FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FLORIDA 20 May 2000 OPEN LETTER TO JEB BUSH AND THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE Dear Governor and Legislators: I am writing this letter as a concerned American Citizen, and former resident of Florida. I am concerned about the cavalier attitude you Governor Bush, and you, the law makers, have taken concerning the death penalty, and particular over the thought that under the laws currently in effect in Florida, an innocent man can be executed. A civilization, it is said, is judged by the way it treats its worst members, and Florida treats its worst badly. My worry transcends any believe in the propriety or not of the death penalty. Can you, Governor, and legislators, individually and collectively feel comfortable that you are about to kill a man who has what he considers absolute proof that he is not guilty of the crime for which he was sentenced to death? . I am speaking of Bennie Demps, although there have been others waiting to be executed, who were ultimately released, and others no doubt who claim, and have "proof" of their innocence. Like Demps. Some of these men have exhausted all their appeals, and were ultimately given their day in court. James Richardson was convicted of killing his children on "certain" evidence, and the courts affirmed, only to have his conviction voided long after he would have been electrocuted, and is a free man now because of a twist of fate. Almost 40 years ago, at Florida State prison. Sie Dawson was electrocuted for a crime that many now know he did not commit. With the State Supreme Court finding some fault in about 70% of all capital cases, there has to be some flawed machinery, something you should have to fix before you start killing again. When you get to the Pearly Gates, it will hard to justify your eager killing of innocent people... I call on you Governor, regardless of your deep seated belief in the justification of the death penalty, to declare a moratorium of the death penalty in Florida until the glitches can be worked out, if they can. Keep in mind, sir that the sovereign's right to grant clemency is an extra-judicial procedure, and that the buck stops with you. Can you really say, after washing away all the legal gobble-de-gook, procedural smoke and sophism, that a man allegedly having absolute proof of his innocence, should not be given a chance to present it? Can you honestly, in your heart of hearts say that Demps was given a fair chance to defend himself? Surely the chance of allowing an innocent man go to his death should bother you, as a devoutly religious man. A six month delay, as suggested by Pat Robertson, and an investigation into Demps' claims, will not prevent his death if those claims are frivolous; if they are valid, you will have done one of the noblest acts a human being can do -- you will have saved a life. You Sir, are correct in stating that justice delayed is justice denied. If Demps is innocent as he claims, justice is not only denied for him and his loved ones, but makes the act of his calculated murder obscene--one of the worst mortal sins. Alternatively, does a condemned man cease to have rights and a soul in your eyes?. The world is watching you and your claims of being compassionate man are under scrutiny. This issue can not and will not be swept under the rug, as you tried to do in the legislature in January. Do you speak with a forked tongue, pandering to what you think is politically correct, and not what your conscience tells you? Respectfully, [Signed] G M Larkin MD FORENSIC PATHOLOGY / LEGAL MEDICINE Dr Glenn M Larkin 5033 Murrayhill RD, Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-525-7346 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] __________ earthradioTV.com - Alternative News Forum for ecology, politics & consciousness. MIRROR SITES: USA http://www.earthradioTV.com/ CZECH http://mujweb.cz/www/ecologynews/ UK http://members.tripod.co.uk/ecologynews/ Canada http://www.ecologynews.com/ THE INNOCENCE WATCH GROUP For Information: Pat Hoover [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dianne Abshire [EMAIL PROTECTED] Nickie Greer [EMAIL PROTECTED] <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! 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