From the Hammer

By: David Paul Hammer

October 2005-09-23

It’s been awhile since my last report from behind the walls and doors which house the federal death row unit. I’m pleased to inform you that on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 the newly constructed federal death row was activated at the new United States Penitentiary just across the road from old facility. By all accounts the move went well and without any serious problems. I wasn’t personally there for the move as I’d already been transferred for a temporary stay in Pennsylvania to attend my court proceedings.

The original federal death row unit was activated on July 13, 1999. The outdated and obsolete design of the place created miserable living conditions for all of us who were housed there. During its six years of operation, three men were executed; one had his sentence commuted by former president Clinton; and one was re-sentenced to life without parole. Each of the those men were amongst the group dubbed “The Terre Haute Twenty” by the news media on the day of our arrival.

Today the population of the row has increased. There are thirty-nine men and one woman currently under a federal sentence of death. This number has doubled in the past six years. Not all of those under this sentence are housed at Terre Haute . Several are confined in other facilities awaiting transfer to the row.

Unfortunately, the killing machine operated by the United States Government under the guise of capital punishment will soon be in full service. Several of my comrades on the row have exhausted their appeals. The Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons will announce their execution dates soon. Regulations require that those dates be no sooner than 120 days from when they are established. These men are from the original 20, thus, we have all lived in close proximity and become friends. Their executions will create a void in the existence which we all share here. The senseless loss of life in the name of justice is nothing but a ridiculous, empty display of gamesmanship played by politicians and vengeful people.

The illusions used by proponents of capital punishment to justify their position, crumble when exposed to even the slightest bit of scrutiny. Why, if they believe so strongly in the death penalty, can’t they admit it’s REVENGE in it’s most simplistic form? Every study conducted on the subject has shown that the use of capital punishment does not serve as a deterrent. Yet, polished professional politicians with no inkling of the truth tout the “deterrent effect” lie at every opportunity. What’s more incredulous than their lies, is how intelligent people can buy into the falsehoods they spew. I find such actions to be bewildering. I do understand the concept of wanting revenge against someone who killed a loved one. It’s human nature. It would be a far more honest position if these folks said what they really feel.

Killing to show that killing is wrong, is nothing short of ludicrous. The cycle of violence is continued with every execution. I dread the coming months as we live out these last days with our condemned friends here on the row, only a miracle can save them from the executioner.

David Paul Hammer

For information about David Hammer please click here to visit his profile page also containing links to his other materials on Death Row Speaks.