News Channel 2 did a whole lot of coverage last night, most of it very good, but two stories in particular featured TCASK. The first was a piece on religious perspectives on the death penalty, featuring TCASK board member Reverend Stacy Rector. Unfortunately, the story doesn't do the best job of portraying the full complexity of the debate. For instance, the reporter mentions that there are numerous instances throughout the Bible of God's "endorsing" the death penalty, particularly in the Old Testament, but fails to mention that the crimes for which the death penalty seems to be prescribed include adultery, drunkenness, and disobedience to parents. Nor is there any mention, in the discussion of Paul's letter to the Romans, of the fact that the Roman state did not use the much quoted sword as an instrument of execution. Executions were carried out by other means, for instance, crucifixion. Further the report fails to mention that, while the pro-death penalty minister can't find a single instance in the Bible that might call for opposition to capital punishment, nearly every Christian denomination in the country has called for the end of the death penalty. You can view the story here:
http://www.wkrn.com/node/23449

The other story of particular note aired on the 10:00 news focusing on our response to the Governor's decision. I think this is an excellent piece by Scott Fralick, and it gives an accurate portrayal of TCASK's position and our feelings toward victims' families and everyone involved. You can view this piece below:
http://www.wkrn.com/node/23551

We'll do our best to stay in the news (with good stories) and keep the message to the Governor out there: "You did the right thing in issuing a reprieve, but justice and fairness still call for DNA testing to be done."