Posted on 05/21/2004 5:37:34 AM PDT by chance33_98
FADP Calls Tuesday's Execution: 'Suicide by Governor' on Historic Anniversary; '25 Years of Blood on All Our Hands'
5/21/2004 4:24:00 AM
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To: State Desk
Contact: Abe Bonowitz Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, 561-371-5204
GAINESVILLE, Fla., May 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- As we approach the 25th anniversary of the resumption of executions in Florida, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) calls on Governor Jeb Bush to stop the state-assisted suicide of John Blackwelder, and to take steps towards abolition of the death penalty. Members of FADP will protest the execution at Florida State Prison and at locations across the state at the time of the killing. (See http://www.fadp.org/localprotests.html for protest plans and locations.)
If the May 25th execution goes forward, it will be the 59th execution in Florida since John Spenkelink was killed in Florida's electric chair on May 25, 1979 in revenge for his murder of Joseph Szymankiewicz. John Blackwelder is scheduled to have his suicide assisted by the people of Florida in revenge for his murder of Raymond Wigley at 6pm this Tuesday. Tired of serving a life sentence, Blackwelder killed his cell mate and insisted on a death sentence as his way of getting a state- assisted suicide. Further background on this case, including letters written by Blackwelder in which he brags about his manipulation of the system and warns of other prisoners following his example, is available at http://www.fadp.org/killfordeath.html
"Instead of suicide by cop we have suicide by governor," said FADP Director Abe Bonowitz. "As was the case with Paul Hill, once again Governor Bush is playing into the hands of a convicted murderer. But this sets an even more dangerous precedent, because the message being sent to the roughly 10,000 Florida prisoners serving life without parole is, 'If you don't like life in prison, just kill another inmate or a prison worker, and we'll expedite your case and give you an assisted suicide.' With this execution, the Governor is recklessly endangering prison workers and other prisoners."
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TUESDAY'S PROGRAM OUTSIDE FLORIDA STATE PRISON - "25 Years of Blood on All Our Hands."
In a highly visual presentation featuring leaders of numerous Florida groups opposed to the death penalty, protesters will remember the 58 prisoners executed over the past 25 years, as well as the victims in whose names the prisoners were killed. The program is scheduled to begin at 5pm, leading up to the 6pm scheduled execution.
"59 executions in 25 years, at a cost of more than $1 billion," said Bonowitz. "The death penalty is just another wasteful and flawed government program. No amount of killing can bring back our loved ones, or equal their value. Given a choice, most Floridians would rather see the millions of dollars we spend each year on the death penalty put into services for victims families, and prevention and education programs. We must remember the victims, but not with more killing. 25 years in enough. We can and must do better."
FADP Director Abe Bonowitz is available for interviews at 800- 973-6548. Web: http://www.FADP.org
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty works for restorative justice in the form of effective alternatives to the death penalty. It does so by"
-- supporting and coordinating the work of organizations and individuals
-- educating and energizing the general public and state legislators
-- supporting the many persons affected by capital crime and punishment
-- advocating specific legislative improvements
Maybe if they'd do something to stop the state-assisted homicide of Terry Schiavo they'd have some credibility.
I would love to feel some compassion in this case, however a tree frog was found dead in our hallway this morning, and we are busy with funeral arrangements.
Poor thing was croaking (no pun intended) loudly just yesterday, and we were unable to locate the little green fellow.
Bring back hanging,problem solved.
Is it the hear or humidity in FL that erodes reason?
hanoi john kerry, I'm for the death penalty, before I impose a moratorium on it.
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