REGINALD BLANTON AND TEXAS "JUSTICE"

I think most people around the world know that Texas is the murder capital of the world, (or close to it after Iran). I’m talking about capital punishment, rather than out-and-out murder of innocent people, although it makes you wonder if there is much of a difference sometimes in both the case of Texas AND Iran.
I guess you could say that Iran is better than Texas in some cases – at least the punishment is carried out quickly – unlike Texas where the due process of “law” can take years.
Reginald Blanton, a 27-year old African American has been waiting 7 years on death row in Polunsky Prison Livingston, Texas. It is hard to believe that, in this, the 21st century, a so-called civilised society can act this way.
I am in no position to comment on his guilt or innocence; BUT, it appears from articles that his trial was far from impartial. Shoes worn by the defendant did not match shoeprints made at the murdered man’s home – the jury was an all-white one, black jurists having been kicked out by the prosecutor. Federal judge agreed that the prosecutor racially excluded African Americans from serving on his jury, yet still denied the appeal.
I lived in West Virginia on and off for 3 years, and many Americans consider it a redneck state – seems to me that Texas is full of them too at all levels of society.
He was granted a right to appeal in August this year, and we can only hope he receives a fair trial this time, although it seems to me that the words “Texas” and “fair trial” are a contradiction in terms in the same sentence.
There is a petition to sign on http://www.everyonegroup.com/.
Go sign it – his guilt or innocence is not in question – abuse of his human right are for sure.
I may be wrong, but Texas is, in my opinion, a state where many citizens sleep smugly comfortable in their beds at night, presumably happy knowing fellow citizens are kept waiting for years while lawyers gain fame and fortune. Not that the death penalty there, (or anywhere else come to that), seems very effective in preventing violent crimes; but many of those good old Lone Star state folks sure do love their pound of flesh when it comes to killing criminals. I read once that some believe it’s worth the odd innocent man being executed occasionally in order to ensure the guilty die too!!!!
Seems the more intelligent and well-educated people become, the more dumb they become too.