Sept 21, 2013

Paul

Hope my reply finds you having a wonderful day. I received your comments last night. I want to start with your last statement, not being able to say goodbye. Death 9 times out of 10 is unexpected. It cheats 90% of us out of our last goodbyes, I love you etc. My grandfather died unexpectedly. I was about 5 years old, sitting in his lap talking with him, when he made a strange noise and was gone. Unless it's cancer or something of that nature, we don't get a last goodbye. We are here one minute, gone the next. Remember that when your loved one walks out the door, 'cause that instance may be your last encounter. So never leave the last goodbye, the last "I love you", unsaid.

Alcohol and narcotics is a disease. It's a valid defense for human stupidity. We see congressmen, judges, lawyers, cops and outstanding law abiding citizens have a few too many and get behind the wheel of a car, and kill people. Why? Because their sense are clouded, judgment is gone. The courts recognize it. Only problem is if a prosecutor is hell bent on seeking the death penalty then they have to alter (lie) the testimony to say you were not that intoxicated, which they did in my case. Want me to show, it's in the record.

These appeals are not delayed by our attorneys or what I do. I can't control how a judge delays the appeal. My case from 1994 through 2007, 13 years, sat in Judge David C. Wiggins' court. He delayed my appeals, not me. Florida's Timely Justice Act is trying to correct that. However, the legislature went too far, and the result is it being appealed, where it's going to get reversed. Thrown out. Bottom line, is these appeals are not delayed due to the inmate or the inmate's loved ones' action. And the attorneys who are filing last minute appeals are doing what the court and constitution allows. They are not breaking any rules or laws. And sometimes the court reverses a case in the 11th hour and gives the inmate a new sentencing, a new trial or a life sentence. I've seen it done over a half dozen times here in Florida alone.

People don't go to trial believing they can beat the system. We all know we're not going to get a jury of our peers. We go to trial because we're forced into it. And remember this is Florida, 24 men found guilty and sentenced to death who were later exonerated and walked free, because of DNA, witnesses coming forward stating that prosecutors had them lie. Bottom line, the death penalty is not fair. Let Governor Scott's family member kill someone you love, and see if you get away from this sentence. On the other hand, if your loved one kills Governor Scott's loved one, you better believe they will be on death row. No - the death penalty is not a fair and impartial sentence. I can show you case after case where men in population are serving life sentences for murders far worse than what you will see back here. No - it's time for capital punishment to be abolished. For I don't feel that capital punishment is arbitrary and capricious. I know it is. The facts speak for themselves. It's time we live up to this evolving standard and become a true civilized nation that leads others.

Paul, take care of yourself and never leave an unsaid goodbye or I love you, never walk away angry 'cause you never know, when the moment of death will raise its ugly unforgiving head.

God bless you.
In peace + love
Ronnie :)