The worth of one human life
Update:PDF of the clemency decision here:
http://www.governor.ca.gov/govsite/pdf/press_release_2005/Williams_Clemency_Decision.pdf.
Excerpt (links added):
The dedication of Williams’ book “Life in Prison” casts significant doubt on his personal redemption. This book was published in 1998, several years after Williams’ claimed redemptive experience. Specifically, the book is dedicated to “Nelson Mandela, Angela Davis, Malcolm X, Assata Shakur, Geronimo Ji Jaga
Pratt, Ramona Africa, John Africa, Leonard Peltier, Dhoruba Al-Mujahid, George
Jackson, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and the countless other men, women, and youths who have to endure the hellish oppression of living behind bars.” The mix of individuals on this list is curious. Most have violent pasts and some have been convicted of committing heinous murders, including the killing of law enforcement.But the inclusion of George Jackson on this list defies reason and is a significant indicator that Williams is not reformed and that he still sees violence and lawlessness as a legitimate means to address societal problems.
Right. Guilt by association. I can’t possibly argue with that kind of logic.
Gov. Schwarzenegger is contemplating clemency for Stan Williams. Stan Williams has been nominated for the Nobel peace prize five times, for his work on reducing gang violence and helping keep kids away from gangs. He’s also a convicted killer, who is scheduled to die on Monday.
I believe that he has a great deal to offer, particularly with his work to connect with at-risk kids and keep them from making the same mistakes as he has.
I’m really hoping for clemency. I signed an online petition to the Governor. You may or may not agree with my views on this, and you can feel free to let me know, but my conscience demands that I post this.
It’s a story we should all be aware of and I hope you will want to learn a little more about it.
Stan Williams bio:
http://www.savetookie.org/bio.html
The petition sent to the Governor’s office is at:
http://www.cm-p.com/pdf/executiveclemency.pdf
(Launches Acrobat)
The online petition I signed is at:
http://www.petitionthem.com/?sect=detail&pet=2240
(Currently at ~41K, they are looking for 100K.)