Not in MY Name
KsCADP launched a new project in fall 1999 to provide a mechanism by which Kansans could register their stand on the death penalty.
The Kansas death penalty—Not in MY name project attempts to reach as many Kansans as possible. We know there are many Kansans who don't want the death penalty.
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some oppose it for moral or religious reasons. |
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some who have lost family members oppose it because it won't do anything to help a grieving family. |
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some believe it just isn't good public policy, and sends the message that killing another person is a socially acceptable way of solving problems. |
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some are concerned about the risk of executing an innocent person. |
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some believe the money spent on the death penalty would be better spent on crime prevention. |
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some believe it doesn't work as a deterrent to violent crime. |
KsCADP offers Kansans this option because we know that there is often a perception that the public wants the death penalty. Silence is equated with support. The Not in MY Name letters will be shared with Kansas decision makers so that they are more fully informed about how Kansans feel on this issue.
What can you do?
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A copy of the Not in MY Name letter is available on this web site. Click here to find the letter--you may print it, add your name, and mail it to KsCADP. |
| To e-mail your signature to the letter, click here. |
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Share this information with your family, friends, co-workers, and others. |
The Kansas Coalition Against the Death
Penalty Board issued a statement under the title ANot
in Our Name@
a few days before the execution of
Timothy McVeigh. The Kansas Coalition Board challenged the notion that McVeigh must die for his crimes. The pain and
suffering resulting from the violence of the Oklahoma City bombing are real.
However, the Board recognizes that the critical question at this time is how
we as a society respond to such violence. The statement reads as
follows:
Timothy McVeigh=s
actions in the Oklahoma City bombing caused incalculable pain and suffering.
There is no justification for the 168 deaths, 500+ injuries, and the general
human suffering he caused that day. The violence of that bombing harmed so
many and changed lives forever. McVeigh made a choice about his actions. Now
it is our turn. Do we kill him in response or not? Some will justify his
execution by claims of public safety. The reality is that we don't
have to kill McVeigh to keep our country safe. Alternatives exist to keep
him out of society forever so that he can't orchestrate more deaths.
Americans pride themselves on being a civilized society. Many in our country
voice a belief in the primacy of the religious principles of human dignity
and love. Others articulate universal human rights principles which are to
be respected for every person regardless of their moral rectitude. The
McVeigh case challenges us. Do we really act out of what we claim as our
religious or human rights values? As despicable an act as the Oklahoma City
bombing was, we believe we must not respond to killing by engaging in more
killing. When we snuff out McVeigh=s
life, we will have engaged in a show of brute force in response to the
incredible violence he used. We will be sending the message that the answer
to our problems is more killing. We will memorialize the Oklahoma City
victims by creating another grieving family.In addition, Timothy McVeigh=s
death won=t
just harm him and his family. It will harm us too. We will have sold a piece
of our collective soul for the cheap trinket of revenge. We will have
planted seeds that may grow into future violence because of our refusal to
live by a higher ethic than McVeigh did, thus breaking the cycle of
violence. Who will next suffer because of our Aeye
for an eye@
philosophy? The death penalty stands in contradiction to basic religious and
human rights principles. Executions continue the cycle of violence and
foster revenge and retaliation. Alternatives exist to protect society from
Timothy McVeigh. So, when he goes to the death chamber, let one thing be
clear: Not in OUR Name!
Kansas Coalition
Against the Death Penalty
P.O. Box 2065
Topeka, Kansas 66601-2065
785-232-5958
kcadp1176@cox.net
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