Tookie Williams Is Dead, But Leaves Legacy

At 12:34 a.m. on December 13th, the State of California killed Tookie Williams, the co-founder of the notorious Crips gang. The families of the victims seemed pleased, but what did his death accomplish? One less mouth to feed seems to be the obvious answer. The thought that killing another human being is going to bring closure is really warped and unrealistic. More likely, the families think they will just feel better; but if 25 years after the deaths of their loved ones they do not have peace, then one must wonder if peace is ever possible.

Tookie Williams may be dead, but his legacy -- both good and bad -- lives on. Every time one has an encounter with a gang member, Tookie Williams will be remembered. Whenever a child or teen joins a gang to have a "family" this act will continue the legacy that Tookie Williams created. On the other hand, every time one of them reads his books telling them to stay away from gangs, that will bring Tookie Williams into that person's life.

So, the State of California may have killed Tookie Williams to pay for the lives he may have taken, but they accomplished nothing because for better or worse, he is a part of the gang world and they now have a score to settle.

Should Tookie Williams have been killed? No! Not because he was not guilty, but he better served humanity alive. He had done a great deal to undo his wrongs, but the system said, "So What!"

Yet, how is it that the State of California continues to feed and house Charles Manson? Until ALL who murder receive the death penalty, then none should receive the death panalty. Who is to decide whose life is worth a life and another is only worth life without parole, and lets not forget plea bargins.

Why is it that America can be on the wrong course and stand behind the death penalty until the bitter end, rather then admit there is another way that might be better? Arrogance.