The Night That the Lights Went Out in Georgia

I've heard people saying this about tonight, and it's true. We have hung an innocent man, or at least one that wasn't proven guilty. Troy Davis died at 11:08 pm, and I'm far more affected by it than I thought I'd be. Sure, I signed a bunch of petitions, and posted my support for his cause on Facebook, but a human life has been lost, and it's, frankly, keeping me awake. It isn't fair. Elisa Baker murdered and dismembered her 10 year old disabled stepdaughter last year, and faces a maximum of 18 years in prison. Oh, but she's a white woman, and her victim wasn't a cop......just because life is inherently unfair doesn't mean we weren't put here to make it better. Why is Mark MacPhail's life worth more than Zahra Baker's? If the rule is, an eye for an eye, let's make all eyes of equal value. Also, Elisa Baker confessed (no doubt in hope of a good deal with authorities). Troy Davis maintained his innocence to the end, and the entire case against him is utterly unconvincing. Just ask noted humanitarians Jimmy Carter and the Pope, who count themselves among Davis' supporters.
I hope Troy Davis finds the peace and justice that eluded him in this life, and I hope the same for Zahra Baker, and all of those who found themselves at the centre of life's storms, through no fault of their own. And I hope Amnesty International, and all of the organizations and individuals who stood up for Troy Davis, continue their fight for a better world. We lost this battle, but there will be many more to win.