It Happened This Morning
And I was asleep

Less than three miles from where I live the 1000th exection took place at 2:15 this morning. I am ashamed to admit that I was asleep when it happened. I should have been at the vigil. Every time this kind of vigil takes place in Raleigh, I feel I ought to be there. But, I haven't been.

Oh, yes, this year I have some pretty darn good excuses--chiefly a bout of bursitis in the hip that makes standing and walking a tortuous experience. Also, I have lent my written support to the movement in this state that led to the establishment of a commission to study the fairness of the application of the death penalty. When its report comes out, I hope to be able to pressure our state lawmakers to do the right thing.

Nevertheless, I should have not been asleep.