Here is one of Robert Hudson’s poems
THINK OF ME
When the night falls
and you feel sad and grim
feeling so lonely as
the night grows dim
think of me in my lonely cell
smiling as I dream about a
life from this certain hell:
of things that will never be
of places I will never see
to people I will never talk ……
I despair of the of the so-called USA criminal justice system. On November 20, 2008, Robert Hudson, who has been on death row since 2000, faces the death penalty for killing his partner in a a moment of terrible rage when he found her with another man. It was a “crime of passion.” He is one of 360 men and eight women in Texas alone facing execution. Every effort is being made for clemency for Robert. From a dharma standpoint, we have to remember that the ‘self’ that commits the act of violence and the ‘self’ that is present may have undergone such changes that there is no relationship between the present ‘self’ and the past ‘self.’ Robert writes lettes to Nadamo (director of my audio website) and sends him poems. Beautiful poems. Nadamo contacted him through his membership of Amnesty International.
The USA continues to execute its own citizens. The State gives out very, very long sentences. The State says mandatory minimum sentences. The State takes away all hope of parole for certain prisoners, and therefore all hope for a prisoner. 90% of all prosecutions in the United States are successful. The State says three strikes and you are out. Successful prosecutions are often based on plea bargaining which allows immunity or agreed sentences for certain prosecution witnesses. Families of the person murdered are invited in some states to witness the execution. Afterwards, some families will celebrate with champagne. The seizure of property of the defendent means the defendent cannot afford highly skilled lawyers. The accused who are poor have little chance of justice. It is seven times harder for a prisoner in a private prison to gain early release than in a state prison because the government pay the private prison per bed, per night, per prisoner. To let a prisoner out costs money.
There are more than 2.5 million people in jail in the USA – that is one in every 100 adults in the USA. Around 15% of prisoners are in jail for repeated violent crime. Lowering of crime in the USA is not due to high arrests, high convictions and deadly long sentences, as supported by politicians of both parties, but due to higher employment, greater prosperity in some poor communities as well as more scientific evidence that makes criminals hesitate. The majority of prisoners in the USA are jailed for non-violent crime. It is a national policy of punishment, of retribution, rather than appropriate sentences, opportunities for parole through inner change and skilful counselling for rehabilitation, inside and outside of prison. The determination of successive USA governments, the judiciary and the vast majority of its citizens for revenge blocks the acknowledgement for individuals to change, to resolve the violence in their emotions and the corruptions in desire.
I have read two or three of the letters sent by Robert Hudson to Nadamo. I have read some of his poems. There is something deep and precious in his words. He reveals a depth of kindness and sincerity that is heartwarming. Our heart reaches out to Robert , and others in the same desperate plight, who have to live one day at a time as consciously and clearly as possible. I hope Robert remembers to bear in mind that there are voices in the USA and elsewhere who are appealing to the Governor of Texas and the Parole Board for clemency. Robert’s life depends on the authorities finding a place that is non-revengeful. It requires recognition that Robert Hudson, who is alive today is not the man from the past who committed a crime of passion.
Robert wrote in August upon being told of his execution date. “I wish to thank you for your prayers and letters, and that they can reach the hearts and minds of the Goverrnor’s office and the Parole Board Members. I am asking for your support. I would love to hear from you. I hope you will help me in my quest for Life, liberty. In love, life and freedom,
Sincerely yours, Robert Jean Hudson.Robert Hudson, Polunksky Unit, *999353, 3872 fm 350 south, Livingston, TX 77351, USA.
e-mails can reach Robert through robertjeanhudson@yahoo.fr