April 5
FLORIDA:
MEDIA ADVISORY----Monday, April 4, 2005----Contact: D. Michael McCarron,
Executive Director----(850) 222-3803----mccar...@flacathconf.org
Florida Bishops Urge Commutation of Death Sentence for Glen Ocha
The Catholic Bishops of Florida appeal to Governor Bush to commute the
death sentence of Glen Ocha, scheduled for execution on April 5. The
feelings of despair that have led Mr. Ocha to request execution will rob
him of the possibility of redemption and forgiveness for his crime.
We mourn for the family of his victim, Carol Skjerva, but killing Mr. Ocha
will not compensate for their loss but only diminish respect for all life
in all circumstances. Pope John Paul II, during his 1999 visit to St.
Louis, stated "the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in
the case of someone who has done great evil."
The alternative sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole
protects society from harm and punishes individuals for their
transgressions. We believe a national decrease in executions shows there
is dwindling support for the death penalty since society can otherwise be
protected from those who have harmed others.
Governor Bush, we ask that you stay Glen Ocha's execution and commute his
sentence to life in prison without possibility of parole.
(source: Catholics Bishops of Fla.)
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PRESS RELEASE from FLORIDIANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY
(FADP.org)
5 April 2005---CONTACT: Abe Bonowitz: 800-973-6548 / mobile 561-371-5204
EXECUTION TODAY - GOVERNOR "THOUGHT ABOUT" STAY TO HONOR THE POPE
Florida Governor Jeb Bush this morning told reporters that he had
considered staying this evenings scheduled execution of Glen Ocha to honor
the memory of the Pope, but that he decided not to. Ocha (pronounced
"O'Shea"), who has legally changed his name to Raven Raven, is a suicidal
and mentally ill man who waived his appeals and is scheduled for execution
at 6pm today in revenge for his murder of Carol Skjerva.
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) calls on Governor
Jeb Bush to reverse himself and stop the state-assisted suicide of Glen
Ocha.
"Instead of honoring Pope John Paul II, Governor Bush has today chosen to
mock him," said FADP Director Abe Bonowitz. The Pope has been outspoken
about the value of all life, and repeatedly called for an end to the use
of the death penalty.
"Governor Bush, a convert to Catholicism, has clearly demonstrated that
he's willing to inject his religion and personal beliefs into his
politics," said Bonowitz, referring to Bush's political actions on
abortion and the Schiavo case. "He has pushed through unconstitutional
legislation to try to codify his beliefs on the sanctity of life. Governor
Bush's claim that he is only carrying out the law when he executes
prisoners simply reeks of hypocrisy. As Terry Schiavo is mourned this
evening, Glen Ocha gets his wish: Suicide-by-Governor."
Detailed background on this case is available at
http://www.fadp.org/takeact.html#background
If this killing goes forward, it will be the 60th execution in Florida
since 1979, the 17th under Governor Jeb Bush, and Bush's 8th
assisted-suicide. More information about Florida executions is available
at http://www.fadp.org/Florida_executions.html.
Members of FADP and other organizations opposed to the death penalty 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.)
********
FADP Director Abe Bonowitz is available for interviews at 800-973-6548
ON THE WEB: www.FADP.org
****
SENT BY: Abraham J. Bonowitz, Director, Floridians for Alternatives to the
Death Penalty (FADP) ---- 800-973-6548 http://www.fadp.org , PMB 335, 2603
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hwy, Gainesville, FL 32609
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
(source: FADP)
