The Writer's Life 6/28 - Evil

The nature of evil has been much debated. Is it innate or acquired? I don't think it really matters, although I believe a tiny percentage of the human race has a genetic disposition to it. Whatever the case, the evil must be stopped. In today's NY Post, Andrea Peyser's column focuses on the life of ease some murderers have behind bars. The article cited one miscreant in particular, Danny Robbie Hembree Jr., 50, who is on death row in North Carolina for the murder of a 17-year-old girl. He has admitted to killing two others. He recently wrote a letter to a local paper. Here are some excerpts:

"Is the public aware that I am a gentleman of leisure, watching color TV in the a/c, reading, taking naps at will, eating three well-balanced meals a day?"

"I am a man who is ready to except [sic] his unjust punishment and face God Almighty with a clear conscience unlike you cowards and your cowardly system."

"Is the public aware that the chances of my lawful murder taking place in the next 20 years if ever are very slim?"

"Kill me if you can, suckers. Ha! Ha! Ha!"

"I laugh at you self righteous clowns and I spit in the face of your so called justice system. The state of North Carolina has sentenced me to death but it's not real."

It's enough to make me rethink my opposition to the death penalty. I've always believed murderers should have the option of drinking hemlock if they tire of a life sentence. That seems preferable to execution. But if life in prison is as cushy as Hembree Jr. claims, what inmate would choose suicide? I know this has been said many times, but why do so many killers go by three names? Fortunately, these monsters are miniscule in number. Unfortunately, they walk among us, blending in until they leave too many clues.

Congratulations to the President on his health care victory, condolences to those of us who continue to fight against socialism. And to those who believe the law will control costs and improve delivery, I hope it covers having your head examined. Chief Justice John Roberts is said to be a conservative. If so, he becomes the latest to betray his base. George Bush spent like a liberal. Hopefully the nation won't go the way of Stockton, California, which is expected to file for bankruptcy by the end of the week.

My thanks to Mrs. Eclectic and her ten-year-old daughter, who purchased a bunch of books today.

Visit Vic’s sites:
Vic’s Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic’s Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic’s Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic’s 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic’s 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic’s Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f