Stories and Reflections
Trusting In God’s Plan
By Terri Steinberg, Mother of Virginia Death Row Inmate Justin Wolfe I knew that we had a death penalty in this country, but being a busy mom, I never did anything about it or gave it much thought. I was... MORE
Posted in Stories and Reflections, Virginia
Bridges to Life: Reconciliation and Rehabilitation Through Forgiveness
By John Sage Nobody can argue that crime is one of our country’s most pressing social problems. It destroys the personal well-being of perpetrators and victims alike, and impairs the public safety and financial stability of the entire country. While... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, Stories and Reflections
Chris Castillo, Pilar’s Son (Beaumont, TX)
By Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation Though the police have identified two suspects for my mom’s murder, they have never apprehended the men nor has anyone been held accountable for her murder. I am upset not only as my mother’s son but also... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, secondary-content, Stories and Reflections, Texas
Helene Burns, Maxine’s daughter (Austin, TX)
By Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation I am opposed to the death penalty because I believe it creates more victims than it helps. There is no closure after a loved one is murdered. The criminal who is executed leaves behind relatives/friends of their... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, secondary-content, Stories and Reflections, Texas
A Higher Court of Things
By Rev. Ronald Rolheiser We argue back and forth about whether or not [the death penalty] is a deterrent to crime, whether or not it eases the hurt of the families of the victims, and whether or not it is humane; but... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, secondary-content, Stories and Reflections | Leave a response
I Give, Therefore I Am
By Dale Recinella Years ago in the streets of Tallahassee, the itinerant mentally ill taught me a tremendous lesson. As payee for several of them, I handled their government disability funds. Most of the meager monthly amount went for rent,... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, Stories and Reflections
Jan Brown, Kandy’s mom (Houston, TX)
By Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation Having a child violently murdered is unthinkable and I still lack the words to explain it. But then to be dragged through years of pain in the judicial system is unimaginable too. Though I was... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, secondary-content, Stories and Reflections, Texas
Joanna Rankin, Josephine’s daughter (Pearland, TX)
By Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation I am opposed to the death penalty because I believe that killing someone is wrong; it doesn’t respect life. I believe that murderers should be apprehended and held accountable for their actions, but killing them is... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, secondary-content, Stories and Reflections, Texas
Joy Strickland, Chris’ mom (Dallas, TX)
By Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation I supported the death penalty until I learned that the justice system is flawed. That the justice system is flawed should come as no surprise. The process was created by and is controlled and operated... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, secondary-content, Stories and Reflections, Texas
Linda White, Cathy’s mom and grandmother to Cathy’s unborn child (Magnolia, TX)
By Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation I do not believe death penalty system is victimfriendly, since it consumes huge sums of money that could be used for direct victims’ services, such as counseling, funeral expenses, and educational help for the children left behind, all... MORE
Posted in Inspiration, secondary-content, Stories and Reflections, Texas