Speakout 11/14

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

"Because we fear the responsibility for our actions, we have allowed ourselves to develop the mentality of slaves. Contrary to the stirring sentiments of the Declaration of Independence, we now pledge (our Lives) (our Fortunes) (and our sacred Honor) not to one another for our mutual protection, but to the state, whose actions continue to exploit, despoil, and destroy us." -- Butler D. Shaffer Professor, Southwestern University School of Law

While I was at the Scott County Judicial building on Tuesday, Nov. 6th, two well dressed gentlemen entered the building. They were discussing Amendment 2. While I didn't know exactly what was being said, I clearly heard the younger of the two gentlemen comment that Amendment 2 would bring out all of the 'Jesus freaks". We (I and the other people sitting in the lobby) were flabbergasted. The first question I have is what are Jesus freaks? Did you perhaps mean religious fanatics? Secondly, who is to say that Jesus freaks are a bad thing? With everything going on in the world today, maybe a little Jesus is what we all need. Maybe, just maybe, if people were taking the time to familiarize themselves and their children with Jesus, we wouldn't have all of the crime and school shootings. Maybe we wouldn't have all of these unwed, uneducated and under-aged parents. Maybe, just maybe if our children could quote Bible verses like they quote rap verses, they might have a better outlook on life and know that they should honor their parents instead of being disobedient and disrespectful. Maybe, if men had a little Jesus in their lives, some of them wouldn't be running around here with 5 and 6 kids by 4 and 5 different women. Maybe if women had a little Jesus in their lives, some of them wouldn't be wondering who their kids' father(s) are. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, so please take the time to get to know Jesus. I don't know about you, but I think Heaven will be a lot cozier than hell.

Recently a man was found guilty for beating to death a Charleston woman. He then beat to death the woman's 4-year-old daughter and severely injured her young son. Now stop and think about a grown man beating a 4-year-old child. That is nothing but evil. He waived a jury trial. The judge found him guilty and sentenced him to life in prison, no parole. I read nothing about a deal between the prosecutor and defendant. My question is what kind of crime does a person have to commit to get the death penalty. Since the trial is over I assume the Judge could answer this question.