a_lot2say

THIS is the crux of all of this for me. I have previously put a great deal of thought into this question. It would be very easy for me to say he should say in prison forever because of my feelings. However I think that's a kind of toxic thought to live with my entire life. Instead I like to focus on the fact I think Rod Matthews will always be a threat to society. I honestly believe this, and fortunately it lets me ignore my rage and point to that as the reason.

This is a VERY important question to me. I want to be clear I am not talking for any other family members right now. This is my personal opinion but I think the death penalty should be abolished in all cases.

If Matthews was facing the death penalty I would 100% be against it. I don't think it's necessary to kill people who are no longer a threat. I also can't stand when people try to paint people against the death penalty as light on crime. I really don't think life in prison is a light sentence and that's what I think is appropriate for Matthews.

I think for many people forgiveness is a major component of their religious beliefs. Since I am not religious I am not sure I can appreciate the full meaning of that word to many people. I understand the idea of wanting to release toxic feelings like hate, anger, and revenge but I am not really sure what forgiveness in this case means. I think I have done a good job living my life without being controlled by such negative thoughts but I don't think I could ever excuse what he had done and how it impacted my life.

I had a really long reply typed out for this, then I hit the back button. I need to take the dogs out for a bit, but I'll get back to you think one, and now I'll draft long answer in a word doc so I don't lose them!

They were not. It's a really odd case. I don't really harbor any ill will toward them, but perhaps if I knew them personally and understood their interactions with Rod I might have a different opinion. For now I have a really clean focus for my feels.