Speaking of Conspiracy Theories- Why Free Mumia?

I am of course categorically opposed to the death penalty, and I don't think there's any doubt that there are deep-seated flaws in our justice system. And that says nothing about the problems with the War on (Some) Drugs and the adoption of military-style tactics by the police.

But....the adoption of Mumia Abu-Jamal as the poster-child for what is wrong with the death penalty and the American justice system has always struck me as mind-boggling. Of all the cases to choose as a flagship, the Left has chosen a case where there was ample evidence and plenty of motive. The "Free Mumia" movement is a tremendous waste of resources and has caused a tremendous amount of pain over the years to Officer Faulkner's family. This simply is not the case that opponents of the death penalty should rally behind.

Opponents of the death penalty and critics of the American justice system really need to re-think where they place their resources. There are certainly plenty of other, more worthy defendants who would have benefited from receiving some of the resources diverted to the "Free Mumia" movement.

Ed Morrisey reminds us of the many holes in the "Free Mumia" movement's case.