One of a series of posters focusing on the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
United Nations
Manhattan, NY
9 October 2011
Filed under Human Rights, Lent, Photo, United Nations
The Guardian reports that, for the second time in seven months, convicted murderer Warren Lee Hill, Jr. received a stay of execution in Georgia. In July, the stay came with some 90 minutes to spare. Tonight, reports indicate that only thirty minutes remained before the scheduled execution.
The Huffington Post states they have received the following from Brian Kammer, an attorney for Hill:
“We are greatly relieved that the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the execution of Warren Hill, a person with mental retardation. All the doctors who have examined Mr. Hill are unanimous in their diagnosis of mental retardation, so there is no question that his execution would have been in violation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2002 ruling in Atkins v. Virginia.”
A post on CNN further notes that
The Georgia Court of Appeals acted on an appeal of a challenge to the way the prison handles the lethal injection drugs used in executions, while the federal appeals court issued a stay “ordering a further briefing on the issue of mental retardation,” Kammer said.
It remains to see what will happen as the issues that provided the basis for the stays are explored.
I grieve for Myra Wright and Joseph Handspike who were killed by Warren Lee Hill, Jr., and for their family and friends. There is no defense for his crimes.
But … The Guardian lists ten reasons not to execute Hill.. One notes that the family of Joseph Handspike opposes the execution. One cites international law. The other reasons explore dimensions of the questions related on Hill’s mental capacity. I agree with them all.
I further believe that violence begets violence. Executions do not reverse horrible crimes. They serve little purpose beyond vengeance. We have alternatives to protecting our society.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Capital Punishment, Death Penalty
Along the cliffs they stand
in silence:
watchers,
greeters,
sentries.
30 April 2012
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
… in their hands
Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations
Manhattan, New York
27 November 2012
Filed under Lent, Photo, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations
This originally appeared on Swords into Plowshares, the blog of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
I passed through Ralph Bunche Park at 43rd Street and First Avenue on Sunday. And it wondered me why the story of Dr. Ralph J. Bunche‘s life is not told more often.
A political scientist, academic, writer, and diplomat, Bunche took part in planning for the creation of the United Nations. He was an adviser to the U.S. delegation for the “Charter Conference” of the United Nations held in 1945. He took part in drafting the UN Charter. Along with Eleanor Roosevelt, Bunche played a key role in the creation and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In 1947, Bunche served as the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine. He became the Principal Secretary of the UN Palestine Commission. He served as the Personal Representative of Secretary-General with Count Folke Bernadotte, the United Nations Mediator on Palestine. Following Bernadotte’s assassination in September 1948, Bunche became the Acting Mediator. He chaired the UN mediation efforts that led to the successful negotiation of the four armistice agreements that helped end the conflict.
For his work, Bunche became the first African-American and person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He continued to served the UN for over twenty years. His work included helping to end colonialism.
Bunche was an active and vocal supporter of the U.S. civil rights movement. He participated in the 1963 March on Washington and in the Selma to Montgomery, Alabama march, which contributed to the passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 and federal enforcement of voting rights.
Dr. Ralph J. Bunche is one of so many people to honor – so many stories to remember – during Black History Month and always.
See you along the Trail.
First night
Shire near the Hudson
Manhattan, New York
4 October 2010
Section of a quilt
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
February 14, 2010
As I sat waiting for the shuttle to take me from Times Square to Grand Central this morning, I watched a couple of tourists make the mad dash across the station to the train door. They entered the car, smiled and hugged each other. Joy filled their eyes as they pulled maps from their pockets and planned their day. Joy filled my heart as they reminded me how blessed I am to live in this amazing city.
See you along the Trail.
Along the Graybeard Trail 