CATCHIN' UP

A lot of little things have been happening that have given me pause, but not much to write about in depth. So...here's my take on a few things.

DEATH PENALTY

Tennessee executed a man today who had been found guilty of brutally raping and murdering a young woman who was serving our country as a Marine. I don't have a problem in execution of those convicted of heinous crimes, particularly those involving children, BUT there were many defense motions made to allow DNA from the crime scene nearly 20 years ago to be tested with newer techniques. No judge would stay the execution for this procedure to be done. I think that is an error. What would it hurt to explore any possibility that the man wasn't guilty? I'm thinking this guy was guilty and it's just possible the DNA had degraded and they might not be able to determine whether or not it was his. In that event, all the other evidence presented in the trial should take precedence and verdict should stand.

Tennessee was also supposed to execute another man today, but at the last minute, he was granted a stay because an appeals judge wanted to review the man's mental competency. The man had accepted the verdict and no longer wanted any appeals, but his sister intervened and said he shouldn't be executed because he was mentally ill.

This guy really terrified us in Nashville while he was on his serial killing spree of murdering young people who worked in three different fast food stores. There was no doubt that he was guilty and was about to kill another person when he was arrested. I would imagine that anyone who was a serial killer would be found mentally ill and why would you stay the execution if the criminal has accepted the verdict?

Again, I'm not a rubber stamp supporter of the death penalty; there are some valid reasons for it, but I think we must explore any opportunity to prove the innocence of a person and, secondly, when all research has been completed and there is no vindication, then stop the appeals. As long as our culture sanctifies the death penalty, then that's it. We just must be sure!

HAROLD FORD, JR.

Although Imus has become the butt boy for our young Congressman from Memphis who has put his hat in the ring to take Senator Frist's seat, I surely hope the people of Tennessee will take a close look at the rhetoric he's spewing.

First, he attempts to portray himself as a conservative in step with President Bush's vision. (I guess that's why he was the Chairman of Kerry for President two years ago!) In a TV ad, he is at a gas pump talking about how high gas prices are hurting us and the policies in the Senate are the reason. The caveat here is that he pumping gas into a SUV! He has now resorted to calling the three GOP candidates for the Senate, the "Three Stooges." Excuse me?

Lastly, although no one can help the family they were born in, take a hard look at Junior's background: His uncle, who served several years in the Tennessee Senate, is currently under indictment for bribery and also was convicted of shooting his pistol at a truck while travelling between Nashville and Memphis on I-40. His Aunt Ophelia, who was trying to get the Senate seat vacated by her brother because of the indictment of bribery, supposedly won the seat, but on review it was found dead people voted and other illegal votes were counted. She has been thrown out, but she'll probably be back this fall. I don't think there's any way to insult or embarrass the Ford's, they just keep coming back!

STEVE MCNAIR

At long last, the quarterback has packed his bags and now wears the Raven's purple. I'm sorry the drama was played out as it was because Steve deserved a better final act with the Titans. However, that probably could have happened if Steve had taken a hard look at his waning capabilities the past two seasons and had retired as a Titan. I think most of us hoped for that scenario so he could have gone out with dignity equal to his past contributions to the Titans. Steve laid it on the line for them when he was healthy and was good enough to be the co-MVP in 2004.

Although I'm no NFL expert, just a fan, I cringe about what may happen to him playing for the Ravens. It won't be pretty and he will probably suffer the embarassment and depression that Eddie George experienced by going to the Cowboys in his last season. But, whatever it is that motivates great athletes, money or pride, they've made their choice. God speed!