How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
…to claim to be apolitical or neutral in the face of such injustices would be in actuality to uphold the status quo—a very political position to take, and on the side of the oppressors. (1.17)
Can you be nonpolitical? Prejean says nope. If you do nothing, then you're on the side of the status quo. You can try to duck politics, but politics will find you, one way or the other. Prejean is big on reminding people about personal responsibility: it's so easy to turn our backs on problems that don't seem to directly involve us, but as Prejean points out, we're personally involved in just about everything on some level. Nonaction is still action.
Quote #2
"I believe he is a reluctant supporter of capital punishment, and Pat will be his first confrontation with execution." (3.72)
Edwin Edwards had been governor from 1972-1980. He then lost an election, but he returned to office in 1984. Pat Sonnier was the first death penalty case in his new term. Millard Farmer hopes he won't want to execute, for moral reasons—but as it turns out, at least on this issue, Edwin Edwards has no particular moral compass to speak of, and his main goal is to avoid having to pardon anyone. That's politics.
Quote #3
I realize that the governor has found a moral niche in this process, a position from which he can make decisions and still lay his head on the pillow at night and go to sleep. He is a public official. His job is to carry out the law. He subordinates his conscience to the "will of the people." The law speaks for itself: if it is the law, it must be right, it must be true. (3.109)
The governor doesn't want to be guilty of killing someone. So he just says "the law does it." The political process here (and not just here) seems designed not so much to make decisions as to make sure that no one has to take responsibility for making decisions. But Prejean thinks that this escape clause is artificial one: it may be legal, but it's not moral.