Weighing in on Tookie
(Sorry for the copycat thing, AB, but your timing is spot-on, and I've been meaning to do this for a couple of weeks).
In less than two weeks, Stan "Tookie" Williams is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection.
In exactly one week, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will hear Tookie's clemency plea (clemency means no death penalty -- but life imprisonment with no parole).
Tookie was the co-founder of the Crips gang in the early '70s, living a violent gang lifestyle. In 1979, he was sentenced to be executed for the murder of four people. Since then, he's been on death row at San Quentin in California.
Since the '70s, only 11 people have been executed in that state. But Tookie? Well, he's a tricker situation.
The man has done everything he can to lobby for peace -- writing eight anti-gang books for children, teaching, urging the youth to avoid the gang lifestyle. He seems apalled by the legacy of his street gang. But aside from his work, writings and teachings, Tookie has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times. He's received numerous commendations and notes from both gangmembers who have been influenced by his teachings, celebrities and even an ex-president.
But even still, knowing he's to die, Tookie has still maintained his innocence in the murders he was accused of commiting.
Yet the courts cannot grant him clemency... thought they've recommended him for clemency (article on that is here.
It's all in the hands of Cali governor Arnold Schwarzenegger -- who has scheduled a private hearing to consider Tookie's clemency request.
You can go through the arguments on the death penalty over and over. The only real, cut-and-dry reason to take someone's life is to save the money. However, in this case, I think Tookie is worth the extra dollars he might be draining from the state.
Because no one -- neither you nor I -- has the right to decide whether or not someone should die for their crimes. Especially when it's someone who has spent the better part of their time -- even as they're incarcerated -- lobbying for peace, and change.
Anyway, check out Tookie's site, where you can read about the court proceeding, his letters to gangs, his apology to America and information on reaching Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to make your voice heard.
In less than two weeks, Stan "Tookie" Williams is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection.
In exactly one week, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will hear Tookie's clemency plea (clemency means no death penalty -- but life imprisonment with no parole).
Tookie was the co-founder of the Crips gang in the early '70s, living a violent gang lifestyle. In 1979, he was sentenced to be executed for the murder of four people. Since then, he's been on death row at San Quentin in California.
Since the '70s, only 11 people have been executed in that state. But Tookie? Well, he's a tricker situation.
The man has done everything he can to lobby for peace -- writing eight anti-gang books for children, teaching, urging the youth to avoid the gang lifestyle. He seems apalled by the legacy of his street gang. But aside from his work, writings and teachings, Tookie has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times. He's received numerous commendations and notes from both gangmembers who have been influenced by his teachings, celebrities and even an ex-president.
But even still, knowing he's to die, Tookie has still maintained his innocence in the murders he was accused of commiting.
Yet the courts cannot grant him clemency... thought they've recommended him for clemency (article on that is here.
It's all in the hands of Cali governor Arnold Schwarzenegger -- who has scheduled a private hearing to consider Tookie's clemency request.
You can go through the arguments on the death penalty over and over. The only real, cut-and-dry reason to take someone's life is to save the money. However, in this case, I think Tookie is worth the extra dollars he might be draining from the state.
Because no one -- neither you nor I -- has the right to decide whether or not someone should die for their crimes. Especially when it's someone who has spent the better part of their time -- even as they're incarcerated -- lobbying for peace, and change.
Anyway, check out Tookie's site, where you can read about the court proceeding, his letters to gangs, his apology to America and information on reaching Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to make your voice heard.
posted by /hg | 4:34 p.m.
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