What I don't understand about the "Save Tookie" crowd, is they all say he has atoned for his past mistakes, and is truly sorry. But from all I have read he has never admitted to the murders he was convicted of, in fact he has never admitted to any crimes at all, except the fact that he founded the crips. IMHO, his pleas for clemency would carry a lot more weight if he would admit to ALL his crimes, apologize to his victims and be truly contrite about his life. It's just another liberal Janet Reno, saying the buck stops here, but not admitting there was anything with Waco.
From what I have heard, Tookie is "sorry" for having been a co-founder of the Crips and his books are "proof" of his repentance. He still maintains his innocence when it comes to the murders.