tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post55219348951524908..comments2023-05-09T09:21:24.140-04:00Comments on Death Row Diary: June 12, 2013William Van Poyckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486150722447418814noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-89271091097958401762014-02-08T13:52:46.933-05:002014-02-08T13:52:46.933-05:00To Connor:
I'm not among upset by your reply....To Connor:<br /><br />I'm not among upset by your reply. I'm just stating facts.<br /><br />Yes, in an ideal world, criminals would never be punished and would be rehabilitated. They would be released and never commit any crime again.<br /><br />For argument's sake, let's say the death penalty is wrong in every way and should never be applied.<br /><br />But we have to deal with reality. The fact is, for now the death penalty exists in some states. I can see the big picture, but this is the current reality. So I'll say it again: Bill knew the potential sentence (despite that's it is wrong), but involved himself in the crime anyway.<br /><br />This country was founded on murder? I'm not a historian, but I'd say most countries were "founded" on murder. That's usually how territories were acquired, right? Going to war, wiping out native populations or exploiting them. Isn't that still happening today?<br /><br />I think we all realize we're inherently violent. Understanding it doesn't mean it can be easily overcome. You can't easily change cultural behavior; not quickly anyway. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-9525650081098812662013-06-24T16:08:22.805-04:002013-06-24T16:08:22.805-04:00Wow. Words cannot even express what I felt as I re...Wow. Words cannot even express what I felt as I read his last few letters. I have met monsters...and he was far from one. Wishing you peace and comfort. Dead Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05560371423710698135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-87736830081988569972013-06-24T14:36:40.468-04:002013-06-24T14:36:40.468-04:00Dear Lisa,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am...Dear Lisa,<br /><br />I am so very sorry for your loss. I am glad I found Billy's blog last year and read his book though I do regret that I did not know about it sooner. I am also glad that I got a chance to email him via your assistance and I am grateful to you for that.<br /><br />What a wonderfully strong and loving sister you have been to Billy all these years. I believe that much of what he had to endure throughout the past years was based on the tremendous amount of love and support that you gave him. And as he stated in your most recent blog; "How can I be sad with all this immense love flowing into my heart from you and everyone who is sending their Love? My heart is overflowing" really shows what you accomplished for him all these years and how much he appreciated it. <br /><br />As you can see from the majority of these comments, we will miss Billy very much and I think I can speak for all by saying; we truly appreciate you, not just for the love you showed Billy, but also for the loving kindness you have shown his friends and acquaintances by assisting us in communicating with him.<br /><br />My Prayers are with you and your family. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06384956050283643228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-84189245205354814692013-06-21T02:29:04.584-04:002013-06-21T02:29:04.584-04:00I comment from italy and, for me, it is really inc...I comment from italy and, for me, it is really incredible that death penalty is still applied in a modern state. I am sorry for William, I am sure he is in a better place now. R.I.P.<br />AlfredoAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04717616978050920891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-35612548314793767572013-06-20T01:30:56.578-04:002013-06-20T01:30:56.578-04:00In reply to the Anonymous who said; "Bill kne...In reply to the Anonymous who said; "Bill knew the risks he was taking when he agreed to try and free another prisoner." - I have this to say to you;<br /><br />We hold less than 4% of the world's population, but hold well over 25% of the world's prison population. We have more laws here than anywhere else in the world. Most people are in prison for crimes that are pretty weak and don't belong there to begin with. If we were Canada, the prisoner William was trying to free likely wouldn't be there and the guard would still be alive, as would William.<br /><br />We're a society that is hell bent on locking people up because society wants a quick and easy way to punish people. If a person does something bad, people want swift and fast justice by throwing them in prison and sweeping all the problems under the rug as quick as possible. <br /><br />Murder is horrible, I agree. But the US is notorious for murder. This country was founded on murder. We invade other countries with 'legal murder'. <br /><br />Look at the bigger picture.<br /><br />When people come to realize that prison doesn't correct a thing, when people realize that our violence in nature is a problem and we start to correct it, only then will we be on the right track.<br /><br />I could continue to rant on, but there are likely too many ignorant and naive people out there who this will upset.Conornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-8387920712055513522013-06-19T12:13:25.415-04:002013-06-19T12:13:25.415-04:00Bill seemed like a decent guy at this point in lif...Bill seemed like a decent guy at this point in life. Obviously it took him being in jail for almost his whole life to become this person. I am in favor of the death penalty - I do believe it gives some victims families closure. Bill knew the risks he was taking when he agreed to try and free another prisoner. It was a horrible choice with a horrible outcome.<br />The thing I find interesting is that since Bill was intelligent and articulate people seem to feel that the world is losing an important person - as if the inarticulate and less intelligent people on DR aren't as valuable. It's a sad situation, and there are no winners here, but Bill's own choices put him here - it's a shame he wasted what could have been such a wonderful life. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-86818381643168564772013-06-19T11:59:09.703-04:002013-06-19T11:59:09.703-04:00So sorry for your loss. The death penalty is such ...So sorry for your loss. The death penalty is such a joke in this country. We try to teach/deter people that killing is wrong, by killing more. While my sympathies go out to the victim of the case that led William here, marching someone into a room and strapping them down only to end their life is not humane, nor is it a penalty. It's a shame that the victim's family have so much rage in their hearts that they couldn't find it in their hearts to give mercy. Anyone can wish for death out of revenge, but it takes a truly courageous person to forgive. The death penalty is nothing more than a 'gang banger' mentality; "Homie in the hood killed my homie, so I'm gonna blast that fool". <br /><br />We're far from an enlightened society. People need to do some soul searching. I have no sympathies for people who support the death penalty. This is a violent enough culture as it is. Maybe some should take a look at other cultures that have no death penalty and research WHY their murder rate (per capita) is way lower than ours is.Conornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-82533815127053521602013-06-19T02:01:57.568-04:002013-06-19T02:01:57.568-04:00my heart is still broken and I'm hoping to he...my heart is still broken and I'm hoping to hear from you if doing well.jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14000945221566910249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-6631834247453756582013-06-18T19:02:12.592-04:002013-06-18T19:02:12.592-04:00My thoughts are with you God bless you.
From swit...My thoughts are with you God bless you.<br /><br />From switzerland<br />AnabelAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13386962300837169373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-87739231315814235052013-06-18T00:07:47.871-04:002013-06-18T00:07:47.871-04:00When are Bill's final two blogs going to be po...When are Bill's final two blogs going to be posted?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-77655177913747408322013-06-17T16:38:27.702-04:002013-06-17T16:38:27.702-04:00During my meditation time, I envisioned myself in ...During my meditation time, I envisioned myself in Bill's prison cell, with one arm wrapped around him for strength and comfort. I believe he felt it. Death is but just another moment for the eternal soul. Bill is truly free now.Chris Fnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-87944995067287341382013-06-17T14:40:10.094-04:002013-06-17T14:40:10.094-04:00Certainly he is "free" now as he was rel...Certainly he is "free" now as he was released from the physical body and will now continue on in the non-physical. Your attitude on the "death experience" is a very good one indeed!<br />May you continue to heal... Lorihttp://www.continuityoflife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-65843202545445044942013-06-17T08:23:14.289-04:002013-06-17T08:23:14.289-04:00Hi Lisa,
It’s a bizarre world we live in…! As I s...Hi Lisa,<br /><br />It’s a bizarre world we live in…! As I sit here typing this short message I have Bill’s letter that arrived on the 11th June framed and on my wall, even at the end of his time with us he was writing away, I’ve never felt so humbled by a letter before. The day itself felt totally out of sync, the only other time I felt like this was on the first anniversary of the 7/7 bombings in London, I was one of the lucky ones on the Piccadilly line. That day felt as if it had been frozen in time.<br /><br />I was frustrated and bewildered by Governor Rick Scott’s response to everything, stating that he was “just part of the process”. Talk about hiding from the truth and not taking any responsibility. I’m in the process of writing to Leo, in the letter I have stated that “I don’t know what to do, but I do know something has to happen”. It really is about time that the voters in the US take a good look at themselves, and it’s about time their elected servants (the Governors) started behaving in a manner that fits with all that the US portrays itself to be to the world. Can any American truly say (with their hand on their heart) that their country is an example of good, of right, of honesty and fairness in the world with such a horrific attitude towards life? Those on death row are not a “process” they are human beings, the conveyer belt ideology of justice that allows the elected governors to wash their hands of any guilt is despicable, and those that believe in the system are an embarrassment to mankind.<br /><br />I didn’t know Bill personally but the final paragraph in his letter speaks volumes of how America should be seen. “Paul, I thank you for your great letter and your support. No matter what happens to me I will remain humbled by the tremendous support from around the world that I’ve received over the past month. Keep your chin up and thanks for caring. Your friend, Bill.”<br /><br />Apologies if I got a little bit political there …. You have my email so drop me a line at any time as I feel that the work has only just begun…! (sounds ominous doesn’t it..!)<br /><br />Your friend from across the pond.<br /><br />Paul <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00911425083034603649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-17302566692575030602013-06-17T07:12:14.450-04:002013-06-17T07:12:14.450-04:00I am British living in England but I love the USA ...I am British living in England but I love the USA being very lucky to have visited Pensylvania and California on many Occasions. The one thing I don't like about the USA is its persistance in executing certain of its criminals. I think it is an indication of where you are as a society how you deal with your serious offenders. I will not judge your brother, or his guilt or innocence, but I will judge the USA on its actions in killing its own citizens. My thoughts are with you, your family and your brother as well as the family of the man who died for whom your brother has been executed. I hope all involved can live happy contented lives and that the USA, a place I want to visit again, will cease this barbaric act. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-20128544872567449132013-06-17T03:34:04.376-04:002013-06-17T03:34:04.376-04:00To the family of William,
I am so truly sorry for...To the family of William,<br /><br />I am so truly sorry for your loss. I heard about William and this blog about a week before his execution. Though i didn't know him, i cried so hard as if he was a great friend of mine.<br /><br /> Part of me regrets not finding out about William alot sooner as i would have loved to be his pen pal and get to know this amazing, smart,loving and talented man. The other other part of me is glad i didn't know sooner because his loss would have been all the more painful. I cried and felt such a deep hole over a man i didn't even know existed nor did he know i did either.<br /><br />I know people arw going to chop me down for what im about to say but ao be it. Freedom of speech, right? Im sorry for the victims family but i feel William wasn't the one who pulled the trigger, so why was his punishment more extreme? It doesn't make any sense to me. There are people in this world who have committed such sick, heinous,insane crimes and received a lesser sentence. How is this considered fair? What kind of justice system is this? Does it depend what mood someone is in? <br /><br />Sorry for my vent...i just feel some cases are unfair and unjustified. William had SO much to offer and share with the world. He would have beem able to share it all for mamy more years had he received life instead of death. I hope your family finds solace in knowing how many people he has touched from all over the world. I'm honored to have found this blog and know William through my heart and spirit. I will never forget him. <br /><br />God bless all of you. Always remember he is with you wherever you go. He shares every memory with you along the way. He comforts you and gives you the strength during times you don't have it. When you laugh, he is laughing right along side of you. When you cry, he catches the tears. EVERy breath, Every moment, Every step...he is there.<br /><br />Live, laugh & love,<br />AprilAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-80300889878689627032013-06-16T20:53:10.235-04:002013-06-16T20:53:10.235-04:00I am so sorry for your loss.
For the last half ...I am so sorry for your loss. <br /><br />For the last half hour or so, I've been sitting in front of my computer drafting words that might lift you through this sadness. But as I reread your brothers posts, I see that this is unnecessary: each letter is so pointedly hopeful and loving. He has made sure to offer you the support that you will need as you learn to live, missing him. <br /><br />I came to this blog because I know a lot about the prisons in Florida (and even a bit about this case, in particular). Perhaps I will comment again in the next few weeks. But, for now, I think all that is appropriate is for me to add my sorrow and support. <br /><br />It is not enough, but I know that it will do - because it is all that we have.<br /><br />Please take every care, <br /><br />janAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-46057814480168976142013-06-16T19:35:57.231-04:002013-06-16T19:35:57.231-04:00So sad DEATH PENALTY..I think of it since Caryl Ch...So sad DEATH PENALTY..I think of it since Caryl Chessman in the 60's.NO FAIR BY NO MEANS!<br />Sorry for your loss!jammarqueshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02985947731448329101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-61511035305026540192013-06-16T17:29:57.130-04:002013-06-16T17:29:57.130-04:00I'd like to think that as we evolve we begin t...I'd like to think that as we evolve we begin to understand the nuances in life - and one of them is present in some of these comments. <br /><br />Yes, Fred Griffis died during the commission a crime that Bill was involved in and no, it wasn't fair to Griffis or his family. However, allowing Bill to write of his changes and growth over the years and allowing his friends and family to grieve his state decreed death, is in no way disrespectful of Fred or his family.<br /><br />I think we gain much more by allowing ourselves to grow into the light than by stubbornly sticking with a dark outlook. It is a choice which path we take.<br /><br />Light & Love,<br />CaroleCarolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12885472518557469838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-74555600866181705902013-06-16T16:05:12.058-04:002013-06-16T16:05:12.058-04:00I do not believe in the death penalty. I am sorry ...I do not believe in the death penalty. I am sorry for you. I am sorry for the victim who lost his life.Song Lyonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-48267619747048209532013-06-16T08:03:46.084-04:002013-06-16T08:03:46.084-04:00BILL will be forever in my heart and thougts .we...BILL will be forever in my heart and thougts .we were more than friends for many years .i got his last letter the day before he passed away ,he wrote i suspect you and i will meet again ,clara,under better circumstances,either on the other side ,or in another life!i will miss you .love and peace BILLclaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-13578003717338866862013-06-16T04:51:22.629-04:002013-06-16T04:51:22.629-04:00hmmm Lisa im still hurting from this pls stay stro...hmmm Lisa im still hurting from this pls stay strong. p.s R.I.P William... jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14000945221566910249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-77084459798284464652013-06-16T03:43:17.340-04:002013-06-16T03:43:17.340-04:00Hello, I am a new visitor here after reading the a...Hello, I am a new visitor here after reading the article on CNN re: your brother. Unfortunately at the end of his earthly life. I do hope you will keep this blog up despite this. I am hoping to begin reading what I believe will be a profound collection of posts. I am sorry for your loss just as I feel sorry for the loss that the family of the victim also has endured. Sadly, your brother's execution does not feel to be justice in this case in my heart and I wish all of you peace, somehow. Thank you.Heather from Floridanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-260712327502995812013-06-15T23:27:56.073-04:002013-06-15T23:27:56.073-04:00I can't help but think that Fred Griffis never...I can't help but think that Fred Griffis never had a chance to say goodbye to his family.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-70610532405559426582013-06-15T20:41:21.053-04:002013-06-15T20:41:21.053-04:00I have no comment regarding the death penalty. Obv...I have no comment regarding the death penalty. Obviously being in prison had a profound effect on your brother, and his intelligent writings on his thoughts and experiences have brought sympathy from many people - however, another person lost his life as well...someone who deserved as much as your brother. Even if your brother didn't pull the trigger on the victim, he was directly involved. The punishment for serious crimes is substantial, and I'm sure your brother knew that when he decided to commit his crime. I wonder if your brother's life would have turned around had he not been caught. Still, I'm sorry for your loss.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12068861.post-20810988861045844432013-06-15T15:36:20.142-04:002013-06-15T15:36:20.142-04:00May your brother William rest in peace, it's u...May your brother William rest in peace, it's unfortunate that he had been mixed up in such a misguided crime because it's clear he could have done great things on earth. I hate the death penalty as practiced. This sense of vengeance is so tied to the American experience-we invade Iraq as retribution and kill thousands of innocents in the process...committing a human sin of immeasurable weight. If the death penalty is to be used it can't be done just to satisfy our desire for revenge. Saying it's the law doesn't get us off the hook.<br />Eldestructorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16785388344232991802noreply@blogger.com