Nov. 24
USA:
There is much to be thankful for in today's America. Despite its numerous
economic, social, cultural, and political problems (and they are numerous),
this is still a great country to live in and to work for social justice through
peaceful means.
I give thanks for many things, including the fact that occasionally we see an
elected official stand on principle and the moral high ground to do what is
right. Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber recently announced that he would no longer
acquiesce in that state's ongoing system of capital punishment. He ordered a
halt to the Dec. 6 execution there as well as announcing that no further
executions would occur under his watch--[see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtK6m2H-ds0]
Kitzhaber allowed 2 executions there to proceed earlier in his tenure, but no
more. His moral beliefs and his political courage are in stark contrast to
Texas Gov. Perry and his pride at having presided over 238 executions in his
decade long tenure in office.
Gov. Kitzhaber and those who specifically work for a death penalty-free America
are a major reason I give thanks today; it's an honor and a privilege to work
peacefully for a better society that will one day recognize that truly there is
no such thing as a lesser person.
(source: Rick Halperin, Amnesty International; Letter to the Editor, Dallas
Morning News)
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