WWJD: Alabama on my mind

["Quan, Cao" <QCao009@AOL.COM>]

Peter:

I wrote this two years ago coming back from testifying in a capital murder
case in Montgomery.  Thought you might like to read it a propos your Alabama
- Jim Crow posting.  Trent Lott and Bob Barr live, and the new South will
never be new enough.  Compassionate conservatism is a convenient and
effective mask for a racism that never dies.

Quan

Leaving Montgomery in the Rain

For Bryan, for Randy, for Kim, for Quang, for the Death Row prisoners of the
Deep South,
and the political prisoners of the continuing war against mankind.


What would Jesus do, she asked
would he take me on his cross
would he consent to be nailed
and agree to this hatred entrailed?

What questions would he try to pose,
As opposing counsel strived to close,
would he think the State out of line,
would cultural differences become a landmine?

Would they continue to give guns to kids,
and tell them it's their right to free speech,
would they draft the next generation
and tell them it's patriotism to the nation?

Would you pick up the first stone, your Honor,
and preach to your son about the death of rancor
Would you tell your daughter you love her,
but the schooling she receives is just a state test in paper?

Would I sell my brother's freedom
for his blood to buy my silence
Would I stand and see him walk the green mile
as the rain washed away my innocence?

on the way from Montgomery to Atlanta

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L
to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU.