[CUADPupdate] Greetings New & Old - and MORE THIS & THAT!
Abraham J. Bonowitz
abe at cuadp.org
Fri Mar 5 19:22:03 EST 2004
Sent *only* to the recipients of CUADPUpdate
Feel Free to Forward
Greetings all!
First, welcome to the hundreds of people who have been added to this list
as a result of signing up during a presentation or otherwise encountering
the Journey of Hope Abolition Day '04 Tour. Below you will find some
interesting resources..... SEE INDEX below the following comments:
We've been in Alaska for almost a week. Until yesterday I was complaining
that "I didn't come to Alaska for Ohio weather!" BUT, we woke up to a
beautiful snow shower (5 inches) yesterday (Thursday), and the temperature
is expected to dip to as low as 5 degrees (F) over the weekend - just in
time for the start of the 2004 Iditarod ( http://www.iditarod.com/ ) sled
dog race. We'll be wearing heavy duty AbolitionWear SWEATSHIRTS
(http://www.cuadp.org/abolitionwear.html ) to the ceremonial start of the
"Last Great Race" tomorrow morning.
Due to a very light schedule, we've been catching up on rest and getting
fat. BUT, our presence is definitely felt. We arrived late last Saturday
night and our first event was the International Death Penalty Abolition Day
demonstration downtown followed by a panel discussion at a local
restaurant. Alaska Public Radio was at the demonstration, as was a crew
from one of the two main local television news stations - the CBS
affiliate. Our numbers were small, but with the addition of CUADP
demonstration signs pointed directly at the traffic, we received numerous
honks and middle finger salutes. I was the featured speaker at the
demonstration, which felt a little silly when everyone there was a seasoned
activist and no media was paying attention at that point. But I expressed
my pleasure at being in an abolitionist state on Abolition Day. I also
expressed the importance of the work, the fact that we were joined by many
others taking similar actions around the nation, delight at recent
victories and other indicators showing that this is a win-able struggle,
and in fact, we are winning.
After the panel discussion (great food, small but attentive crowd and
reasonable sales of AbolitionWear given same), we went back to the ranch
(staying at the spacious home of Kathy Harris with an unfettered view of
the snow capped mountains out the back window), arriving in time to watch
the news. The usual stories... A fire, a climber died in an avalanche, a
drunk guy froze to death after falling into a stream, and sure enough,
right after the story about the shooting of a police officer came the story
about the people who want to keep the death penalty OUT of Alaska. Kathy
(who is also the state death penalty abolition coordinator for Amnesty
International USA) gave a great interview, as did Juan Melendez. We all
slapped our heads (and laughed) when they showed the slightly off-message
bumper sticker on the back of the jacket Johnny wears (There's Dirt under
Every Bu$h - see http://www.dirtybush.com ), but the story was excellent,
and the images of our signs conveyed our message repeatedly. It was a long
and well done piece, and it was echoed on the station's web
page: see http://www.cuadp.org/news/KTVA-20040302.htm , unfortunately
without images.
BUT, TO GET TO THE POINT - OUR PRESENCE WAS/IS FELT: Two days later we
were picking up provisions at a local grocery store when one of the clerks
read Bill's shirt: "I oppose the death penalty... What's the rest of it
say?" he asked, asking bill to pull aside his jacket to reveal "Don't Kill
For Me." I handed the man a copy of our flier, pointing to the picture of
Juan and then to the actual Juan standing a few yards away. "That guy was
on death row for a crime he did not commit," I started to tell him, but he
interrupted to say, "Hey, I saw you guys on TV! I think its great what you
are doing. Thanks for this, I'll read it!"
AbolitionWear makes those meetings
happen..... http://www.cuadp.org/abolitionwear.html
And now, MORE THIS & THAT!
CONTENTS
Resources for people new to the issue
Reports from International Death Penalty Abolition Day
Evolution of Justice Blackmun's "Machinery of Death" statement
Use the Calendar!
Buy from Penguin - support Amnesty!
Coloradans Against the DP Newsletter on-line!
A note about Viruses
**************
RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE NEW TO THE ISSUE
For those new to this list, and for everyone else, here are a few useful
resources.
CUADPUpdate is NOT a good source for "all the news" from the mass media
generated daily on this issue. CUADPUpdate generally does NOT post action
items on specific cases. And of course, CUADPUpdate does NOT provide a
forum for interactive discussion. You can get all of that on the "Abolish"
list, which is co-owned by CUADP Director Abe Bonowitz. "Abolish" is for
dedicated abolitionists ONLY. The Abolish list serves solely as a forum for
the exchange of ideas and information by people who support alternatives to
the death penalty and the immediate abolition of Capital Punishment.
You won't find any pro-death penalty people here. This unmoderated
discussion list is for those seeking regular news updates and discussion of
tactics and issues from an abolitionist standpoint. Some of this will bore
you, it may overwhelm you, but it will definitely educate you.
Here is how to get onto the "abolish" list:
Go to:
<http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/abolish.html>http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/abolish.html
OR
The administrative address is <listserv at maelstrom.stjohns.edu>
To subscribe, send a message to the above address reading
ONLY: subscribe abolish Your Full Name
Abolish List FAQ: <http://capitaldefenseweekly.com/abolishfaq.htm>
A searchable archive is available at
<http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/abolish.html>
****
THE DEATH PENALTY INFORMATION CENTER
The Death penalty Information Center is one of the best sources of
information on practically every aspect of the issue. The web page is
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org
****
THE NATIONAL COALITION TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY
The NCADP provides your link to the local groups in your area. Visit
http://www.ncadp.org/affiliate_links.html to find links to national, state
and local groups working for alternatives to the death penalty.
****
RELIGIOUS STUFF -- all faith perspectives
http://www.deathpenaltyreligious.org/
****
VICTIM'S FAMILIES PERSPECTIVE
Journey of Hope ...From Violence to Healing,
Inc.: http://www.journeyofhope.org
Murder Victim's Families for Reconciliation: http://www.MVFR.org
*****
and of course....
CITIZENS UNITED FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY
A hodgepodge of useful info: http://www.CUADP.org
The most extensive death penalty related book list
available: http://www.cuadp.org/books.html
Walk the Talk, with AbolitionWear!: http://www.cuadp.org/abolitionwear.html
THE Calendar of upcoming DP related events: http://www.cuadp.org/upevents.html
and CUADP Projects:
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty: http://www.FADP.org
The Abolitionist Action Committee: http://www.ABOLITION.org
Sam Reese Sheppard: http://www.SAMREESESHEPPARD.org
And there is much much more..... Start with the above....
************************
REPORTS FROM INTERNATIONAL DEATH PENALTY ABOLITION DAY
What did YOU do on Abolition Day?
Please send your reports, news clippings, photos, observations,
ruminations, etc. to:
CUADP at CUADP.org
or
CUADP
PMB 335
2603 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hwy
Gainesville, FL 32609
INDIANA
>Abe,
>Just thought you'd like to know we celebrated at the Indiana State House
>this year.
>Karen
Listen to the speech given by Juliet Yackel, Indiana's Abolitionist of the
Year: http://www.indyaccess.org/library/death_penalty_alternatives.htm
FLORIDA
>Hi Abe,
>Hope things are going well for you on the road. We only had 3 to show up for
>the vigil tonight, but WE three were enthusiastic. A photo journalist
>student from Valencia Community College took many, many pictures of us and
>is writing an article for the VCC newspaper. She promised to send Ben some of
>the pictures which he will send on to you. I am hoping that we have a
>larger crowd
>tomorrow night for the movie and discussion. Will keep you posted.
>
>Be safe !
>Bren
NEBRASKA
(from NADP's Co-Chair's Abolition Day message)
>The Coalition for Abolition in Nebraska will hold a press conference at
>11:00am Tuesday morning in the Capitol Rotunda. This press conference will
>reveal a new generation of Strong Young Voices for Abolition Now. If it is
>possible for you to be present in solidarity, your support would be
>welcome and appreciated. Lobby Day with the senators is planned for March
>11. Your individual participation in that collective effort would also be
>much appreciated.
ALASKA
See narrative in introductory remarks
NATIONAL/MICHIGAN
NCADP's David Elliot wrote:
>Abe:
>
>Just got a call from a reporter in Michigan who wanted our reaction to a
>poll that just came out showing (duh) most Michigan residents in favor of
>bringing back the death penalty.
>
>I was able to get her a little bit away from the poll by talking about
>International Death Penalty Abolition Day and about Michigan's 157 years of
>being death penalty free.
>
>It was a nice convergence!
and it worked - the newspaper wrote:
>MICHIGAN:
>
>More than 1/2 of state's voters support death penalty, poll says
>
>On the 157th anniversary of the day Michigan became the 1st
>English-speaking territory to abolish the death penalty, a new statewide
>poll indicates more than half of the state's voters would support changing
>the constitution to allow the death penalty for convicted 1st-degree
>murderers.
>
>State Rep. Larry Julian, R-Lennon, introduced a constitutional amendment
>allowing the death penalty just over a week ago, after 2 Detroit police
>officers were shot to death during a traffic stop.
>
>The poll of 600 likely voters, taken Feb. 22-25 by Lansing-based EPIC/MRA,
>also shows voters are less likely to support the death penalty if they
>know state law already guarantees that a person convicted of 1st-degree
>murder gets a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
>When first asked if they'd support the death penalty for those convicted
>of first-degree murder, 56 % said yes, while 34 % said no and 10 % were
>undecided.
>
>However, the number of those supporting the death penalty dropped to 45 %
>if told state law guarantees no one convicted of 1st-degree murder can
>ever get out of prison. 44 % preferred a sentence of life behind bars,
>while 11 % were undecided. The poll has a margin of error of plus- or
>minus-4 % points.
[...]
PENNSYLVANIA
>With the start of Death Penalty Moratorium Week in Pennsylvania less than 24
>hours away, the Pa Abolitionists' office is buzzing with excitement and
>activity. The City Council of Philadelphia's passage of a resolution today
>officially declaring "Death Penalty Moratorium Week in Philadelphia" gave
>us a MAJOR
>boost in energy and enthusiasm. The purpose of this email is to let you know
>about special events taking place in Philadelphia. For a listing of events
>going on statewide, please go to: www.pa-abolitionists.org/moraweek2004.html
DC AREA
In forwarding CUADP's Abolition Day message to his list, Josh Noble wrote:
>From: "Noble, Josh" <jnoble at dcaclu.org>
>Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2004 11:21:11 -0500
>Subject: [studentdp] It's Abolition Day! THREE SPECIFIC ACTIONS
>
> >From Abe Bonowitz at Citizens United for Alternatives to the Death
> Penalty. For Abolition Day, I'm wearing a t-shirt that I bought from
> Abe. Its a black t-shirt with a yellow square with the text: I Oppose
> the Death Penalty. and then just below the box, Dont Kill for Me. It
> looks like a big stop sign! and very effective for PR and starting
> conversations!
What did YOU do on Abolition Day?
Please send your reports, news clippings, photos, observations,
ruminations, etc. to:
CUADP at CUADP.org
or
CUADP
PMB 335
2603 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hwy
Gainesville, FL 32609
*****
EVOLITION OF JUSTICE BLACKMUN'S "MACHINERY OF DEATH" STATEMENT
Yesterday (Thursday), Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Blackmun's paper's
went public.
<http://www.iht.com/articles/508744.html>http://www.iht.com/articles/508744.html
pp. 4-7, below, tell how Blackmun's 1994 "machinery of death" dissent came
about
Other useful links:
>Subject: The Papers of Justice Blackmun & the Death Penalty
>
> The papers of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun
> are now
>open at the Library of Congress. Two reporters, Linda Greenhouse of the New
>York Times and Nina Totenberg of National Public Radio, were given advanced
>access to the papers. Both have filed extensive overview stories.
>-----------
>http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/04/politics/04BLAC.html?hp
>-----------
>http://www.npr.org/news/specials/blackmun/
>
>On Saturday, March 6, Totenberg is scheduled to have a report on Justice
>Blackmun and the death penalty. Check your local NPR affiliate for
>scheduling of Weekend Edition:
>
>Blackmun's Shift Against the Death Penalty - Weekend Edition Saturday, March
>6, 2004
>
>Blackmun started out as a firm believer in capital punishment. But toward
>the end of his 24-year term he wrote a dissenting opinion, saying it could
>no longer be constitutionally imposed. Totenberg reports on how he came to
>change his mind.
***************
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Just to see who is reading, if you would like one free entry (a $5 value!)
into a special raffle CUADP is holding during the Abolition Day Tour to
raise money to pay for the new Abolition mobile and rolling billboard (
http://www.cuadp.org/minivan.htm ), and repairs to same, send a note with
your name and phone number to <abe at abolition.org>, and be sure to include
the word "raffle" in the subject line. The prize is a beautiful hand made
quilt. the drawing will be April 30. This offer of one free entry is good
only to those who respond by noon Alaska time on Monday, March 8,
2004. Even if you don't want a chance in the raffle, let me know you are
getting this to help test the new list software. Thanks, and good luck!
And now back to our regularly scheduled message.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
USE THE CALENDAR!
Marianne went to http://www.cuadp.org/upevents.html and filed the following:
>DATE: April 14, 2004: 9 AM - 5 PM
>LOCATION: University of Maryland School of Law
>500 W. Baltimore Street
>Baltimore, MD 21201
>DESCRIPTION: The Death Penalty in the US: Exploring Modern Implications
>
>This symposium will explore a variety of aspects of the death penalty in
>the US, including racial implications of the death penalty, DNA testing
>and the death penalty, and the juvenile death penalty. This event is free
>and open to the public.
>SPONSOR: MARGINS: Maryland's Law Journal on Race, Religion, Gender and Class
>CONTACT: 500 W. Baltimore Street
>Baltimore, MD 21201
>410.706.7151
>WEBSITE: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/margins
>EMAIL: margins at law.umaryland.edu
See how it looks on the web page and add your listings
at: http://www.cuadp.org/upevents.html
*********
BUY FROM PENQUIN - SUPPORT AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL!
Great Cause, Great Books
Hi everyone. I've got some great news to share, and that I hope you will
share with others. The further this message goes, the more Amnesty
International will benefit. You may not get ten years of bad luck if you
don't pass this on to all your lists, but I can't say that you won't
either.
Here's the deal: Penguin Group (USA) (which publishes more than 30,000
titles, covering everything from childrens books to bestselling fiction, Al
Franken to Aung San Suu Kyi) is now selling all of their books directly
from their website. During the month of March, Penguin USA will be
donating 10% of all online sales (minus tax and shipping) to Amnesty
International. All of you who love to read, or know people who do, can
now further the cause of human rights by doing something you'd do anyway -
buying great books.
Please go to http://www.penguin.com/amnesty for a special welcome to their
site. Then please keep the ball rolling: Take a few minutes to forward
this message to all your lists and friends. Or you can email the welcome
page once you're there by using the "Send this page to a friend" feature.
*******
PS: If you are a MEMBER of AIUSA, please take a look at
http://www.amnesty-volunteer.org/usa/reform/
****************
COLORADANS AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY NEWSLETTER ON-LINE!
>From: Philip Tobias <philtobias at aol.com>
>Date: Sun, 29 Feb 2004 15:48:26 -0700
>Subject: [CADP] March 2004 CADP "The Abolitionist" Now Online
>
>The March 2004 issue of CADP's "The Abolionist" newsletter is now
>available online.
>
>Read these news stories:
>
>* Colorado Council of Churches Takes Stand Against Death Penalty
>(http://www.coadp.org/thepublications/2004/pub-v2n1-Churches.html)
>
>* First Colorado Sentencing Jury Says "No" to Death Penalty
>(http://www.coadp.org/thepublications/2004/pub-v2n1-Jury.html)
>
>* Speakers Training
>(http://www.coadp.org/thepublications/2004/pub-v2n1-Speakers.html)
>
>* National Death Penalty Expert to Speak at CADP Dinner
>(http://www.coadp.org/thepublications/2004/pub-v2n1-DinnerExpert.html)
>
>* CADP Annual Dinner, March 18th
>(http://www.coadp.org/dinner/default.html)
>
>* The Abolitionist - complete issue in PDF
>(http://www.coadp.org/thepublications/2004/pub-CADP-v2n1.pdf)
>
>
>And don't forget to register for the March 18th CADP Dinner!
>Register now at: http://www.coadp.org/dinner/
**************
A NOTE ABOUT VIRUSES
And finally, with all the viruses going around on the internet, CUADP
encourages you to make sure your anti-virus software is installed and
up-to-date. Recently, a virus *generated* message was sent to another list
I am on. This occurred when a virus on someones computer generated a
message using e-mail addresses in that persons in-box to generate both the
"to" and the "from" field. It was a total fluke that the message made it
through. As random as that was, I have now seen it happen on several
lists. Know that CUADP PROTECTS YOUfrom receiving viruses through this
list by disallowing *any* attachments to be sent through the list. It is
IMPOSSIBLE to receive a virus by being on this list. Please keep that in mind.
Have a nice weekend.
--abe
Abraham J. Bonowitz
Director, CUADP
<abe at cuadp.org>
********************************************************
YES FRIENDS!
There is an Alternative to the Death Penalty
Citizens United for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
(CUADP) works to end the death penalty in the United
States through aggressive campaigns of public education
and the promotion of tactical grassroots activism.
Visit <http://www.cuadp.org> or call 800-973-6548
PMB 335, 2603 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hwy
Gainesville, FL 32609
********************************************************
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