Dear Friends,
Victim of Hate Crime fights the Death Penalty!
There’s a compelling article by Timothy Williams entitled “The Hated and the Hater, Both Touched by Crime” in The New York Times Tuesday July 19, 2011 edition. I quote:
” Mark Anthony Stroman, 41, a stonecutter from Dallas, shot people he believed were Arabs, saying he was enraged by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He killed at least two: Vasudev Patel, an Indian immigrant who was Hindu, and Waqar Hasan, a Muslim born in Pakistan. A third shooting victim, Rais Bhuiyan, 37 a former Air Force pilot from Bangladesh, survived after Mr. Stroman shot him in the face at close range. Mr. Stroman admitted to the shootings. He is scheduled to be executed on Wednesday. “
Mr. Bhuiyan reports in the article on why he wants to save the life of the man who tried to kill him.
” I was raised very well by my parents and teachers. They raised me with good morals and strong faith. They taught me to put yourself in others’ shoes. Even if they hurt you, don’t take revenge. Forgive them. Move on. It will bring something good to you and to them. My Islamic faith teaches me this too. He ( the shooter Stroman) said he did this as an act of war and a lot of Americans wanted to do it but he had the courage to do it- to shoot Muslims. After it happened I was just simply struggling to survive in this country. I decided that forgiveness was not enough. That what he did was out of ignorance. I decided I had to do something to save this person’s life. That killing someone in Dallas is not an answer for what happened on Sept. 11.”
” I requested a meeting with Mr. Stroman. I’m eagerly awaiting to see him in person and exchange ideas. I would talk about love and compassion. WE all make mistakes. He’s another human being, like me. Hate the sin, not the sinner. It’s very important that I meet him to tell him I feel for him and I strongly believe he should get a second chance. “
The State of Texas executed Mark Anthony Stroman last night, Wednesday July 20th at 9:53 p.m.
With my prayers for the repose of the soul of Mr. Stroman the shooter and for Mr. Bhuiyan his compassionate victim. With my prayers for all of us, for hearts that could follow the incredible example of Mr. Bhuiyan.
Peace,
Hentzi
