It is with sadness that we report the passing of our friend and colleague Rachel King, who died on August 25, 2008 after a long and valiant struggle with cancer.
Rachel was first a daughter, friend, wife and step-mother, but her personal and professional lives merged in her advocacy and efforts to make our world a better place. She did so in volunteer and staff capacities with various organizations, including Alaskans Against the Death Penalty, the ACLU Capital Punishment Project and the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, where she served on the board of directors and as its chairperson. Rachel is the author of three books, two of which explore capital punishment from the perspective of the families who suffer the most as a result of the death penalty system.
Read more about Rachel’s history of successful advocacy here and here.
Rachel passed away in Wayne, Maine, where she was raised and later she and her husband, Richard McAlee, built a home together. Her last moments were spent surrounded by family and friends. Those who wish may reach the family by email through her step-daughter Lauren, or by mail through her mother Jill Howes at 282 Narrows Pond Rd., Winthrop, ME 04364. Rachel's family asks those wishing to send a memorial to send donations to the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty in lieu of flowers.
2 comments:
I love your blog, starting with the title. I often write about the death penalty on mine, but most of the commenters are passionately in favor of it. Why is that?
Dear Mike,
Of course we LOVE to hear that you love our blog!
I think perhaps some have a strategy to look for arguments with abolitionists and to counter our philosophy and beliefs--at least some? Perhaps others may not yet be beyond forgiving, for understandable reasons--the terrible grief that has come to someone they love and their own family through a murder--forgiveness is a process and there are many who can't seem to allow this grace into their terribly broken lives. That's partly why we're here.
There may be other reasons...the climate of our time when there is such a separation between people who are in touch with the poorest and most neglected and those who are not--who can understand in part why things fall apart for so many who are in the wrong place at the wrong time or commit an act out of youthful craziness or a terrible moment of evil passion?
The violence of war revving up more willingness for violence of the State --those who want more executions in many states back again--as well as other kinds of frustration-related crime, lack of gun control, more drug traffic? Others will have other answers in time...and perhaps you will happen upon other answers on these pages--also go to the links on the right column down from the archives.
Perhaps our Founder, Bill will comment a little more at some point-- although right now he's grieving for Rachel King and getting prepared for the funeral. He may not be able to add his answer until next week.
All the best and thanks again for the encouragement...
Peace from Connie, blogger on The Journey of Hope blog...all the best on your blog...
PS let us in on how we might find your blog , would you? maybe send it to us through newlease7@yahoo.com
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