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I write this article on the day our federal government executed the first prisoner in 17 years. His name was Danny Lee, and he was put to death in Terre Haute, Indiana. Our state.
The original judge, prosecutor and victims’ family opposed killing Lee because the co-defendant was more culpable and received life in prison. They were ignored while our president had time to commute the sentence of his buddy Roger Stone. No time for Lee, however.
But why blame Trump when many of his supporters embrace his cowardice and shameful ineptitude? He faked bone spurs to avoid service in Vietnam, but that was OK. He still refuses to make public his tax returns, but who cares? He continues to let our country drown as virus infections escalate, but who really needs to wear a mask?
Though executions are inconsistent with our Declaration of Independence, despite our founders finding that “life” was an inalienable right guaranteed to all Americans, Trump proudly chants to applause, “Off with their heads.”
Many Americans applaud the United States Supreme Court when it finds that religious principles allow the firing of gay teachers and denying insurance for contraceptives. But doesn’t the Ten Commandments’ admonition that “thou shall not kill” forbid executions? After all, if the government killing citizens doesn’t violate God’s law, don’t you think God would approve of women using contraceptives? If the goal of many Trump supporters is eliminating abortion, by what religious authority do they justify putting a child to death as an adult?
Meanwhile, the president embraces Confederate monuments as he stokes anger concerning black protesters.
I feel exhausted and terrified.
In many ways, I also feel like British citizens whose lives were turned upside down when Germany bombed London from 1940-1941. Read Erik Larson’s magnificent “The Splendid and the Vile” and see if you don’t agree.
Like those in London under Winston Churchill, we have to join hands and take pride in being an American. Our motto should be, “All for one and one for all.” One can only remember the significance of voting in November.•
• Robert Hammerle practices criminal law in Indianapolis. When he is not in the courtroom or the office, Bob can likely be found at one of his favorite movie theaters preparing to review the latest films. To read more of his reviews, visit www.bigmouthbobs.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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