Here’s are Vernon’s
replies to the most recent questions I sent him last week. He said “The
questions you have put to me I will answer with sincerity…they are
questions that are constantly being asked of me.”
Please continue to email me your questions and comments and I will mail them to Vernon.
How did you find out about the warrant?
I found out about the death warrant looking at the news on Channel 13.
How did you feel when you found out?
At
first I was angry because I just heard from my lawyer that the Court of
Appeals had set oral arguments for May. Then when my reasonable spirit
returned, I was able to admit that Baltimore County is doing an aggressive job in trying to carry out this execution.
So
in essence their aggressiveness moved me and others to stop them. For
them it is not justice at all anymore but pride has taken over.
How do you get by day by day? From where do you draw your strength?
I
think having the knowledge that the death penalty in this country is
not about justice but instead used as stepping stone to prosper in
careers. Plus, as a born again human being, thru Christ.
I
have written before about how the death penalty has caused people to
act like people did when God first sent Christ here to save the human
race.
So
when I speak against the death penalty I also would like Christians to
know that if you really believe in Christ’s word, show mercy. I also
believe that I get my strength from reading God’s word.
How have your fellow inmates reacted?
The
ones I socialize with show their hearts to me. They express that I am
in their prayers. Some react by hitting the law books more often:)
How is your family handling this situation?
My
sisters are being strong because they know that I need them more than
ever. But my young sister I had a chance to get attached to when she
was born. I watched and appreciated her first step. I’ve seen her as a
little sister. Whereas my older sisters were already there sort of
speaking. So my younger sister got to really hang with her big brother.
She can handle things, but there is a spirit with her that shows more
compassion. She’s ok. She knows that this is an on going battle to the
end of the death penalty.
What would you want to convey to your attorneys and others who have worked on your case?
Speaking
of my lawyers honestly, it was a process that was slow at first. We at
first never attempted to know each other as real human beings. It was
just a relationship that had legal only boundaries. After
years and learning others spiritual enlightening, I began to feel they
wanted to save my life. Yes I still have moments I can still say that I
honestly appreciate my lawyers. They have followed issues in Court that
have allowed them to raise on my behalf. God is truly great.
The
students I love very much. I love the student teacher that helps
motivate the students. I admire Dr. Trudy Conway for helping me to feel
love. Her efforts with the students at Mt. St. Mary’s University are helping others become aware of a penalty that should not be. Even at American University there is growing concern about the death penalty. People around the U.S.
that are offering prayers are helping in ways that they really don’t
realize. Look at what Wesley Baker stated: “I didn’t know that people
really care.” I appreciate the minds that young people are putting
together to make plans and carry them out. It's a wonderful feeling
they are giving to death row men and women across the U.S.A.
I must say I also appreciate the people in Brazil
that express concern about my situation, but more importantly I love
when they express their desire to rid the world of the death penalty.
It is no deterrent. A fact that people really need to realize. They are
spending money and it doesn’t even seem to alter crime at all. Not even
in the harshest country.