“With time moving so fast and this date looming, I wanted to make sure to let you know…” 

That was part of a letter I got this weekend – a goodbye letter.  Travis Runnels is a very private person and would be very disappointed in me if he knew I shared even that.  He probably won’t find out though, and if it gets one person to call the governor on his behalf or sign his petition – I’ll take the chance.

I tried to imagine what he must feel like, living alone in a box and knowing he will likely be killed before Christmas.  I panicked and became overwhelmed by a feeling of claustrophobia.  I had to shake it off and clear my head.  What I can’t possibly imagine is having to live in that knowledge as the minutes count down.  Why would we do that to anybody?  Whatever twisted emotion takes a hold of someone who intentionally takes a life – is no less twisted because an intentional murder  takes place in a sterile environment by trained staff.  It’s no less of a killing.  If anything it’s even sicker. It’s not brought on by a storm of emotion. It’s planned, well thought out, costly – and includes an audience.

Travis Runnels killed someone and those that thrive on vengeance will rev their engines and cheer at his passing, feeling justified.  I know because I’ve gotten the hate mail.  I can’t help those people.

For the rest of us – please call the Governor of Texas at 512-463-2000 and ask for mercy and this execution not to take place.  Please make your feelings known.  We have to be just as tireless as those that have the energy for vengeance – and in doing so, we will overcome.

There is also a Petition that was started by a very close friend of Travis’, hoping to commute the death sentence to a life sentence. Please sign it.

Words from Death Row…

 “’You know, in my day your kind would’ve never gotten so much generous attention. We simply would’ve brought you out yonder, found a good ole tree to hang ya from. Just one less…’ he was saying just before he cut himself off.”
 – Charles ‘Chucky’ Mamou, Death Row – out of appeals

 “It’s baffling that people can actually believe justice is being served by watching a man being strapped to a table and having an IV inserted into his arm to be filled with poison until it kills him.  Justice…”
– Travis Runnels, Death Row – scheduled to be executed
December 11, 2019

I just heard on the radio they put him to death,
And his last words were, “I can finally rest.”
I feel ya bro, no more pain and misery,
Rest in peace my friend, you’re finally free. 
– Troy Clark, executed by Texas, September 26, 1998

I’d been labeled a murderer by all those that mattered. There’d be no more tedious claims of innocence for doubters to discredit.  There’d be no salvation for people like me as long as there are people like them.  And there’d be no hope of a better tomorrow when my tomorrow was upon me today. 
– Chanton, Death Row

I seen Lil Jack get in that van.
I seen Big Buck get in that van.
I seen Thread get in that van.
I seen Smoke get in that van.
I seen Chester get in that van.
I seen Ross get in that van.
I seen Tick get in that van.
I seen Savage get in that van.
I seen Bones get in that van.
I seen Diaz get in that van.
They won’t get me, ‘cause I have a plan.
I don’t want to kill myself,
I don’t want to kill myself. 
– Pete Russell, Death Row

There is no valid argument for the premeditated taking of a life.