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Star Ledger: Jersey's proud moment
2007-12-19 - JERSEY'S PROUD MOMENT (Published Monday, December 17, 2007) New Jersey once was justifiably proud of its reputation as a forward-looking state, for its efforts to provide a quality education for all children, no matter where they lived, for encouraging construction of affordable housing throughout the state, for its excellent judiciary. Lately, though, New Jersey more often than not has signified corruption and crime. Last week, New Jersey regained its place among progressive states when it abolished the death penalty. It took both Democrats and Republicans in the state Senate and the Assembly to make the decision, which was heart-wrenching for many. But it was the right one. Gov. Jon Corzine signs the bill today. Men who had voted in 1982 to reintroduce the death penalty -- such as Senate President Richard Codey -- and officials -- such as Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio -- who prosecute murderers said the time had come to recognize that the death penalty was not good public policy. Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts put it best: "It is simply not for us to decide who should live and who should die." In an era of polarizing, partisan politics, the men and women of New Jersey's Legislature rose above the mire to do the right thing. � 2007 The Star Ledger

This I have to say was incredible news. I believe I started getting e-mails from the moment Governor Corizine's pen hit the bill. I got well over 1000 e-mails telling me of the victory. I was in Copenhagen, Denmark when I got the news. I celebrated for a minute, but then realized how much more work needs to be done. Next battle.

I will say that for the first time ever I am proud of a politician. In a time where being tough on crime can make or break a political career, this was a courageous move by the Governor. Makes me feel a little bit proud seeing I now rest in Newark, NJ.

It felt good let me tell you. Better then standing up to the school bully and knocking him out with one punch. This was the first time I was a part of something so big. I did everything I knew how from writing to the editor of the biggest news paper in New Jersey, to attending conferences, signing petitions, attending rallie's, protests and even going over seas to ask for support. Having victory after said efforts yea, a big tree of hope was born. We can make a difference. We can get things changed. We just have to organize and get it to where we need it to be.

When I first started fighting against the death penalty people thought I was out of my mind. Family thought I was crazy at first as well. They don't think I'm crazy now. The opinion on capital punishment is shifting and I for one am going to keep pushing. Maryland anyone? Peace and Progress. "X"

Governor John Corzine signs abolishing Capital Punishment in the state of New Jersey.