How I feel

An essay by Anthony Mungin.

A foreign friend wrote and asked me, “how do I feel about the terrorist attacks on America?” The curiosity of my friend is understandable because I’m on death row in America. So I sat down on the edge of my bunk, grabbed some paper and a pen and these are the words I wrote:
Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was not a good day for many in America. However, I am glad to see the American people unite, help, encourage, support and pray for each other in the face of tragedy. I united with them in spirit and prayer from this small cell.
I also admitted that other countries all over the world expressed their sorrow, grief and compassion as they extended a helping hand to America.
I prayed for peace and that terrorism all over the world would come to an end. I prayed that those in authority over this country would not become vengeful. I hope they will think before they take action. No more innocent blood needs to be shed abroad or in this country. Two wrongs do not make a right. I’m not saying America should sit back and do nothing about terrorism. But don’t hurt innocent people in the process of going after terrorists. Don’t become the evil you despise.
Many people may think I am crazy because I still love this country, even when under the constitution of the United States of America I’m sentenced to the death penalty. I’m mocked by many here because of how I feel about America.
I know America is not a perfect country. It does not have a perfect history. It has never been governed by perfect people – nor has it ever had a perfect judicial system.
But it is my belief that it is a country that strives to become a better country; to make better lives for those amongst it soil. It is a country of many nationalities, races, and religious beliefs. More so than any other country I know. America may have its own inner feud with race issues, discrimination and the judicial system, but it constantly making attempts to do what is right, just and fair. Maybe not at the pace many would like to see, but at least it’s moving in hope’s direction.
No, the death penalty is not right… it shouldn’t exist in our judicial system. I do not speak partially in giving this opinion being I’m sentenced to the death penalty. I’ve spent nearly nine years studying and educating myself about capital punishment. My opinion is not based on emotions and religious beliefs alone… it’s based on knowledge and facts about the death penalty in our country.
It is my optimistic hope that the American people will educate themselves about capital punishment and use their intelligence and common sense to abolish it.
Yes, the death penalty is part of our judicial system, but it shouldn’t be used to degrade the American judicial system as a whole. Nor should our judicial system be used to demean America. If a person is diagnosed with cancer, he or she requests the physician to perform surgery to take it out, so it will not kill or damage the rest of the body. Likewise, the death penalty acts like cancer in America's judicial system. Take it out so it can no longer contaminate the body and image of America. 
With such insight as this I am able to look beyond the threat on my own life and ask God to bless America with wisdom, knowledge, understanding and strength to do His will.
As God as my witness – this is how I feel!

Anthony Mungin