THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

Wednesday, September 21, 2011, was a dishonorable day in American history as Georgia committed state sponsored homicide of a man, Troy Davis, who may possibly be innocent of the murder for which he was senselessly and needlessly executed. Since he was only convicted on eyewitness testimony of nine persons, seven of which have now recanted, and one of the other two now being named as the possible shooter, we will never know the certainty of Davis' guilt.

If Americans consider their country great, they are correct only insofar as it is one of the greatest destroyers of human life on the planet, whether it be in senseless, needless wars throughout the Middle East and Africa, or in its endless fascination with and participation in capital punishment. Consider the other nine countries in 2010's top ten purveyors of capital punishment, the fifth slot of which, with 46 executions, goes to good 'ol Uncle Sam:


China over 1,000
Iran 252
North Korea 60
Yemen 53
Saudi Arabia 27
Libya 18
Syria 17
Bangladesh 9
Somalia 8

America not only doesn't occupy the moral high ground on this planet, it is mired in the abyss of cruelty and ignorance and mendacity with the other all stars on this list of shame.

Also published in the Chicago Sun Times, September 28, 2011