Hasta La Gadget!

Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'” Bible Gateway

Big news today: the Boston bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, has been sentenced to death. The 21-year-old man who accompanied his brother on a journey of violence and terrorism will now live out the years of his appeals process until a lethal injection is administered to end his life.

Liz Norden, whose two sons each lost a leg in the bombing, said, “It is bittersweet … There are no winners today.” She added that she thought the death penalty was an “appropriate sentence.” The Huffington Post

Certainly there are no winners. Who wins when egregious acts cause death and maiming? Who wins when families are torn apart, children lose the breadth of their lives, and idealogical incitements set cultures, religions, and governments at each other’s throats? Who wins when the corrosiveness of hate demolishes any regard for the preciousness of life? Who wins when we kill to punish those who kill?

I’d argue: no one. Even Matthew continued:

“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

Biblical contradiction. What’s a believer to believe?

There was a time when I was ambivalent about the death penalty. In the Catholic church in which I was raised, strict interpretations of the Bible were the meat of Sunday sermons, and tracts like Matthew’s–both concepts–were repeated often enough that they became foundational pieces of my budding worldview. But as I got older I began to question the contradictions, querying the reasons behind which part of what canon was to be believed, was meant to guide and inspire me. This curiosity was not necessarily frowned upon, but it was met with patronizing mandates to “have faith” and trust in the good book. Which part, I asked? I don’t remember anyone answering.

In high school I attempted to read the Bible myself rather than be fed selections by priests and nuns with agendas, and while I found it as ponderous and incomprehensible as I later found Dianetics, The Modern Science of Mental Health, or 2001, A Space Odyssey, what I did come away with was heightened awareness of its many inconsistencies. Which ultimately made the “eye for an eye” theory (amongst others) harder to either justify or defend.

History of the death penalty stretches back to the 1700s B.C., so clearly the urge for vengeance has been a part of human existence long enough to have assessed its effectiveness. And while the ease with which it is administered has been tempered over time, its morality and purpose has become a matter of deep divide in this country, particularly since its deterrent factor is negligible.

For those against the penalty, these fundamentals, as cited by the American Civil Liberties Union, are of most concern:

• The death penalty system in the US is applied in an unfair and unjust manner against people, largely dependent on how much money they have, the skill of their attorneys, race of the victim and where the crime took place. People of color are far more likely to be executed than white people, especially if the victim is white.
• The death penalty is a waste of taxpayer funds and has no public safety benefit. The vast majority of law enforcement professionals surveyed agree that capital punishment does not deter violent crime; a survey of police chiefs nationwide found they rank the death penalty lowest among ways to reduce violent crime. They ranked increasing the number of police officers, reducing drug abuse, and creating a better economy with more jobs higher than the death penalty as the best ways to reduce violence. The FBI has found the states with the death penalty have the highest murder rates.
• Innocent people are too often sentenced to death. Since 1973, over 140 people have been released from death rows in 26 states because of innocence. Nationally, at least one person is exonerated for every 10 that are executed. [Emphasis added.]

Yet studies show that the “eye for an eye” Biblical imperative still rules. Though the “pro” contingent has decreased since its high of 80% in 1994, a full 60% of Americans still support the death penalty, per the most recent Gallup poll. Why? Given its inequity and ineffectiveness as spelled out above, why do most Americans continue to see red?

The top five reasons as itemized by Amnesty International:

1. ‘We need to be tough on crime.’
2. ‘They did the crime, they should do the time.’
3. ‘The criminal justice system is fair.’
4. ‘It is cheaper and more humane to execute people.’
5. ‘But what about [insert horrible despot here]: surely they should be executed?’

I urge you to click over to the full piece; the details behind each statement provide a fascinating study of how we humans think.

Looking at the general disconnect between fact and feeling, it seems clear that one of the most prevalent features of death penalty support is vengeance, a point supported by Radley Balko, investigative reporter at The Huffington Post, in his 2011 piece, Why Americans Still Support The Death Penalty:

Most Americans support the death penalty out of a desire for vengeance or retribution. Some crimes, the thinking goes, are so heinous that death is the only appropriate punishment. According to Gallup, about 60 percent of death penalty supporters back capital punishment under some form of this reasoning. It’s probably also the strongest argument in favor of the death penalty.

But the hunger for vengeance or retribution can also cloud judgment…

…a point Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld’s Innocence Project could make many times over.

While debating this issue not long ago, a man asked me: “But how would you feel if it were your son who was murdered?” My answer? “I’d want to kill that person. But I wouldn’t.” Because I could not justify taking that measure into my own hands. The only time I could justify killing is in the act of self-defense or the defense of someone else. Ending another person’s life as punishment is far too omnipotent an act for me as a human being to execute. Even another person who set off a bomb on a Boston street. Even if that other person’s victim were, God forbid, my son.

We are a country that debates many things: a woman’s right of domain over her own body, a humane immigration policy, care for our poor and needy; funding for the elderly and sick, and the causes and justifications for war. As we argue, fight, and parse with each other over these many moral issues, let’s also ask ourselves why this is true:

The United States was the only country in the Americas to carry out executions in 2015. The United States carries out more executions than any other liberal democracy (as defined by Freedom House) in the world.

The pain of loss, the grief of death, the anger of crime, the desire for revenge are all understandable human incentives. But executing another person does not truly assuage loss, abate grief, deter crime, or satisfy vengeance. It is just more violence.

It’s 2015. We are a civilized nation. Let’s rethink.

Hanging Man In Red photograph by LDW

___________________________________________________________

Follow Lorraine Devon Wilke on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Rock+Paper+Music. Access details and links to her other work at www.lorrainedevonwilke.com, and her novels, AFTER THE SUCKER PUNCH and HYSTERICAL LOVE at her author pages at both @ Amazon and Smashwords. Watch her book trailer for AFTER THE SUCKER PUNCH here, and be sure to follow her adventures in independent publishing at her book blog, AfterTheSuckerPunch.com.

______________________________

— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

The best kind of Amazon deliveries are often the ones you were too drunk to remember ordering. And with the help of the Drunk Shopping app, you’ll never miss another opportunity to do so…just as long as that opportunity occurs at 2am on a Saturday …

Touch is the first of the senses to develop in the human infant, and it remains perhaps the most emotionally central throughout our lives.

— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

Looking for that perfect beach vacation but you want to be yourself? It’s not that difficult once you have been to Pensacola, Florida. The water is warm, the people are nice, and there is just enough to do that even on a rainy day; you feel like you got away. I have been going to Pensacola for family reasons my entire life, but as an adult I appreciate that there is an added bonus: It is drop-dead gorgeous and affordable. As an unofficial Ambassador or Prince of Pensacola, I only have great things to say about my hometown. This Gulf Coast destination has a lot going on and you can jump into the local growth vibe or kick back on the pristine beaches for a break from the regular.

The beaches are often rated the best in the country. There are bays with bluffs supported by scruffy oak trees that are perfect for hiking on an overcast day for a waterside picnic. Not far from downtown are river beaches, fed by coldwater springs, where you can feel safe wading in the water without the threat of alligators. The famous sugar white sand beaches are located on a sandbar of a barrier island that was formed by the eroding limestone sediment from the base of the Appalachia. The sand squeaks when you walk on it and reflects the sun with such strong rays that an umbrella is not enough. Do not forget to stop at Tom Thumb to pick up your sunscreen and apply liberally… Don’t worry, you will still get a tan line.

Maybe a bronzing is lower on your list of priorities because you have children. They might be impressed by the National Naval Aviation Museum or floored by the roar of the Blue Angel’s practice, which happens twice a week if the pilots are not on tour. Explore the forts and trails at Ft. Pickens National Seashore for at least a day. There you can wander comfortably out of sight but at every turn there is a view out of an Audubon Magazine or possibly an Andrew Wyeth painting. If you have pets in tow, make sure to stop by the dog beach, it is located on the western side of the island entry and there is a cross in the dunes that may or may not belong to a revered hound that I once knew. The Pensacola Beach restaurants Flounder’s and Peg Leg Pete’s have sandy playgrounds that are those rare places where someone might say “Will you watch my kid while I go to the bathroom?” This is old school South where people look out for each other and welcome visitors with the same hospitality. Most of the time there is live music so leave any ego behind and dance in public with your family while having a sunset dinner. Let your guard down and relax; it is your vacation and you work hard for these times.

If you do not have kids but found that person in your life that is different from anyone else there are so many opportunities for romance. There are restaurants such as The Grand Marlin or Fish House that offer outside seating for a slow dining experience. You can go to the Wine Bar on Palafox for a few glasses before wandering the historic downtown streets. Most likely you want to pick up some fresh seafood at Joe Patti’s and cook dinner in your rental while still maintaining close contact with the water. Maybe a proposal or even a wedding is on your schedule; then reach out to local Darrin Land for some advice on where, when and how. It is not hard to find advice in Pensacola and everybody knows each other so just ask around.

For all the singles out there (put your hands up!) there are multiple bars with different moods to keep you from feeling alone. Head over to The Cabaret for a more subdued crowd (think karaoke and local artists) or The Round Up for pool tables, darts, and good old Southern boys. If you have not seen a show at Emerald City then you have not seen the creative side of what a Panhandle bar can do on a budget. There is a gay beach but I have not been in so many years that I suggest you ask someone at the above mentioned establishments. It is easy enough to find; look for the rainbow umbrellas and or HRC bumper stickers in the parking lots. Pensacola is a multicultural, multi denominational, multi age city in the South and as much as you are free to be you, respect for other’s presence goes a long way. There may be the occasional grouchy old jerk but that should not stop you from having a good time or making friends.

Now, where to stay? Stay on the island if you can and depending on your needs you have many options. I like to stay at Tristan Towers because it is far away enough from the epicenter to feel like a retreat but has so many amenities that you can look past the ’80s decor. Check out Pensacola Beach Properties for what is available but if at all possible get a west facing unit so you can stare off to the point during sunset. If you need a little more glamour and comfort then head towards Portofino. They have resort amenities and a crispness that can make you feel a bit pampered. No place is the wrong choice because whether you are by the highway, downtown or on the beach; everything is close.

Pensacola is a beach destination that has grown in popularity among those from the surrounding areas, but it still has a small town charm that will have you checking out property in the area before you leave. If you have an entire week at your disposal you might try flying through New Orleans; the money you save will pay for your rental car or hotel but do not stop in Biloxi unless you have some money to lose. Who needs Tulum, Mexico when we have Pensacola, Florida right here?

— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

The real world of our memory is made of bits of true facts, surrounded by holes that we Spackle over with guesses and beliefs and crowd-sourced rumors. On the dot of 10 on Wednesday morning, Anthony O’Grady, 26, stood in front of a Dunkin’ Donuts on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. He heard a ruckus, some shouts, then saw a police officer chase a man into the street and shoot him down in the middle of the avenue.

Moments later, Mr. O’Grady spoke to a reporter for The New York Times and said the wounded man was in flight when he was shot. “He looked like he was trying to get away from the officers,” Mr. O’Grady said.

Another person on Eighth Avenue then, Sunny Khalsa, 41, had been riding her bicycle when she saw police officers and the man. Shaken by the encounter, she contacted the Times newsroom with a shocking detail.

— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.