I cannot look at the calendar and not remember the events that happened last September as the one-year anniversary of the execution of Troy Anthony Davis by the state of Georgia on September 21, 2011.
I believe this was the day I grew up. I am reminded that despite so much proof of his innocence, he was killed anyway. I am reminded that almost all of the witnesses changed their story and said that their testimony hadn’t been true. These witnesses were the reason for Troy’s conviction in the first place, no physical evidence ever linked him to the crime. None of that mattered, he was convicted and sentenced, as far as the court system was concerned.
Martina Correia, Troy’s sister, fought nonstop for his life and nothing changed. It seemed that all the Georgia legal system cared about was policies and legal procedures were followed correctly. I think the world got a real look at how ugly humans can be that day.
Mr. Davis knew all too well that the legal system in Georgia would not be wrong. “Georgia would rather kill me, an innocent man, that admit they made a mistake,” he once wrote.
I can remember receiving Facebook messages from teens across the globe telling me the world was watching America. How could the government not see that other countries were shaking their heads at us in disbelief?
The United States super power blatantly ignores its people. How can we give advice or aid to other countries and kill our own? How can we fail to admit when we are wrong and correct the mistake, however large, just to save face?
Troy Davis and so many like him never won their freedom. They will never spend time with the people who believe in them and know they are innocent. What must it feel like to be telling the truth and have a nation fight with you to gain your freedom. Only to have a handful of people, cold hearted and callus, have you killed.
I reflect back on the photos and see all the people and the tears that flowed down my face, and others. I still remember the pain. It was like the kind of pain when it hurts so bad that no noise will came out. The last time I felt hurt like that, my friend died.
One year later, I know that we all are not savages and all should remember that dark day in Georgia’s past and work to make sure no one else is killed.
Stop killing people that you think killed people to teach them not to kill people.
