I wish that some day I could have a conversation with you on the death penalty. For now, I have decided to pen you this open letter.
Let me just say that I have lived a life of capital prosecution and defence, Mr. President. Indulge me therefore to seek your audience on the subject. It is not a good experience. It is draining, emotionally. These deceased were like me. They had dreams, they were loved by their families, and had beautiful children. I caution myself that somewhere, a family is grieving. My heart breaks and I weep. I have looked at clients and felt my blood boil with rage. I have literally sworn at them and virtually kicked tables. That is the outrage murder invokes in all right thinking people and I am no exception. By the way, there is neither money nor pleasure in capital defence. I have done most capital cases pro deo. Rich people and their children are hardly ever under threat of capital punishment. It’s a punishment for the poor. There is no escape from that fact. So when people tell me it’s about money, I feel like weeping.
