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September 13, 2005
Demand a Stay in the Execution of Frances Newton
Frances Newton is scheduled to be executed tomorrow at 6pm. There are serious questions about the handling of the evidence in her case. Sheila Jackson Lee will be holding a press conference today at 11am:
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will join the city's African American leaders in calling upon Governor Rick Perry to halt the execution of Frances Newton scheduled for Wednesday, September 14. Newton's attorneys have appeals pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. On Monday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals turned down her appeal, and the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole has declined commuting her sentence to life in prison.
The state of Texas is prepared to carry out the first execution of an African American woman in modern state history, despite resounding questions of whether she is guilty and whether she received a fair trial....
Go here, to send a message to to President Bush, Governor Perry and the Texas Congressional delegation.
Posted by Lyn Wall at September 13, 2005 08:51 AM | Permalink
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Comments
It would be wonderful if, in the wake of all the tragic mismanagement of Katrina, and all of the bad feeling they've created in the African-American community as a result, Bush and Perry would show, if not a little compassion, at least a little common sense and a glimmer of enlightened political self-interest. Unfortunately, they're beholden to a sanguine constituency, many of whom would gladly pay to see executions performed by hungry lions in a sand-filled arena...
That there's a reasonable doubt of guilt in this case is unquestionable, but the fact that she's black most certainly works against her, because a stay of execution would be twisted as "racist" by bloodthirsty white death-penalty advocates. How terrible to have to die merely to prove that "compassionate" Rick Perry is also remorseless and merciless.
Posted by: Michael Chappell at September 13, 2005 10:06 AM