NOTES from Web Master
Innocence
Last week I attended a Restorative Justice conference in Durango, Colorado. My wife and I set up a table with information about what we are doing in the criminal justice field. On display were books published by Biddle Publishing including the 3 Volumes of Frontiers of Justice, paintings by Michael Tenneson and Osei Cotton and The Cell Door Magazine. One gentleman began asking me questions about the Cell Door and I told him that all the writers were prisoners or ex-cons. He seemed interested and pleased but his parting comment, "I hope they aren't just writing about how they are innocent," made me question his true feelings.
I too am glad our writers are not all writing about their innocence, but I do feel that the incarcerated innocent should have a forum where s/he can be heard. This is important in all cases, but most important in death row cases. Please read the article about Gary Graham and if you feel persuaded that he should have a new trial, please be proactive and write a letter, fax and e-mail to George Bush, the Republican presidential candidate and to the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole. Don't hesitate - Gary Graham has a June 22nd execution date.
Looking for Death Penalty Editor (repeat)
With all of the news coverage focusing on the problems surrounding the death penalty, we feel that it is imperative that an inmate concentrates his/her efforts in this area. Although we would be more than happy to have someone apply who is just interested in this subject, I have to be honest that we are looking for someone who is up-to-speed not only on the issues but also on pending cases - especially those where true innocence is involved. It has become apparent to me that the only way to shock America into reexamining this form of "justice" is to be able to prove that an executed inmate was actually innocent. Please tell your friends about our search and send us your application and/or your recommendations.
3/16/00
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