What is the first reaction of every gang member when one of their own is killed by a rival gang? Revenge, an eye for an eye, death to the opposing gang. Capital punishment is dealt out in the world of gangs in far greater number than by the prison systems themselves. Every true gang member or family member of a gang banger knows that the highest rule of law in gang life is retribution. The reason for this is simple; every human being is born with a sense of Justice. We know deep inside that Justice for a wrong committed is what keeps order in this world. Why then does it shock so many people when our System of Justice uses that same Justice on a former gang member convicted of multiple murder? I come into this discussion with a few pre-existing beliefs or values that seem on first blush to be in contention with each other. I believe that every man has free will regardless of the circumstances he is born into. I also believe that every man knows that murder is wrong. All men know right from wrong in their heart. Since every man has a free will he can choose to change from a life of doing evil to a life of righteousness or right living. Free will and moral consciousness demands this third ability of "repentance" or turning from doing bad. The fact that I believe every man can turn from a life of evil and start a new life does not change my view that Laws with no penalties are no Laws at all. I believe that even though a man can make a fundamental choice to stop living an evil life and start living for the good of himself and his fellow man, does not mean that same man should not get the penalties due him based on the moral laws of man and God.

As a young boy growing up in a school that was riddled with a groups of kids roaming about violently demanding money and homage of every sort, I learned I had two choices. I could respond to their violence with fear and submission or I could return each blow with even a stronger and harsher response. I learned this approach from my father and have always found it to work. When I was punched and demanded my lunch money I would punch back ten time more and harder. Using this approach as a young man in Junior High served me well. I was very rarely asked to give my lunch money up and all who chose to threaten me knew it would be met with far greater consequence than they wanted. I also knew many a young man who carried extra lunch money to school with their parents blessing, to soften the beating in the locker rooms and rest rooms. Not one time did I give up my lunch money and never do I remember being hassled even one tenth the amount of the more gentler kinder victim's of this abuse. In fact the gentler kinder group continued to be terrorized and only found relief from the strong armed robber's by seeking protection by me and my few friends with the same understanding on how to deal with the thugs. I became keenly aware that my reputation to exact a steep price on those who desired to harm me, carried on for many years to come and paved the way for much peace and tranquility in my High School days. That was not the case for my peers who only sought to appease the assailants. The point of telling you all this is that when people know there are severe consequences to their wrong actions they will decide not to carry out those criminal actions. It worked for me at school and it works for most nations who stand up to criminals and terrorist. In fact those countries with the most severe penalties for crime have the least amount of crime.

Our society and system of Government including our criminal justice system is set up the same way. When some one robs a bank we don't put extra money in the bank so next time the thieves show up we have plenty their to keep them appeased. We have formulated rules of law that exact retribution from the bank robber. When 911 happened there were those who said we needed to figure out how to make these Terrorist love and understand us. Then there was the majority that could think of only one thing. Revenge, retribution, and to seek out the terrorist wherever they are and bring them to justice for murder.

I believe that Tookie has indeed turned from his evil way. He does indeed regret his actions as a gang member. I respect that choice he has made. That does not negate the necessity of paying for the crime he committed. Laws with no penalties or consequences are no laws at all. Yes Tookie can write about the ills of gang life until he is too old to write; and that will help keep a lot of kids out of gangs. That is a good thing. Tookie can also be put to death for the murders he committed and that will have even a bigger impact on kids thinking of gang life. His death by execution, will be by example, the salvation to others who may consider murder and gang life. I believe that even though a man turns from his evil life does not mean he should not reap what he has sown. My heart is warmed by Tookie's new life but my heart is also warmed knowing that our country has a rule of law that is based on consequences if one breaks those laws.

Put yourself in the shoes of the family members of Tookie's victims. If I were one of them I would demand the sentence be carried out.
Just like every gang member feels when one of their own is shot down on the street by a rival gang so does society demand by the rule of law that Tookie pay for his crime regardless of his change of heart.

I mean this in no disrespect to Tookie. I believe he has become a good man. I only hope that in his death he use that as his last example to kids what gang life is all about.

Written by Dirk Lemmons owner of Crips.com and Dirkster  Productions.

                                                                                                             
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