Schwarzenegger's statement

Below is an excerpt from Govenor Scwarzenagger's statement denying Stanley "Tookie" Williams clemency. If you haven't read the whole thing, I would recommend doing so.

"The dedication of Williams' book "Life in Prison" casts significant doubt on his personal redemption. This book was published in 1998, several years after Williams' claimed redemptive experience. Specifically, the book is dedicated to 'Nelson Mandela, Angela Davis, Malcolm X, Assata Shakur, Geronimo Ji Jaga Pratt, Ramona Africa, John Africa, Leonard Peltier, Dhoruba Al-Mujahid, George Jackson, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and the countless other men, women, and youths who have to endure the hellish oppression of living behind bars.' The mix of individuals on this list is curious. Most have violent pasts and some have been convicted of committing heinous murders, including the killing of law enforcement."

In case you havent read all of Schwarzenegger's statement, you should know that the dedication of his book is not at all the only reason he decided to proceed with the execution. That being said, this comment has obviously stirred up some controversy over here in South Africa.

This particular comment had South Africans accusing Schwarzenegger of calling Mandela a terrorist. I find this interesting, because really, he was a terrorist. The definition of a terrorist is one that participates in the "unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons." Now, dont get me wrong, I love Mandela as much as anyone. I believe that his efforts to end apartheid, both violent and non-violent, are to be celbrated. But no one can deny that he was a terrorist.

Now, was Schwarzenegger wrong for claiming that Williams had not reformed because he dedicated his book to people like Malcom X or Mandela? Probably so. However, I see his point on the inclusion of George Jackson.

Still, I think its more apalling that Williams seems to associate himself with these historical figures because they have both served time behind bars. Lets not forget that Williams killed 4 innocent people, essentially for fun. He murdered an entire family, and then made jokes about it afterwards. Sure, Mandela's actions may have resulted in death, but his actions were more than justified at the time.

Whether you believe in the death penalty or not, conclusive evidence has shown that Williams murdered 4 people in cold blood, and never even apologized for his actions. He was tried fairly, and sentanced to death. Its hard for me to say, but I dont think I would have granted Williams clemency either. Am I becoming more conservative?