Clemency for whom?

Regarding “End Texas’ secrecy in pardons, paroles” (Page A17, Aug. 15), in February, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended clemency for death row inmate Thomas Whitaker. The surviving victim of his crime, his father Kent, opposed his execution. Witnesses testified to the value of his life, particularly his positive influence on other inmates. Thousands expressed their support for mercy for Whitaker as the case received national media attention. Gov. Greg Abbott accepted the clemency recommendations and spared the life of Whitaker on Feb. 22.

In July, the Board of Pardons and Paroles rejected clemency for death row inmate Christopher Young. The son of the victim of his crime, Mitesh Patel, publicly opposed his execution. His petition testified to the value of his life, from his positive influence on his daughters to his potential to help other young men avoid the mistakes he himself made. Tens of thousands expressed their support for mercy for Young by signing an online petition. Young was executed on July 17.

As Patrick McCann notes in his op-ed, “In Texas, where our [clemency] system is cloaked in mystery and outright refusal to open up, we can continue to deny mercy based upon race, religion, class, gender, laziness and whim.” Was Young’s race the deciding factor in his fate? Was it his economic disadvantage?

Until the Texas Legislature forces the board to account for it rulings, issue reports and explain the rules by which it operates, the state’s clemency system will continue to operate under a cloud of suspicion.

Serena Sneeringer, Bellaire