I believe deeply in the possibility of parole in the American justice system. I also believe deeply that the man who murdered my grandfather does not deserve it.
I echo the anger and heartache of my father, the majority of his siblings, and my grandmother at the California Parole Board's recent recommendation. For our family, there has been no apology, no acceptance of responsibility, and no remorse. For our country, there has been no justification for letting the perpetrator of one of our most devastating political assassinations walk free.
This country cannot accept violence as an answer to political disagreement. Not now. Not ever.
Our criminal justice system has been plagued by inequities since our founding. A movement towards rehabilitation, compassion and understanding is long overdue. But for those who have committed heinous acts of violence and continue to shirk responsibility, reject accountability and resist any sort of empathy, there should be no such accommodation.
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