Thursday, September 3, 2009

Former Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins has been denied parole



Yesterday I posted about former Manson follower Susan Atkins and the announcement of her parole hearing that took place yesterday. To read that post click here.

The hearing that lasted approximately 9 hours. The outcome is that Susan Atkins has been denied parole for the 13th time.

Atkins has been in prison for 40 years and is now 61 years old. She is terminally ill with brain cancer and is paralyzed in 85% percent of her body. Atkins was given another parole hearing scheduled in three years' time however she may not live that long.

Atkins is no longer a danger to society. Not only is she terminally ill but she has fully rehabilitated and takes full responsibility for the crimes she committed. I understand that some may feel that her crimes were so evil that the crime outweighs any internal change and my heart does sincerely go out to the families of the murder victims. However, I very much believe in rehabilitation.

Most people evolve through time whether they have committed crimes or not. Susan Atkins is not the same person she was when she knew Manson. She has had many decades in prison to do nothing but reflect on what she has done, and focus on personal growth. Releasing her from prison does not send a message that her crimes were acceptable in anyway.

Debra Tate, Sharon Tate's sister has been adamant and vocal when it comes to her position on all the former Manson followers. She feels that none of them should ever be released from prison. I have not lost a loved one in such a tragic way as Debra Tate. I can only imagine the pain she has felt over the years. However, it seems that she is fuming with a potent anger even after Atkins' years and years of rehabilitation. She has my empathy as I imagine that is a terrible mental state to exist in. Simutaneously, I wish that she could conjure up some positive emotions just knowing that it is possible for individuals to turn their lives around. How sad would it be if we were all to give up hope? Why damn anyone to an eternal state of evil?

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