We face uncertainty together
For my fellow Floridians, as we spent this week preparing for Hurricane Idalia, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the randomness of the weather and the arbitrariness of the death penalty. As we all watched the shifting weather predictions and the “cone of uncertainty” on landfall, we all hoped for a shift away from us and our loved ones. And yet, we know that if the storm ultimately misses our area, it undoubtedly means devastation to others.
There are more than 100 execution-eligible people on Florida’s death row facing similar uncertainty every single day. They never know whether today will be the day that the Warden shows up at their cell door to deliver their date with death. Imagine living every day with that kind of cruel, random terror. I have talked to scores of condemned men over the years who have described this horror, as well as the guilty relief they feel when the “lightning” strikes one of their neighbors instead. This arbitrariness is just one of the many reasons Florida’s death penalty is so fundamentally flawed.
Please join FADP Board Member Agustin Quiles and I next Wednesday, September 6th, at 2 pm, to talk about these issues and more. Our friends at Equal Justice USA’s Evangelical Network are hosting a free virtual forum to discuss the current state of Florida’s death penalty. Click here to register for the event.
Michael Zack is currently facing the torture of this uncertainty as he, and his legal team, navigate the death warrant process. I want to share with you that Michael knows of FADP’s support and outreach on his behalf. He is humbled and grateful for the support from all of you. Please keep shining your light on Michael’s story.
Stay tuned for more actions in the coming weeks, including vigil information and our faith leaders’ sign on letter.
In the meantime, please stay safe during Hurricane Idalia recovery, and remember that while we can’t eliminate the uncertainty inherent during Florida’s hurricane season, we absolutely don’t have to accept the uncertainty and arbitrariness of Florida’s death penalty. Join us today.
Onward,
Maria DeLiberato
FADP Executive Director
