Introduction:
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) recently showcased the Exonerated Five, highlighting the injustices of the criminal legal system. However, this moment also revealed a tension within the convention’s narrative. Throughout the week, the DNC portrayed the criminal justice system and Kamala Harris’s role in it as a force for good. Yet, the Exonerated Five’s presence reminded us of the dark history of politicians, including Biden and Clinton, who built their careers on criminalizing and punishing young people. This article delves into the unmet promises of the Democratic Party, particularly regarding the death penalty, and the implications for those on federal death row.
The Betrayal of Unmet Promises:
Yusef Salaam, one of the Exonerated Five, stood as a living testament to the dangers of the death penalty. He became an activist against capital punishment after his wrongful incarceration. However, it was disheartening to learn that the DNC had removed its goal of ending the death penalty from its official platform. This omission raises questions about Harris’s commitment to this cause, especially considering her previous statements and actions as a senator. The removal of the death penalty from the platform feels like a stunning betrayal, particularly for the 40 men on federal death row.
The Horror of Trump’s Executions:
The recent federal execution spree under Trump and Attorney General Bill Barr was shocking and cruel. Thirteen people were executed, including Lisa Montgomery, who had a life marked by extreme trauma and mental illness, and Corey Johnson, despite a Supreme Court ban on executing people with intellectual disabilities. Dustin Higgs, the last man to be executed, was put to death for murders carried out by another man who had since recanted his testimony. Biden’s campaign promise to end the federal death penalty offered hope, but the removal of the death penalty from the DNC platform feels like a betrayal to those who witnessed these executions.
The Silence of Democrats:
The lack of discussion surrounding Trump’s execution spree during the DNC convention four years ago was alarming. Many on federal death row criticized the Democrats for staying silent while their friends and neighbors were being killed. The silence continued during this year’s convention, raising concerns about the Democrats’ commitment to opposing the death penalty. The stakes are high, with conservatives seeking to execute the remaining men on federal death row. Yet, Democrats have been conspicuously silent about this issue, leaving many to wonder about their true stance.
The Lack of Political Courage:
The absence of opposition to the death penalty in the DNC platform may be a result of political fear. Some believe that Democrats are avoiding any topic that could be used against them in the election cycle. However, activists and spiritual advisors who witnessed the federal executions argue that the very people who will power the Democrats to victory, especially women and young people, are opposed to capital punishment. The silence on this issue raises questions about Harris’s involvement in the platform’s drafting and her ability to stand firm in the face of intimidation.
The Invisibility of Executions:
The invisibility of federal executions has made it easier for Biden to backtrack on his promises, and for Democrats to remain silent. Only a small handful of Americans, including activists and spiritual advisors, have witnessed these executions up close. This lack of public awareness allows the government to operate without significant public scrutiny. As one inmate on federal death row stated before his execution, they want to keep them quiet and secret.
Conclusion:
The removal of the death penalty from the DNC platform raises concerns about the Democrats’ commitment to ending capital punishment. The recent federal execution spree under Trump highlighted the cruelty and unfairness of the death penalty. Biden’s victory over Trump offered hope for change, but the silence and omission of this issue during the DNC convention are disheartening. The lack of political courage and the invisibility of executions make it easier for Democrats to abandon their promises. The fate of those on federal death row hangs in the balance, as conservatives seek to execute them.
