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The cases could not be more different. Troy Davis was most likely innocent of the murder that he was put to death for. Lawrence Brewer was absolutely guilty of a hideous racial murder.
Both men were executed today. One very guilty, one probably innocent. Does anyone here feel a sense that justice has been served, or a sense of righteous vindication?
I most certainly do not. The death of Brewer (who was admittedly a sub-human monster), does not come close to balancing out the death of Davis.
I oppose the death penalty out of general principles, but I MOST specifically oppose it as practiced in the US, where it has become political theatre, not justice, where new facts are not allowed into evidence, and where police and prosecutors are allowed to perjure themselves with no risk of consequence.
Two people died today, convicted of murder. One guilty without a doubt, one probably innocent. Neither death made me feel safer, or prouder.
I just feel... dirty.
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