July 2014 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.
Echoes in Purgatory VII, SCI Graterford
A collection of writings by men who are serving a Life Sentence Without Parole [the other death sentence]. Read their words, then listen quietly and you will hear their cry for their God given “Right to Redemption.” …
*These reflections were written in the spring of 2013
Echoes is a continuing effort of CPF and Lifers Inc. to educate the public and our legislators about the injustice of Life without Parole here in PA.
At the time of my incarceration in 1987 and for why … The truth of the matter was I had so much remorse and regret, I didn’t care what they did to me because I thought they couldn’t hurt me anymore than I was already hurting. But the thing about a euthanasia case is there is no greater sorrow or pain. Now I see there is such a thing as too much punishment. Punishment shouldn’t be all about torture if the time comes when a person turns his/her life around (a real turn-around) - reconsider his
prison term - that’s a true sign of justice … When you are no longer protecting society from a dangerous person and you are just punishing a turn-around person who can rebuild some of that damage we cost. Too much punishment hurts everyone, including the victim’s family as well as the defendant’s family. There is nothing greater than a positive coming from a negative situation.
“LIFE” – the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual. “PAROLE” – a conditional release of a prisoner serving an indeterminate or unexpired sentence. Serving a (LWOP) sentence in Pennsylvania hinders my willingness to share with others, a conundrum from my life’s many experiences. Because every virtue of my consciousness is needed just to endure another twenty-four behind these steel doors, therefore, quintessentially essentially silencing a voice that can effectuate positive affirmation of one’s true character. Emerging from the alleged
actions of the past rises an exemplified man of humbled exuberance.
If you would like to comment or respond to any of the above reflections, the envelope needs to include: the man’s name, number,
P.O. Box 244,
Graterford, PA 19426
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