Vol. 6 No. 1 May - July 2001
Greetings from the Editor's
Desk:
Project Hope to Abolish the
Death
You know the saying
"people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones". Well it's
important that our loyal readers know my editorials are especially intended for
the unenlightened I believe in the truth, though harsh at times, nevertheless,
we live a harsh reality. There's this incredible (untrue) perception about
death new inmates, mainly that we are all thick as bricks mentally, Naturally,
some inmates would respond by saying, 'these people and their opinions are like
noses, everybody has one". As for perceptions and their being so many, III
address only two or three. The most extreme being that death row inmates are
ignorant to how our existence shapes those around us and in the world. This
isn't true. We are cognizant and comprehend a great deal more than the average
citizen. It's been pounded into our brains through much suffering and callous
disregard. On the other hand, I can't defend our society being comatose at the
wheel of recklessly abandoned sensibilities, for the greater good of the
society they reside in..
How many citizens of this
state know and readily accept the extreme pleasure others delight in at our stupid and backwards in the eyes
of the world;
only to make a dignified
showing of anger when called to task on these indignities? Well, here's another
shiner for the state. Alabama, has decided to get bloodier than usual by
joining with Texas, in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to condone the killing of
the mentally retarded, specifically the Texas death row inmate John Paul Perry;
a man that suffers from incredible mental deficiencies. He received a stay of
execution so that these issues may be addressed before the court. Alabama has
always executed the mentally ill. This Texas case just affords the state an
opportunity to legitimize this horrible practice; but wait, what really
disgusts. then tickles my foreign friends and abolitionist is this fact, the
representatives of the state of Alabama think so poorly of Alabama attorney
that they went to New York to hire "professional" attorneys to speak
for and represent Alabama as a friend of the court in Texas. Isn't it ironic
that the very attorneys that the state forces upon us. (death row inmates) they
lack confidence in to represent them in a death penalty capacity? Don't you
just love this, don't these state representatives make you proud?
Prouder still I am of you my brown-skinned brothers and
sisters, that you feel these old/new vibes going round, of evillution
revolution in your state? That you see the citizens, in this killing state,
wrapped in confederate flags; flinging their hellacious heretical heritage in
our faces.
Only a conscientious state
filled with morally decent and responsible people can halt this rising tide of
social insanity.
This flag madness, whether it matters to you or not, is color
commentary of worst kind for the state as a whole.
Personally, I say let Johnny
Reb fly and better still, at half mast every time the state executes one of its
citizens; continue to represent the people! Don't listen to our ghosts, Ben
Franklin, was a nut. Who cares about prevention when frying people is the
cure-A for our crime ailments; moreover, the negroes in Alabama didn't even
flinch when our flinch catholic Governor, wistfully declared that he's taking
Alabama into the ball-ashing business; that's what it is no matter how you
dress it up. He may use child molestation as an excuse/justification for this
slaver mentality but, as a 'brother' I know anyone that looks like me and had
an ear, upon hearing his evil intentions, had to hold 'theirs" for a
second or two!
We also know, white boys and men of lesser
social station and means are sacrificed for unjust causes and agendas, without
their consent of course, I warned our readers when Henry Hays (our ex-klansman
and executed Hope Board member) got shafted by the state in order to further
its'evil deeds of re-awaking the demons of this killing game. Now a new chapter
unfolds.
The African-American
community is being thrown some decrepit old racist pawn, for the early 60's
bombing deaths and desecration of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham,
Alabama. Why now?
As a distraction from these effort to
re-experience those glorious days of lawlessness, when bonfires and street
hangings were socially acceptable entertainment in old Alabama. No
consideration of rights, civil or otherwise. existed for people of color. White
men ruled by divine right Now we travel down this road again, only a little
more sophisticated. Tommy Arthur and Christopher Barbour are the latest white
men to be used as crash test dummies for the states' agendas. Without having
exhausted all of their appeals, the state is trying to kill them. Tommy, on
April 27th, Christopher, on May 25th. If the state is successful, look homeward
angels! There are nearly 40 more men without lawyers on the row facing similar
fates. (*Note: Both of these executions were given a Stay, for how long, we
have no idea.)
It's the same old story in this
state and country, the “good" citizens condone this treatment with their
silence and smiley-faces, choosing the fantasies of security over the true
realities of crime prevention. They choose to be blind to what's going on, and
refuse to take a stand against injustice. I shivered seeing black ministers in
united support of that NAZI George W. Bush. Don't you get it? When Bush
sets the states free of federal intervention as much as possible, as is his
want, especially southern states, all hell is going to break loose. Perceptions
people, for instance, the legislative hearing on April 18th, for consideration
of a three year moratorium on capital punishment, sounds great right? Well
answer me this, is this hearing a sign of the waning days of Alabama's'
frontier mentality? Is this the eve of some socially
vestiges of
decency for the state? Or are prevailing, hook, line and sinker? I truly
s state are in for a rude
awakening, soon! Naturally
Until next
time, increase the peace and in all things, keep Hope alive. Darrell B.
Grayson Z419 8-U-6
On Wings Of Hope
Vol. 6, No. I
Published quarterly and
distributed free on request to inmates, family members and friends Of the
movement to abolish the death penalty. Readers are invited to submit original
essays, poems, and letters. Submissions may be edited for clarity and length.
NO materials can be returned without a stamped self addressed envelope.
Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of Hope
or the editors. Address editorial correspondence to Darrell Grayson, Z-419
8-U-6, Holman Unit 3700, Atmore. AL 36503-3700. Other staff- Jeff Rieber,
Assistant Editor-, Daniel Siebe James Martin, Staff Writers.
Project Hope To Abolish
Death Penalty .
Page 3
Hook Line and Sinker'
The execution industry in the United States must have
a steady flow of blood to keep the machinery of death operational. and
well oiled.
Capital punishment.
exist' solely as a political tool,
cannot operate if the American public *ins to open their mg
eyes. Using common sense as their source of reason,
rather than relying on the influence of agenda motivated politicians. If the
system itself would begin to slip toward a more rational form of crime
prevention policy, with an eye on community and rehabilitation, then everyone
would benefit.. Reconciliation of our problems as a society, cannot occur if we
continue to lack the courage to step beyond the realm of Revenge and
fear. A realm solely inspired by the slick rhetoric of our political leaders
who know exactly what buttons to push; and why not? Like any good farmer or
cattle rancher they must continue to grow their crop, and raise their herds, if
they intend to reap the benefit of their product of hate and revenge. It is the
only way they can maintain their long lived killing fields.
The once polarized death penalty struggle has not been
transformed into a real debate over the injustices of capital punishment. No
longer is it merely a liberal versus conservative issue, since a growing
majority of the world wide population is openly troubled by the frequently
disturbing reports about capital punishment in America.
'T I
We're a funnyy lot; we Americans. We honestly believe
those we empower with our vote
can de no wrong, and we allow them to
speak on our behalf without listening to what they are really saying. If they
have their way about it now they will continue to utilize this brazen form of
mind altering muddle to convince the public, "there is nothing wrong with
the death penalty."
The bottom line here is. that if we fall in line with
this way of thinking, we will continue to remain in the grasp of
perpetuation,served up by the politicians as the answers to our problems.
Communities will continue to pit themselves against
one another, and the cycle of victimization will continue to broaden as the
expanse of class separatism begins to widen, thus consuming any opportunity we
may have to solve the violence plaguing our communities
It is obvious there is something wrong with a system,
when that system fails to enhance itself through its principles, If the death
penalty- were a deterrent, then would it not make sense to you that the numbers
of inmates confined to death row would decrease after twenty five years, rather
than 'increase so dramatically since the reinstatement of capital punishment
One would think that after reinstatement, and a period of time providing for a
ceiling of convictions, the deterrent message would have been embrace and the
number of convictions would then decrease. based upon the principle of the
deterrent factor.
Would it not make sense to you that the
number of homicides would also decrease, especially in jurisdictions where
capital punishment is utilized as a form of punishment? Unfortunately this is
not the case, and in most of these jurisdictions the rate of homicide is
actually up, thus contradicting the deterrent value of the death penalty.
If this system of deterrence were in fact functional,
would it not be feasible to think, people would not be languishing on death
rows for so many years, then found to W innocent, or sentences reduced because
of sentencing effort. By the way, don't give me that crap about the system is
working, when these individuals finally found freedom's light. I know you are
not that blind or naive. It wasn't the
courts that placed them in that light. It was the unrelenting attorneys,
investigators, students. the media, and dedicated journalists, who unlike, the
courts, had an open mind about truth, rather than stuffing everything in the
vortex of procedure, thus allowing the innocent, the retarded, the under
represented, and the juvenile to fall prey to their broken system through
execution.
It was not the courts who discovered Randall Adams's
innocence in Texas. Nor was it the courts. or the system that frew the
"majority" of the other 89 individuals released through exoneration
since 1973. If the courts had had their way, that majority would now be the
unheard, unseen dead, rather than the vibrant living examples of
"why". capital punishment is a flawed, unworthy system of justice.
The honest truth is. that had Professor Protess, and
others not come along to investigate the unfairness of the
system, had
they not been touched by reason and insightfulness. do you honestly think those
saved through the I
Page 4
On Wings of Hope. May - July
2(X) 1
Continued from page 3
truths they discovered would still be alive today ?
Ask yourself that question honestly and I promise you the answer will be, no,
they would not have been able to escape deaths cold, dark, grasp. So many, so
close to the executioners ax were saved by the virtue of the truths he and
those who fought with him represented.
There are things you must truly begin to think about,
if you consider yourself a rational,
intelligent human being.
These are the things that will lead you to the real things will lead you to the real truths representing the death penalty, as a system corrupted by the politic of rhetoric and perpetuation of the violence’s that enable the political entities to continue oiling their killing machine with the blood of the innocent, the retarded, and the less fortunate soul of our society.
You should be asking yourself, "why", do
prosecutors withhold evidence at trial? Why, are retarded individuals such as
Earl Washington, let into the gates of hell by those you have placed all of
your worldly trust in? Why, are these individuals not held accountable for
their acts against those who find themselves oppressed by the system, racially,
financially and psychologically? Why are they not punished for their crimes
against humanity? WHY?
I'll tell you why! The voting public
has fallen for the "scare the public into supporting the death
penalty" political rhetoric, hook line and sinker. It doesn't take a
genius to figure out that in general you have surrendered your voice and your
power to their manipulative tactics, and their rhetoric. You have abandoned the
collective, and submitted to the influence of their agenda based rhetoric. You
have become lost in the easy way out, by excluding yourself from the equation
of solution. The rhetoric has blinded you, and your human compassion has been
silenced by the ridiculous principles of hate, revenge, and fear. You have
given up to the very forces you proclaim to loathe and hate. Violence, and
murder as a means to an end.
This article is not intended for those of you who
already recognize the truths of our situation. This and other articles
pertaining to the factors that represent the fallacies of the death penalty
system will be released to our net address, as well as other sources. We are
nDt intending to preach to the choir, but the choir must know the words to the
song if they are to understand our direction.
Daniel Siebert Executive Coordinator PHADP Z-475
7-U-13 Holman U& 3700 Atmore, AL 36503-3700
The U.S. Supreme Court 1WIed
the execution of .Antonio Richardson, a mentally retarded juvenile
offender scheduled to be executed in Missouri on March 7, 2001. The Court
granted the reprieve to give the Justices more time to consider whether to hear
his case. The Supreme Court will hear Penry v. Johnson, a case related to
mental retardation and the death penalty on March 27. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
March 7. 2001.) The Supreme Court also granted a stay in the case of Ernest
McCarver a mentally retarded defendant in North Carolina.
Death Penalty Information Center:
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/whatsnew.hW
The Georgia Supreme Court
granted a stay of Ronald Spivey until the court decides whether use of
the electric hair
constitutes "cruel and
unusual punishment". Georgia has not used its electric chair since 1998.
The State has since passed legislation to change its method of execution to
lethal injection, but the statute only applies to those sentenced after May 1,
2000. In a concurring opinion issued just four hours before Spivey's execution,
Justice Sears noted that the Legislature changed the method of execution to
lethal injection because electrocution "offends the evolving standards of
decency that characterize a mature civilized society." (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution, N4arch 6, 2001)
Project Hope To Abolish
Death Penalty
Page 5
VM SOMETIMES FRIEND AND
SOMETIMES FOE
Hi, I thought it was about time that I introduce
myself to you. Even though you should already know me, but you choose to not acknowledge that I exist with you
My name is Denial, not Daniel or Danielle, but
Denial, (as to deny). You still don't remember me, do you?
Well, first of all, I'm not a who or what, but an if
or when. Yeah, I'm there if I'm needed. I am part of you, part of vour
conscience. That part that helps you put unwanted thoughts and Unwanted beliefs
out of your mind. I kri6w you probably have forgotten me, but we've been
together a long time
I remember when we first met. It was the times your mother or father tried to explain something to you or tried to give you some advise on life and how to live right. Well, I'm that part of you that lead you to believe that vou already knew everything. And there was nothing wrong with the way you were living.
Do you remember me now?
Well, I'm that part of you that's telling you right now that I
don't exist within you. I'm telling you that you are the up front type and you
don't need to deny anything! Now, I know you feel me. So Hi or Hello,
whatever wav you choose to sav it.
Now, since we are on the sane track, let me give you a
little insight on me. And how I play a major part in your life. It's like I
said, I'm sometimes friend and sometimes foe. First of all I am all your no's,
it's not and didn’t, and your won’t and can’t. I tell you that you
can't; when you probably, could-- I tell you that you shouldn't; when you
should. DO YOU KNOW MY FUNCTION YET?
Well, to be plain, I'm considered a lie. I am the
essence of no or the meaning of Not! I am the part of you that keep you from
believing. I am the part of you that can’t accept. I lot you live in a
fantasy, because if there is something I think that you can't handle, I tell
you that (a) It isn't happening; (b) It didn’t happen; (c) It will not
happen, or (d) It cannot happen. Now, I'm only looking out for you. I just
can't let you suffer from worry about something. Without me, think of a the
ulcers you'll have. So you see, I am a friend. Just think about all the
times I've stepped in for you. I didn't make you smoke, but I made it more
enjoyable for you. Didn't I keep you from worrying about developing cancer
every time you lit-up? Wasn't I the only one telling you that you didn’t have a
problem with drinking when all your so-called friends were saying you
were an alcoholic? And wasn't I the only one that believed you when you said
you could stop whenever you wanted to?
Now, I admit I make mistakes, because I too believed
that you wouldn't get caught or go to "Death Row". so I'm sorry about
that, OK? But wasn't I still helping you ? Oh yeah, don't believe I'm here.
Hell, I'm what's making you believe now that you don't have to do nothing
because things will work themselves out. It is I who let you enjoy your
game of basketball without a care in the world. And it is I who let's you Just
lay around without reading up on your case or thinking about it for that
matter.
I make the real, unreal to you. Like you cell, I make
you see it as your little apartment. I let you believe that when your
“apartment” door locks you inside, it’s just to keep you safe from the world. I
tell you next week or next month the judge that sentenced you to die is going
to call you back and give you a lighter sentence. So now you finally started to
understand me ?
Now don't go and pick up no law books or try to read
your law material. Leave that to your lawyers and the Appeal Court, because if
there is a mistake I'm quite sure they'll find it and let you know.
Don’t worry about this stuff, OK'? Leave that to
me and I'll got you out? Remember that I'm your friend and wouldn’t let
nothing happen to you. Would I lie!
Composed and written by:
Mr. Melvin J. Hodges
Page 6
On Wings Of HOPE. May - July
2001
This is a "Dead Man
Talking"
Hi everyone, my name is
"Dead Man Talking". which is the other side of 'Dead Man
Walking". I am pleased that most of you are beginning to debate the real
issues of stopping the violence and are finding some common ground to start the
healing.
There are a number of pros
and cons for these subjects. but I want to say as a 'Dead Man Talking".
there is only one issue to discuss and that is to stop to the violence and
start the healing.
I have heard
news that many people are beginning to question the judicial system. and are
calling for a moratorium on the death penalty; and in many cases calling to
abolish it completely. Such calls are coming from debates. public arguments and
even ballot polls across the nation.
As a "Dead Man Talking",
I am conscious of the shift in the momentum of such voices in today's society.
They are so clear and so strong yet it makes such eloquence seem little
more than a murmur, in comparison to those who refuse to debate the issue of
stopping capital punishment.
Anger and restitution are
part of man's mentality. Coupled with greed and unchecked power this is an act
of tyrannical superiority. And such decisions are too heinous to be in the
hands of human beings. Here is a "Dead Man Talking": To put such
power in the hands of a chosen few is outright sedition in a democratic
society.
People! The
momentum of voices is coming from all quarters of our society. This country,
the United States of America. is a country of opportunities, freedoms and
expectations. Now is the time, now, we need to seize the moment and let our
voices be heard. No-one. but no-one is beyond redemption.
By nature we are a people
who believe in our democratically elected government. Also we are a Christian
country and believe in Almighty God
, and His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. However, it is important that we
also realize that there are destructive and negative forces at work within both
our government and in our judicial system; and it's these evils the people are
up against. This means that the respect one had for today's government is
waning and the electorate is no longer interested in the ballot box. Even our
churches are succumbing to these negative forms. the pews are empty.
We, as a people need to
re-think our moral attitudes and realize that the whole world is watching us.
We must permit the tremendous impact of our Declaration of the People's
Independence to govern us as a nation, just as our great forefathers intended
it to be. It states that no-one shall be deprived of life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness-, and that all citizens of the United States of America,.
regardless of race, age or color shall be deemed to be equal.
'Dead Man
Talking": These are my thoughts and ideas for stopping the violence and
starting the healing. They stand on the threshold of the sane and the insane-,
the living and the dead, Most important of all of these thoughts and ideas
stand on the hopes of our young children who are the real victims of today's
maledictions.
We must go
beyond the conventional code of conduct and behavior and bring those of our
society who we see as undesirable to the conference table. Who better to speak
than those who have been ostracized by our judicial system? Are we so bigoted
that the thoughts and ideas of such people cannot be considered? Does common
sense always have to take a back seat?
The churches of our nation
cannot be free of criticism. During the latter part of the 20th century the
church has allowed its members free thought without any real guidance on the
moral issues of life. It is accepted that each person has the right to follow
their own conscience. I feet however that the church has failed to help it's
people in the 20th century to distinguish between the choices available, and
has allowed them to be heavily influenced by political propaganda without any
reference to die word of God, as they make their decision regarding capital
punishment.
It is clear
that before making any decision we need to have all the information available,
both secular and Biblical on the given subject in this case capital punishment.
To make such a decision without the necessary information is a bit like jumping
from an aircraft without a parachute, it has devastating results.
If we have
the necessary information then we can embark on an exciting journey into the
new millennium. Let us join hands and make the real American dream come true.
To enter into life and create a light that will shine through the darkness of
man’s soul. Let us uplift the reality of a nation that our forefathers
envisioned so many years ago. And let the rest of the world see our actions as
a peaceful gesture to bring the world together.
Violence will be no more. Healing will be the role of all people throughout the nation. There is potential in each of us to forward healing among our people. Minds once in bondage can be set free. Surely one will be motivated by these words, no more killing, legal or illegal and let the healing begin! This is a 'Dead Man Talking".
Charles L. Burton, Jr Z537
8-U-2 Holman Unit 3700. Atmore, AL 36503-3700
Project Hope To Abolish The
Death Penalty
Page 7
Legal Representation
Before I begin my essay on
the analysis of 'legal representation', I think that it is important that the
pertinent and applicable part of the Constitution be cited: The Sixth Amendment
guarantees "that in all criminal prosecutions. the accused shall enjoy the
right to have the assistance of counsel for his defense'. Additionally. the
United States Supreme Court has interpreted the Sixth Amendment right to
counsel to include 'adequate legal representation".
This analysis
will focus on legal representation, but more specifically on a lack thereof.
This lack thereof will be in the context of death penalty cases as I am a death
row inmate who has been directly and adversely affected by such.
About 3 years ago. the
American Bar Association pointed out a number of problems with the death
penalty, as it's practiced in the United States. One of those being the quality
of counsel: that people are sentenced to death not for committing the worst
crime, but because they have the misfortune to be assigned the worst court
appointed lawyer by the judge who is presiding over their case.
Most
recently, the Columbia Law School conducted a study which examined every
capital conviction and appeal between 1973 through 1995 (nearly 5.000 judicial
decision). During that 22 years study period, the overall rate of prejudicial
error in America's capital punishment system according to professor James S.
Lieberman. was 68 per cent. One of the most common errors that led the courts
to overturn a capital conviction or a capital sentence was incompetent defense
lawyers, which accounted for 37 per cent. So. the problem relating to
inadequate legal representation is a valid concern where the death penalty is
involved.
It is apparently clear that
most poor people facing the death penalty received an altogether different type
of representation than did O.J. Simpson. the Criminal Justice system in many
parts of the country has suffered from years of neglect, inadequate funding and
other problems.
Often these problems have
been entrusted to persons with neither the ability nor the inclination to cam
out their high functions. Courts cannot deliver justice when they tolerate a
system where capital murder suspects are not provided adequate legal
representation. The Courts low respect and credibility when they refuse to
acknowledge and remedy such a problem. Responding to the public clamor for
executions is not justification for ignoring cases involving inadequate legal
representation. Courts of vengeance are not courts of justice. Where there has
been ineffective counsel, poor representation and incompetent counsel. the
validity, of the death penalty would be completely wrong.
There are several reasons
for the poor quality of representation: The lawyers appointed to defend capital
cases are often paid a token amount, sometimes even less than the cost of
overhead for operating the lawyer's office. Court appointments in criminal cases
pay less than any other kind of legal work. An attorney representing an accused
in a capital case is paid no more than an attorney representing an accused in a
non-capital case. As a result, the poor are often represented by inexperienced lawyers who view their
responsibilities as unwanted burdens, have little or no inclination to help
their client s and have no incentive to
develop criminal trial skills. Many states, particularly those in the southern
death belt where most executions are carried out. do not have public defender
offices. Additionally,, a poor person facing the death penalty is assigned a
lawyer by the local elected judge who may not always have the best interest of
the defendant at heart. The attorney may have greater loyalty to the judge.
upon whom he is dependent for future business than to the client. There are
examples of such 'miscarriages of justice" which have been documented with
the help of the United States Justice Department. Although the Criminal Justice
System is aware of those findings, still, there are those that have slipped
through ,the cracks and there are those that continue to be convicted of
capital offenses as a result of the same inadequacies, Again, where there has
been ineffective counsel. poor representation. and incompetent counsel the
validity of the death penalty would be completely wrong.
The United
States Supreme Court has held that the condemned are not entitled to lawyers
for stages of review of their cases beyond the direct appeal to the state
Supreme Court. In an effort to increase the number and speed of executions.
Congress in 1995 eliminated funding for the death penalty resource centers. The
elimination of federal funding has resulted in the closing of some resource
centers and drastic reductions of others, leaving many of those facing death.
without counsel. The Equal Justice Initiative here in Alabama has been directly
affected by this action which has resulted in a number of death row inmates who
are presently without counsel. Courts and legislatures appear to be indifferent
about the quality of representation of capital cases.
The prospects
for improvements are not good. However, if the "voices" of those
politicians and supporters who are opposed to the death penalty continue to be
heard, there may actually be some hope for increasing the quality of legal
representation in capital cases. Nevertheless.. I remain hopeful but not
content...
Artez Hammonds Z630 5-U-14 Holman Unit 3700, Atmore,
AL 36503-3700
Page 8
On Wings of Hope. May, - July 2001
Hope's Piggy Bank
After much research, it is apparent that we must do
more to ensure that we have the necessary capital available for the
printing/publishing costs of our first "Hope" book release. Otherwise
we will have to submit to the outlandish publishing companies. They are. in our
opinion, asking for far too much control over the release of our work. We are
asking one and all to Join us 'in our Hope Piggy Bank Project.
This project consists of creating a
"Hope" piggy bank in your home or business. We all know that, at the
end of our busy days, we sometimes end up with excess change 'in our pockets
and purses. We have the perfect place to put that change! Drop it into your
"Hope" piggy bank, then at the end of each month, whatever amount has
accumulated in your piggy bank can be sent to our main office to be added to
our Equal Justice Protection Project, Education Fund.
This is immediate working capital. Considering the
overall number of our membership, as well as family, friends and advocates
nationally and abroad. we have enough people involved in the new Project Hope
effort to make this project work.
Funds are desperately needed to ensure the launch of
our publication releases as well as our line of Hope all occasion cards, to be
sold on the world wide web on our Hope web site, as well as implementing our
Hope Hospitality House.
Along with our annual donations, this piggy bank
project. and our attempts to now seek out grants, we will be well on our way
towards this phase of our plan to grow the funds necessary to fight
this fight with the vigor and maximum effort it will take to win the
day.
If this is too much to ask, if your days are so full
you can’t possible remember to feed bank, then make it a little simpler. Send 5
or 10 dollars per month to
the Equal Justice Protection Project. Education Fund and your donation well
serve the same purpose as the "Hope" piggy bank.
There is a light at the end of this
tunnel. Unfortunately, the road must be paved with the dollars of our Capitalist
structure. We're trying to do what must be done. but without a doubt, we need
your help!
Please know that all funds received will be used for
the purpose of our Equal Justice Protection Project. Your contributions. no
matter how large or small, will W of immeasurable help in this struggle.
Thank You, PHADP
ATTENTION
We at Project Hope would like to draw your attention
to our upcoming publication of death raw artwork, entitled:
Caged Visions (the Art of Death -Row)
Here is a few examples for your enjoyment. Stay tuned
for more information concerning this publication. Carey "Boonan"
Grayson, Z-598 7-L)-B
Project Hope to Abolish The Death
Penalty
page 11
Rebuttal TO Ch
Mr. Gary Holt, is a private citizen from Jacksonville,
Alabama ... This article stems from an
article printed in the Anniston Star. (special note), Mr. Holt never
responded.
Wednesday, January 3, 2001
Mr. Gary Holt.
Hello! My name is Anthony
Boyd. I am currently an inmate on Alabama's death row. I'm writing this letter
in response to your article printed in the Star, Thursday, December 28. 2(m.
I'm writing
to question your rationalization for, questioning another's knowledge and
integrity. Haven't you heard. "people that live in glass houses shouldn't
throw rocks?' I make that statement with this in mind, your lack of knowledge
concerning the death penalty. and our unjust system as a whole, is just the
mirror like political rhetoric that's been fed to you, and society by self
serving politicians who ride the hatred and vengeance stirred by their
knowingly false propaganda. It is unsuspecting people such as yourself that
fall prey to this political manipulation. You. and I are one and the same. We
are both pawns in this political chess match of power, and deception.
As for the
penal system being a revolving door that serves little if any deterrent value
... how do you deter people form doing what they have done for so long to
survive? It takes a person with hope to change, to actually change. There is
nothing productive in the penal system any longer. An inmate used to be able to
get an education, a trade, and some counseling before being released to start
anew. Now, with all of thaw avenues taken away, there is nothing in this system
but idle minds which in essence,. become a breeding ground for better
criminals. I am not referring to every inmate. just The ones that have had the
hope beaten from their very existence. Nor am I saying don't be tough on crime.
There is a fine line between toughness and degradation.
Please allow me to correct
your misconstrued interpretation of the so called 'high Life' that inmates live
courtesy of society. We may be a little better off then the homeless, as far as
having a roof over our heads and getting three meals a day. But us being
coddled and enjoying a standard of living above that of many free. law abiding,
hard working people in society is a far stretch of your imagination. The food
is not recognizable. you sleep, cat and use the bathroom all in a five by eight
area. Contrary to your beliefs, Mr. Holt, the penal system is far from being a
country club. The heat is on in the summer, and there are weeks without heat in
the winter. The administration, and the officers take every opportunity to
dehumanize inmates. So no Mr. Holt, this is not a country club! Please get the
truth and the accurate facts before writing articles substantiating propaganda.
Have you even been inside a prison? (if just to visit.)
You issued a challenge for
assertion that the death penalty serves no deterrent value. Your challenge has
been accepted! First of all, it seems as though you have no knowledge of the
definition of deterrence. So, let's get that established First ... Deterrence:
to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting.
The death penalty has been
reinstated since 1976. and it has.yet to have an effect on the crime rate.
States with the death penalty, by majority have a higher murder rate than
states without the death penalty. Also, it has been shown the murder rate in
states with the death penalty tend to spike prior to and after an execution..
Don't just take my word for it. the statistics are there to back me up, unlike
your propaganda. Read the newspaper or watch the news and you'll see that
people are still being murdered every day.
For you to say that, as a
specific deterrent it has a 1001/o effectiveness rate because none of those
executed will ever commit another crime is simply a cop-out. True, those
executed "I never again commit another murder: However, murder has the
LOWEST recidivism rate of ANY violent crime. so a person who has murdered is
extremely unlikely to murder again! Have all of those senseless, state
sanctioned homicides, deterred others from future violent crimes? No! Do you
feel any more protected after an execution? The problem is, the politicians
have you (society) so blinded with tough on crime slogans, hatred. and
vengeance that you (society) are more concerned with punishment after the fact,
rather than putting forth efforts to stop the crime before it actually happens.
Maybe your knowledge and integrity would be better utilized disputing your
politicians methods of solving problems, or better yet, writing an article on
the million plus children of whom lost their lives last year because they were
unwanted. You wrote your article questioning someone else's knowledge and
integrity, my question to you is, what did you do to help those children, and
what steps are you taking to prevent future unwanted children from losing their
lives?
If you're so concerned about
those children, then your support of the death penalty is sadly misplaced. See
it takes two million + dollars to take a single person from trial to execution.
whereas it would take approximately $180,000 to keep a man in prison for life
without parole. Now. figure that up and see which would make more sense! Which
leaves the most money to help those unwanted children that you're speaking of?
Is your rage and blood lust so blinding that you can't see the forest for
the trees?
Mr. Gary Holt, Please Stop
Throwing Rocks!
Anthony Boyd
Z-578 Holman Unit 6-D-9
Atmore, AL 36503-3700
Page 12
On Wings of Hope.
May - July 2001
NOTICE
As you may know Hope has recently gone through me changes in personnel and has moved our main office Lanett to Birmingham, now back Lanett,Alabama. This is the reason that our newsletter is late. There have been changes on. the board of Directors as ell as the Executive Committee
Mr Jesse Morrison, cofounder, of Hope. has been and
will continue to be an inspiration to us. He has beaten. his death sentence an
and has moved on to form the Lifer’s
organization. Jesse holds the title of President Emeritus within Hope as
a sign of our respect and gratitude for all of his work. Thank you Jesse, for
not allowing to sit idle while this injustice
is inflicted upon us.
Mr. Jim Cumbee
has resigned as Hope's Executive Treasurer, and Assistant Editor of “on
Wings of Hope”. Thank to. Jim for all of your help and work over, the years.,
Mrs. Judy Cumbee,. now. Ambassador to
Project Hope. has been our M. VP. for many years. Judy. Friend,. You are loved
by us inmates more that you realize. You are truly one in a million because you have a conscience with a very low
voice that won't let you endure, abide, or condone injustice whenever, you see
it. Thank you for all you’ve done, .and continue to do, for Hope and this
cause,
We wish to welcome two new members into the Hope family and staff,: Mrs.
Esfher Brown, Executive Secretary/Treasurer, and National
Representative/Advisor. Esther is new to the Hope family but a seasoned veteran
when fighting the death penalty is concerned. She is definitely a force unto
herself. She has been in this fight for over 18 years. She's accomplished much,
won some tough battles, and suffered some devastating losses.
Project Hope is happy to announce the addition of Ms. Marie Long Woodham. into the Hope family. Marie is now our Southern Coordinator, and we welcome her enthusiastically. She has generously offered to build and maintain our ,web site which will be a. essential tool used to spread our abolitionist view and information far and wide Marie also handles. also, handles on to the Board all email correspondence. She has We full support and confidence of the Board of Directors and we look forward to a mutually satisfying, fruitful and lasting lasting..relattionship, Thank you. Marie and welcome home!' .
Esther and Marie, welcome to the fold and - look
forward to accomplishing great things together!
New Ho
Be Address:
PHADP P.O. Box 1362 Lanett, AL 36863
Phone: (334) 499-0003
Fax: (334) 341-5595
E-ma: ProjectHope2OOl@aol.com
Web: project-hope-phadp.org
The E-mail address phadp@hotmail.com is still in use
but will be phased out due to "hotmail" selling our address to
marketers that have flood our computer with "junk-mail". The
AOL address listed above is the new Hope e-mail address.
We hope that our supporters will bear with us through
this time of change and renewal. We have many ambitious project planned.
We intend to help create and raise
capital ourselves, instead of relying solely on donations and contributions. We
have applied for a tax status that will make future donations deductible. At
this time, more than ever before, we
need your support and donations to help us help ourselves.
We are doing everything in our power to generate funs
ourselves, in order to take some of the
burden off of our supporters but it takes money to make money. Please give
generously and know that you are giving life blood to a worthy cause. Peace
Jeff Rieber, Z-540 7-D-8, Holman Unit 3700, Atmore, AL
36503-3700
Note: The two supporters awarded custom designed
occasion cards are:
New supporter, Norie Jenkins of Tampa,
Florida
Current supporter,, Lois Brown of Prattville. Alabama
We appreciate the new supporters and. of course. all
those long time supporters.
Page 13
STOP the VIOLENCE
Ever since the beginning of
time there's been an unending struggle between good and evil --violence and
peace.
As time progressed acts of violence became not only
serious, but more common. Now in the 21st century one would think with our
"suppose" to be evolved minds such problems would be containable?!
In order to stop the violence we as a people must
first come to terms with what is the source of this violence. Many people seem
to agree that "money" and "race" are the two most common
causes for acts of violence and even though many people may agree, nothing has
changed! Why? Because:
1) We're still talking about solutions,
2) Instead of using methods to prevent, we're content
with further punishment after the fact.
3) As long as it doesn't effect your neighborhood or
you as an individual then its ignored!
As we all know and can see the above are not
deterrents. They are just ways to keep what's civil, civil! When we need to
realize that it's not only up to our political leaders, but up to each and
every one of us, not only as individuals but as one nation to solve and resolve
this problem ...
It's true that a few steps have been taken to try to
contain this problem, but all those steps are doing is clipping
branches. In order for us to get to the root we must take the next step by
letting our actions speak louder than our words.
Now I'm more than sure we all were kids once, so we
all know that it takes more than stiffer punishments to break bad habits! I
mean complicated solutions aren't always necessary, sometimes the simplest
solutions solve some of the biggest problems.
How can a society so full of technological advancements
be so destructive socially?
In my opinion, we seem to put more time as well as
money into building and maintaining the physical or outer image of the United
States, rather than focusing on all of our internal problems here at home. We
spend too much time trying to live up to that image of being the model nation,
we have forgotten all about ourselves and the solutions we must strive for as a
people.
Before closing, I would just like to
say, in order for us to be one nation under God, we must stop actogn like we
are and become one ...
Tony Barksdale: Z-611 6-U-12
Holman Unit 3700 Atmore, AL 36503-3700
Project Hope To Abolish Death Penalty
Page 14
* INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS*
* Governor Don Siegleman and Attorney General Bill
Pryor, have recently become excessively "pro-active" in seeking and
subsequently gaining execution dates for (2) death row inmates who (through no
fault of their own and due to circumstances beyond their control) faded to meet
the deadlines for the filing of an appeal. in what is commonly termed a
"timely manner".
* When it best suited "His" political ambitions and the state's consensus voiced concerns about the lengthy appeal process. Attorney General Bill Pryor, during a scripted press conference forewarned and announced that "His' office would seek death warrants for over (10) inmates .. .... if these inmates did not file their appeals promptly...'.
* Since that time, the focus has
detoured from lengthy appeals toward the racial bias found in the inordinate
number of Black inmates both being sentenced to death and executed by Alabama.
* Is it by design that this same Attorney General,
chose in one case to forewarn and announce at a press conference
"His" intentions to seek death warrants for the larger group of death
row inmates and now in a second indistinguishable situation where the
predisposition to racial bias is the foundation for the Moratorium on the death
penalty (presently in the Legislature). Pryor chose to instead quietly allow
(2) "lawyer-less", indigent, uneducated White inmates' deadline for
the filing of an appeal to pass?
* Neither the Governor nor the Attorney
General will acknowledge the fact that the Department of Corrections (DOC). (an
extension of the Governor's office) has implemented standards
"specifically" for death row inmates.. which inhibits and obstructs
"lawyer-less" convicts from fully developing and timely filing their
appeals.
* 'Death row Law Library" does NOT
even have the absolute bare minimal, necessary for an inmate to file the most
elementary of appeals in a "Timely Manner", such as a dictionary,
state rules of Appeal or self help manuals, etc .....
* To further exacerbate these blatant conditions the
"DOC" regularly assign death row inmates who's I.Q. scores. court
records and institutional behavior rewards strongly document learning
disabilities. bordering on mental retardation, as law clerks.
* Those that represent the State of Alabama have made
it known, 'they" wish to accelerate the rate of executions while
shortening the time between sentence and execution, These 'NEW' policies and
recent legislation make their intentions even cleared by:
a) eliminating a once mandatory review of all death
cases by the Alabama Supreme Court
b) assigning mentally retarded inmates as law clerks
c) not supplying inmates with the basic
rules of Appeal.
d) prohibiting and further restricting
"Lawyer-less". indigent inmates from soliciting legal representation
via the
inmate "free" legal mail system and
called telephone system.
e) covertly allowing deadlines to pass, then promptly
seeking execution dates for some and not others, which even best serves
"His" political ambitions.
* This type of system will never
promote "Justice" or be "JUST" when choosing to neither
appoint a death rose inmate a simple lawyer nor to give or allow him access to
the minimal and most basic of law books which would enable them to help
themselves in a timely manner, against "Insurmountable Odds" and
conditions.
James McWilliams, Z467 S-U-4 Holman Unit 3700
Atmore, AL 36503-3700
Page 15
On Wings of Hope. May - July 2001
UNFORTUNATELY
Unlike the notoriously murderous George W. Bush, who
slaughtered 152 human souls in the state of Texas before becoming President of
the U.S.A., Bill Pryor and Don Siegleman will not be able to say I'm confident
that everyone executed in the state of Alabama was found to be guilty, after a
full review of, and access to. the courts". Under the 14th Amendment to
the Constitution it reads- 'No state shall deprive a person of life. liberty,
or property without due pro=s". Unfortunately for Tommy Arthur and
Christopher Barbour, this constitutional violation has become their burden to
bear. there's no sane reason why these two men should be facing execution at
this time. There is, however, enough blame to go around, "including the
Equal Justice Initiatives" failure of being the "gate keepers"
for the row, as they so diligently express to the world. A missed time limit
shouldn't be the one component in the appeals process that avails the state
opportunities to "I with impunity.
Nevertheless, our Attorney General and Governor have
manipulated the system so tragically that, unlike Bush. then, have even taken
away their opportunity to "wash their hands" in the corruption of the
judicial system in America as "Hannibal" Bush so tactfully did.
These two men (Pryor and Siegelman), by their
corrupted attitude and blatant violation of the 14th Amendment to the
Constitution have taken it upon
themselves to implement a nazi style approach to capital punishment in Alabama.
At least Bush was smart enough to hide his murderous appetite within the maze
of judicial bigotry and bias. Pryor and Siegleman, however, are seemingly
undisturbed by, the injustices they are utilizing to enhance their
political station within this racist, discriminating system they are creating
with their rhetoric ridden methodology of perpetuating violence in our culture
at all cost. Executions of this sort, (especially if you are in a position to reap
the political benefits) offer those who dictate them a power package, a resume
of His for the traditional office transfer" come election time.
With the rise of social concerns about the fundamental
fairness, or lack thereof, in the capital punishment arena. one could safely
make the argument that these men are trying to loll as many people as they
possibly can. Particularly in light of their (Alabama) asking the U.S. Supreme
Court to condone the execution of the mentally retarded. What better leadership
quality to present to voters, than showing ones' willingness to kill by any
means necessary? Capital punishment has become a multipurpose service industry
for politicians. They would have you believe executions are the magic bullets
for what ails society and its criminal element. They present this remedy, which
is ineffectual and confirms the rational that states sh7ouldn't be in the
killing business. It doesn't serve the public safety needs, only the so-called
leaders perpetuation of this violence. Moreover, and lest we forget men have
and always will be willing practitioners of evil deeds for their personal
edification; And they call US monsters!
If there's no condemnation over the execution of these
two men, it will assure the politicians that the mass of society truly
believes death row inmates live in a vacuum. The 14th Amendment is being taken
from us, and you (society) believe you are safe? What happens to death row
inmates, can happen to you!
Written by:
Darrell Grayson and Daniel Siebert Holman Prison
Atmore, Alabama
P16
Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty P.O. Box
1362
Lanett, AL 36863
Greetings Family, I address you as Family because I called you that once before when Brian Baldwin and I coauthored his last editorial over the phone. As you know, the editorial was written during the last couple of weeks of his life. We were stretched to the max but Brian was determined to leave his family a testimonial, an expression of gratitude and love but also a message on how we saw family.
During our time together we had hoped, because of the
evidence uncovered, that Brian would come home. We had planned to live in
Washington state and although that would have been far from Alabama, we did not
plan to leave you behind. Our dream was to establish an organization which
would match up "outmates" with inmates and provide guidance on how to
be family in the way described in the article "Family is as Family
Does". As you know, that dream was not to be.
When I left Alabama, after June 18, 1999, 1 thought I
would never, could never return to Alabama. However, I did return for the
memorial, July 13, 1999 (Remembrance Day) because I could not pass up the
opportunity to speak about Brians’ murder by the state on the steps of the
Capitol in Montgomery. I was keeping the promise I had made Brian that I would
be his voice. The first time I did this was at the press conference held twelve
hours after his death, and since then I have taken every opportunity to tell
his story. Of course, when I tell his story, I tell your stories...The stories
of his Family.
As some of you know, I have worked against the death
penalty for 19 years. I have been "the other voice", to quote Jesse
Morrison, the cofounder of Project Hope and my close friend, at every
opportunity. I have belonged to the Gainesville Citizens Against the Death
Penalty, and the Massachusetts Citizens Against the Death Penalty. I want you
to know that no association has been more meaningful to me than Project Hope. I
am honored to be your National Representative/Advisor. With your help I will do
my best, to be Family to you by representing your interests out here, so that
together we will come that much closer to abolition. I
The "Outmate"
Ms. Esther Brown Z-OUTMATE