IF I DIDN'T BELIEVE IN THE DEATH PENALTY BEFORE.....
Ok, I Am Tired of Hearing How Astorga's Right's Are Being Violated!
A recent article, dated November 10, 2007, in the Albuquerque Tribune, written by Jolene Gutierrez Krueger, informed us how Michael Paul Astorga, who has been charged with the murder of Deputy James McGrane, is complaining that he has been "singled out" and his treatment in prison where he is being held is not adequate. Before I continue with what I have to say, here are a couple of quotes and statements from this article:
"He's a man and a human being," Mitchell (Astorga's attorney) said after the hearing. "Treat him like one, and don't treat his family like dogs."
Astorga, dressed in khakis and shackled at the feet, smiled broadly at family members in the courtroom. Several of them wore navy blue T-shirts with "Death penalty like abortion stops a beating heart" and "Michael Paul Astorga."
"You think they would feed us as if we were human," he said(Astorga), describing how he often refuses to eat the food, then flushes it down the toilet in his cell... "
"It don't make a difference where you house me," he said. "It's all the same." (Astorga)
These statements and actions are so offensive to me! Who the heck do these people think they are? The "Navy T-shirts" worn by Astorga family members are so ridiculous. If abortion is murder and the death penalty is murder, then what is shooting someone in the face without the opportunity to defend yourself called? The really sad part is there are members of this community that feel sorry for him! Do you not realize what he has done? Do you not realize what some of his family and friends have done? Did you know that his aunt breached YOUR personal privacy by breaking into the MVD and accessing driving records without permission? The disfunction of this circle of family and friends goes on and on.
I am so tired of hearing about Astorga's so called maltreatments! Astorga deserves only as much as he has given to his community. Ok, in all fairness, lets make a list of what he has done for this community.
1. hmmmmmm...
2. ummmmmm...
3. oh wait....no..sorry
and as you can see....the list goes on and on!
Attorney Mitchell (who is playing on public sympathy and looking to make himself a name in this case) is wasting the court's time. He knows the accusations that Astorga has made were fabricated in order to bring more attention to his case. I am very saddened that the judge and court system allows attorneys like this to waste their valuable time. It's too bad that Deputy McGrane doesn't get this much attention. Of course, his rights were taken away and the only way justice for this family will be done is if his family and friends fight for the punishment of his accused killer.
I wish to keep a safe environment for my children and family members in this community and I do not feel sorry for Astorga or his family members and friends!
Sorry Mitchell, the t-shirts actually looked so stupid. You made the community laugh. My only question for attorney Mitchell is, do you feel the same compassion for Deputy McGrane that you feel for Astorga? If your answer is yes, then I think you have shown what kind of character you possess.
If I didn't believe in the death penalty before, I do now. Thanks for wearing the t-shirts and reminding me that I do not want to walk the same street with violent offenders of the law.
Comments
Prison is not supposed to be fun. Michael Paul Astorga is in prison for "allegedly" murdering Deputy McGrane. Not only has a beautiful life been taken, but the life of his family will never be the same.The family is indeed very close and very strong however, very sad and very empty. Yes, it is true that those in prison have rights...the right to eat, the right to be clean, the right to necessary medical attention, and the right for a fair trial. I am sorry but I do not see how any of those rights have been violated. What does Astorga want, the Hilton Hotel? If this was any other country Astorga probably wouldn't even be fed. As far as I am concerned, Astorga is being treated better then those living in poverty.I am confident that justice will be served and Astorga will be held responsible for this gruesome un-humanlike crime. Unfortunately nothing will suffice the pain and torment McGranes family endures and will have to live with for the rest of their lives. To loose a loved one to cold blooded murder is unthinkable to most, but when one is faced with the tragedy, I consider that a violation of human rights, so when Astorga and his family complain about "rights", maybe they should stop and think of the right that Astorga "allegedly" took from McGrane...the right to life. Astorga still has his right to life and his family is able to see him. McGrane's family has to visit a whole in the ground, and can never say hello and never got the chance to say goodbye. It is astonishing that Astorga's mother is proud of the felons she has raised and is actually wearing t-shirts stating "Free Astorga". This is rediculous! She should be wearing a shirt that says "Free the McGranes" because they are the ones who are forced to suffer with a horrendous murder for the rest of their lives.
Posted by: Jessica | December 10, 2007 02:38 PM
Deputy McGrane was a kind and soft-spoken person. Chances are he probably wouldn't have given Astorga a ticket for a minor offense. Astorga had already been accused of a prior murder and was "on the run" when he chose to murder an innocent officer in cold blood. I am sure Astorga will be found guilty and I believe he deserves the harshest penalty the state offers...death. It is unfortunate however, that New Mexico's death penalty is so humane, since Astorga deserves the worst. As far as prison is concerned, I believe he should eat his own vomit.
Posted by: AM | December 10, 2007 02:48 PM