies in attempts at emasculating men….their definition of respect. Where physical altercations are a right of passage, and where the weak are preyed upon with volatile acts of vengeance, because hurt people, hurt people. Where for one to grow beyond that, and having thoughts larger than the cave in which he lives is considered insanity. To humble ones self enough enough to exist amongst the masses of criminal chaos, should be commended. But the reality is that it’s not even a second or third thought in the minds of the communities some of “US” will return to. Just think about it!?!?
I’m not looking for sympathy. I am however, looking for that same forgiveness given, and The Second Chance said to be this country’s greatness. What I seek is mercy from those merciless hearts who hurt people for hurting people, and call it justice.
By: Aaron Major CJ-6184
PA. L.W.O.P. 1992-?
The Other Death Penalty