Death Penalty Repeal, a global sensation

by: Jay Lassiter

Wed Dec 19, 2007 at 07:15:53 AM EST

As I gaze out at the Colosseum -- where criminals were fed to wild animals after their eyes were gouged out as punishment -- I am reminded that the momentum to repeal  we feel RIGHT NOW is a long, long time coming.

So in addition to the history-making law signed by Governor Corzine, movement is happening world-wide.

In fact as I slept, the United Nations voted on a non-binding referendum to end capital punishment.  Roughly 2/3 of the member states voted to repeal. Sadly the United States joined Axis-of-Evil homeboys like Iran to stay on the current uncivilized path.  Also voting to execute: China and Pakistan.  No disrespect, but is that the company we really wanna keep?It's worth remembering that the United States is represented in the UN by a Bush appointee so perhaps the vote is not entirely surprising.

But the trend on this issue is pretty clear.  And New Jersey is leading the way.

In fact, the global media reports covering the UN vote repeatedly cited Our Fair State as proof that the machinery of death is not necesarily a foregone conclusion in America. I saw footage of last Monday's bill signing on BBC, German-, French-, Italian TV, and  Al Jeezeera.  But especially here in Italy -- where this movement is so robust -- is the topic on everyone's mind.

Never EVER have I been so proud for my Jersey pedigree as I am in this moment.

Now if you excuse me, it's one more day of vini, vede, cappuccini for me.