Some voices on stay of execution

Victims’ family reacts to delay
By Meagan Ducic - Item Correspondent - The Huntsville Item

Protesters arrived outside the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Walls Unit shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday to rally against the execution of Derrick Sonnier. Sonnier, convicted of the 1991 murder of his neighbor, Melody Flowers, 27, and her 2-year-old son, Patrick, was scheduled to become the first Texas inmate to be executed since September 2007. But the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals gave Sonnier a reprieve from execution less than two hours before he would have received the lethal injection at 6 p.m. His lawyers questioned whether the state’s lethal injection procedures were legal.

While protesters waved signs outside the Walls Unit, the victims’ family members were present, but they stayed far from the group.

“He is a cancer to our family,” said Celma Mcellan, sister of Melody Flowers, of Sonnier. “We wanted to hear him appolgize for her kids and her family."

“We wanted to hear him say ‘I’m sorry for what I did and I’m sorry for the pain I have caused y’all.’ We don’t even know what kind of kid Patrick would have been. He might have been the president for all we know or the mayor of this city.

“We don’t know, he never had that chance — he was only a baby. I can’t believe he’s still breathing and they’re not.”

Gwen Price, Melody Flowers’ cousin, was also devastated by the news of Sonnier’s stay.

“He had no right to go in and do what he did to her and my nephew,” Price said. “Now they’re going to let him stay? We lost.”

At the other end of the street, a group of protesters quietly stood or sat on folding chairs holding up signs.

One of the 15 protesters Tuesday afternoon was David Atwood of Houston, a member of The Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.“I’ve been up here quite a few times,” Atwood said. “We’re just here as a protest against the death penalty. We don’t think that we need it.

“There’s life without parole now, and you can have a safe society without executing people. It just doesn’t make sense to do it anymore. I think there are a lot of people even here in Huntsville who are against the death penalty, even though you have the execution chambers here and you have all these prisions around.”

“We have 370 people on death row now, and a lot of us feel that the death penalty is being driven now more by the politicians instead of the people, because most people want safety but they’re not into killing people,” Atwood said. “The majority of people would choose life without parole instead of the death penalty, according to polls done by Stephen Klineberg who’s a professor of Sociology at Rice University.”

Andre Latallade, better known nationally as Capital “X,” left his home in New Jersey and walked more than 1,700 miles to date in support of the abolition of the death penalty. He is the visionary behind the WALK 4 Life campaign. He was also present for the protest. “This is my first time to acutally be at an execution, but I definitely feel I need to be here,” Latallade said.

Kristin Wood, wife of death row inmate Jeff Wood, was also present during the prostest. Currently a Norwegian citizen, Wood splits her time between the States and Norway, so she can fight the death penalty on her husband’s behalf.

“I really feel for the victims and the victims’ families,” Wood said. “I wish that these things would never happen, but it doesn’t do any good, you know. Murder doesn’t justify murder."

“All it does is create more victims. They want to take away a father, a brother, a son; the whole law of parties has got to go. Over here in Texas, they all go by ‘an eye for an eye,’ but how many eyes are they going to take for one pair of eyes? I don’t get it.”

On Feb. 3, 1998, after then-Gov. George W. Bush denied her request for clemency, Karla Faye Tucker became the first woman to be executed in Texas since the American Civil War. Tuesday, her victim’s brother, Ronald Carlson, stood outside the courthouse protesting the death penalty.

“We as human beings do not have the right to destroy what God has created,” Carlson said. “A lot of the pro-death penalty people look to the Old Testament, and say ‘eye for an eye,’ and I’m like, ‘that’s what God said.’ But we live in the New Testament days.

“The day that Daniel Ryan Garrett got the death penalty, my words to the prosecutor were, ‘I guess they got what they deserved.’ But at that point I was for it; as time went on I had to really decide where I stood because I found that all the anger and hatred I felt wasn’t going away, it was getting worse.

“Before all this it wasn’t an issue for me; it was just news. But when it happens in your own backyard, you have to live with in – you have to decide.

“I witnessed the execution of Karla Faye Tucker here at the Walls Unit; she was pronounced dead at 6:45. I made that walk, and actually saw the execution — it’s the real deal.”

A note from Rick Halperin

A seven-month moratorium on nationwide executions ended on May 7, when Georgia executed William Lynd. On April 16, the US Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the lethal combination of 3 drugs used in most American executions, which opponents had argued risked inflicting unnecessary pain.

Tragically, many states, including Texas, have since rushed to schedule execution dates. To no one’s surprise, Texas leads the way, already scheduling 12 executions, with Virginia setting 4 dates, followed by Louisiana with 2, and Arkansas, Illinois, Oklahoma and South Dakota setting one execution date a piece. It is anticipated that the nation might have as many as 60-70 executions this year.

Last year, 42 people (including 26 here in Texas) were put to death across America, the lowest number since 1994 when 31 people were executed. But even though that number is sadly going to be surpassed this year as the nation continues its headlong rush to kill, we must remember that the overall trend of death sentencing in the US is declining and that disapproval/questioning of the death penalty is increasing.

It is clear that many (more) people are, and should be, deeply troubled by the inherent structural problems of the death penalty institution and its processes. Soaring costs, continued evidence of nationwide prosecutorial and police misconduct in capital cases, frequent poor legal representation, innocence, and racism are only some of the many factors impacting the judicial process when it comes time to decide who lives and who dies.

TCADP will continue its dedication to ending the death penalty in Texas, working with all segments of society who share this goal. Folks must re-dedicate themselves to this task and to realize that this difficult struggle needs more people to help make abolition a reality.

Join us NOW!

Rick Halperin
President, Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
(taken from the TCADP - Newsletter Summer 2008)

WORDS ARE INADEQUATE

Chuong Tong, an inmate on Texas Death row, writes about the diffence which pen friends make for the people on death row:

With each gust of wind, the great sandstorms in the Egyptian desert pound away at the magnificent pyramids, slowly but surely grinding away these impressive structures. In like manner, the weight and severity of a death sentence, daily life on death row is both burdensome and it grows ever more wearisome with each passing day. Life on death row can be compared to a weight that bears down on your chest, suffocating and squeezing every ounce of breath out of your body.
The anticipation of death at times is more tortuous and anguishing than death itself. The uncertainty of when your number is drawn and you have to take that final walk down the execution chamber can paralyze many men into depression. Many who live without any hope are already dead, walking zombies who close themselves off to the world. What little of the world that does find it’s way through these steel bars and concrete walls that are designed to keep us separated from the world.(...)

Sadly, many inmates on death row never experienced a stable family environment. For many, the only family they have ever known is the prison-gang families. At times, it is humbling to realize that many people use a prison-gang family as the standard by which they judge the quality of every other relationship. In their broken lives, there is no other meaningful love with which to compare that emotion to.

Where there is no vision or purpose in life, all hope is lost. (...)

But what hope can be found by a condemned inmate, awaiting execution on Texas death row? For many, past memories are filled with pain, and the future is just as bleak… they have a date with the executioner!

What then gives these men hope?

Please read complete article here

New chapter of CEDP in New Mexico

There are only two men on death row in New Mexico. Unlike our neighbor Texas, New Mexico does not hand down death sentences at alarming rates. However, two men on death row is two too many. With one in one hundred men and women locked up behind bars, the possibility of the criminal justice system becoming involved in every citizens lives is highly likely.

CEDP (Campaign to End the Death Penalty) works to bring people together to build the movement against the death penalty.

CEDP's Mission Statement:

We're a national grassroots organization committed to building the movement to abolish the death penalty in the United States. Through educational and activism, we build public awareness about the issue and public opposition to the death penalty.

With that said, I am beginning a new chapter of the CEDP here in Albuquerque.

What do chapters do?

To win abolition, we need to build a grassroots struggle. Through education and activism, CEDP chapters actively fight against the death penalty. We believe that those who have experienced the horrors of death row firsthand–death row prisoners themselves and their family members–should be at the forefront of our movement. Their experiences help to shape our strategies.

The NM-Albuquerque Chapter of the CEDP will meet for the first time in July. This meeting is for all people in the community who are interested in getting involved in the struggle.

Please contact me with any suggestions or to get involved in this grassroots movement in New Mexico.

Further information will be sent regarding the date and time of the first meeting of the CEDP in New Mexico.

In The Struggle,
Christy Armell
505-299-2795
christyntruman06@aol.com

* * * * * * * * *

Capital X, a hip hop artist and activist has walked over 1700 miles across the country in an effort to bring awareness to the death penalty.

Rally at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque
June 14th, 12 Noon

Walk and Rally at State Capitol and Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe
June 15th, 10:00 AM

Please contact Christy at christyntruman06@aol.com or 505-299-2795

Sponsored by

Prisoners and Families United (PFU)
society@cybermesa.com

National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
http://www.ncadp.org/

Walk 4 Life
www.myspace.com/capitalxaka305375Pl

Some photos of "X" in Houston, TX

"X" and Dave Atwood in front of Harris County Criminal Justice Center


Dave Atwood, "X" and Kristin from Norway in front of KPET Radio


"X" in the KPET Radio station

Azim Khamisa and Plez Felix win Giraffe Award for sticking their necks out

Who are Giraffe heroes?

They're men, women and kids, and they're from many races, religions and backgrounds—all sticking their necks our for the common good. They're truck drivers, students, retirees, artists, waitresses, doctors, homemakers, business people and teachers.

Since 1982 the Giraffe Project has found over 900 of them, then told their stories in national and local media, and in schools — inspiring others to take on the challenges they see.

Giraffes are working on many different issues, from poverty to gang violence to environmental pollution. One element that's common to all of them is that they lead meaningful lives. Win, lose or draw they're living fully, giving their all. They know why they get up in the morning, why they do things that may be scary and difficult but must be done if their cause is to be served.

The criteria for choosing Giraffes focus mainly on two questions: “Is there significant risk involved in what this person has done? And is it for the common good? In particular, the “sticking their necks out” factor means there’s an ongoing edge to what Giraffes do—something’s at risk for them. People who are fulfilling their job descriptions don’t make it through the Giraffe choosing process—the person has to be going above and beyond. People who are just famous, talented or gorgeous don’t make the cut either. Giraffes also tend to be involved in long-term efforts they’ve initiated, not one-time actions.

The impressive story of Azim Khamisa and Plez Felix

The bare facts of the story are these: Azim Khamisa’s 20-year-old son, Tariq, was making a delivery for a San Diego pizza parlor when he was shot and killed in a failed robbery attempt by a gang. The killer was Ples Felix’s 14-year-old grandson and ward, Tony Hicks, who was sentenced as an adult for the murder and is now imprisoned.

That could have been the end of the story. But it was only the beginning, as you might guess from the photo above. That’s Khamisa on the left, Felix on the right.

Khamisa established a foundation in his son’s memory; and he and Felix formed an alliance that transforms their losses into a resolve to see that other families do not suffer such tragedies.

Both Felix and Khamisa are speaking out for “restorative justice,” a way of dealing with criminals that helps lawbreakers understand what they have done and make restitution to those they have harmed, rather than just sending them to prisons. “The way we deal now with lawbreakers does nothing for those they have injured, for reforming the criminal or for repairing society,” says Ples Felix. Further information on their work can be found at http://www.tkf.org

Find more information about the TKF, Azim Khamisa and Plez Felix in our post ""I saw victims on both ends of the gun...." of May 16th!

The Ballad of Imitative Instinct

This is a translation of the German poem "Die Ballade vom Nachahmungstrieb" by Erich Kästner. Unfortunately - due to translating - cadence and rhyme of the poem got lost. Nevertheless the statement of the poem stays the same and it is definitely worth thinking about it.

The Ballad of Imitative Instinct

It is true after all: nothing spoils a man like poison! The human being, and be he still a minor, is, concerning the vices of the world, of quick apprehension and eager to catch on.

In February, I don’t recall the exact day, it so happened that the children playing in the backyard, decided upon a sudden inspiration by one of them, to hang Naumann’s little Fritz by his neck.


They were accustomed to the stories of police and murder from the news. And so they came to the conclusion that it was proper to execute Naumann for, what they called, the crime of robbery.

They adjusted the rope. Karl was the Pastor, lamenting a lot, and telling him that if he were to scream, the others would call him a spoil sport.

Fritz Naumann expressed no worries. The others led him along, gravity on their faces. They flung the rope over the carpet rail. And then they began to pull him in the air.

He struggled. It was too late. He dangled. They fixed their end of the rope. Fritz twitched, because he still had a little life left. A young girl pinched him in the leg.


He fidgeted noiselessly and moments later a children’s game turned murder. Realizing this the seven little rogues ran away terrified.

Nobody yet knew about the poor child’s fate. The yard was quiet. The sky was red as blood. Little Naumann was swaying in the breeze. He didn’t feel it. As he was dead.

Widow Zickler, who shuffled past the scene, ran across the street and started yelling, although yelling wasn’t approved of in that street. And around six the police appeared.


The mother fainted in front of her boy. Both were swiftly taken inside. Karl, who was arrested, coldly stated: “we just did like the grown-ups do”.

* * * * * * *
Erich Kästner (February 23, 1899 – July 29, 1974) was one of the most famous German authors, screenplay writers, and satirists of the 20th century. His popularity in Germany is primarily due to his humorous and perceptive children's literature and his often satirical poetry. “Die Ballade vom Nachahmungstrieb” (The Ballad of Imitative Instinct) is one of his most famous poems. Some of his other works are: “Emil and the Detectives”, “Lottie and Lisa” (Filmed as “The parent Trap”), “Fabian, the story of a Moralist” and “The flying Classroom”

Note of Celebration from Witness to Innocence/ Concert Tonight 10 PM with Capital "X" Houston

JUST IN: from Witness to Innocence: a note of celebration just below Walk events

HIP HOP ACTIVIST WALKS 1700 MILES TO TEXAS TO PROTEST DEATH PENALTY

Andre Lattalade, also known as Capital “X”, a hip hop artist and activist is in Houston today along with David Atwood and other activists from various places. This is the last part of a 1700 mile walk which started on March 31, 2008. Texas currently has 14 (!) executions scheduled, the first one being Derrick Sonnier on June 3.

At 10pm Tonight a Salute to Capital “X” Concert will take place at Advant Garden, 411 Westheimer, in Houston. Capital "X" and several other artists will perform.

On June 3, Capital "X" and others plan to protest the planned execution of a number of inmates and will be focusing on Derrick Sonnier at the Walls Unit in Huntsville as the time for his scheduled execution draws closer.

Keep watching for more updates! Current contact: Courtney Wilson at 832-704-8900

Scroll below and go right to archives (April and May) for more information.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Andre,

On behalf of Witness to Innocence, the largest network of death row exonerees in the country, we are writing to celebrate the success of your incredible journey across the country on foot. We wish you well in your future abolitionist actions and hope that you continue to find the motivation and strength to move forward in the struggle to abolish capital punishment.

--
Monica Fauble, Witness to Innocence
Please Note: I am in the office Mon/Wed/Fri
PO Box 34725
Philadelphia, PA 19101
(215) 387-1831
witnesstoinnocence2@gmail.com
www.witnesstoinnocence.org

JAPAN - Help needed

Excerpt from "Death row is not knowing when - Inmates wake up every day wondering if it's their last" (taken from Japan Death Penalty Information Center)

..."Conditions on death row are very harsh," the mother of a man facing execution at Tokyo Detention House told an international conference on capital punishment in Tokyo earlier this year.

The mother, who declined to be named, said her son's sentence was finalized by the Supreme Court last year after 10 years of trial at the district, high and top court levels.

Like other death-row inmates, her son is in solitary confinement, she said.

He was convicted of murdering a family of four during a burglary in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, in 1992, when he was a minor.

The mother said his contact with the outside world has been more restricted since his sentence was finalized. Death-row convicts are only allowed to meet close relatives and attorneys working on an appeal -- with guards present.

Every letter written or received by convicts is screened by authorities. According to the inmate's mother, if any part of a letter written by her son is deemed inappropriate, he is forced to rewrite that portion, often to the point that the original meaning is lost. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations said such limits on communication hinder a convict's pursuit of an appeal or retrial.

And then there is the agony of not knowing when the fateful day will come.

"Every time I visit my son, I think today might be the last time I see him," the mother said, noting that neither the family, the lawyer nor the convict will be notified in advance of the execution day. "It's like the state is testing my son's patience, forcing him to lose control and go mad." ...

Please read complete text here

Amnesty International Japan - Center for abolition of Death Penalty is asking for our help:

Dear all,

In Japan, next execution will be taken place in next June. In order to prevent Japanese government from executing prisoners, I'd liket to let you send letters to show your concern on execution in Japan.

Please send the letter to following address.

Minister of Justice, Kunio HATOYAMA
Ministry of Justice
1-1-1, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
100-8977

Prime minister, Yasuo FUKUDA
office of Prime Minister
2-3-1, Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
100-0014


Sample message is below.

Date

Dear Minister,

I would like to express my grave concern on execution in Japan.

I would like to remind you of the recent UN General Assembly's adoption of resolution 62/149 calling for a worldwide moratorium on executions, which was supported by an overwhelming majority.

I believe that death penalty is absolutely a denial of the right to life and brings a culture of violence to the society.

I call for immediate reintroduction of moratorium on all executions as a first step towards the total abolition of the death penalty in Japan.

Yours respectfully,
***your name***
***your address***

Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language.

28 May 2008
Amnesty International Japan
Center for abolition of Death Penalty

Amnesty International Japan
Campainer for abolition of Death Penalty　
Ryosuke Matsuura　

4FKyodo Bldg.2-2 Kandanishiki-cho,Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo 101-0054
TEL. 81-3-3518-6777　FAX. 81-3-3518-6778
http://www.amnesty.or.jp/

Walk and Concert With Capital "X" in Houston Friday

HIP HOP ACTIVIST WALKS 1700 MILES TO TEXAS TO PROTEST DEATH PENALTY

Andre Lattalade, also known as Capital “X”, a hip hop artist and activist, will be in Houston on Friday, May 30, as the last part of a 1700 mile walk which started on March 31, 2008. The walk started in New Jersey where the death penalty has recently been abolished. It is ending in Texas, the leading death penalty state in the nation with 405 executions since 1982. Texas currently has 14 (!) executions scheduled, the first one being Derrick Sonnier on June 3.

Called the “Walk 4 Life”, Capital “X” has walked through 10 of the 12 states with the highest execution rates in the U.S. He is walking to protest the death penalty and to shed light on the inhumane treatment of prisoners on death row. Capital “X” can be contacted directly at 281-818-8935 and at projectrevolution2010@gmail.com .

On May 30, at 8am, Capital "X" will begin a walk through downtown Houston (starting at Jackson and Commerce Streets) which will end at KPFT Radio, 419 Lovett Blvd, around 10 am.

Also on May 30, at 10pm, a Salute to Capital “X” Concert will take place at Advant Garden, 411 Westheimer, in Houston. Capital "X" and several other artists will perform at the concert.

On June 3, Capital "X" plans to protest the execution of Derrick Sonnier at the Walls Unit in Huntsville.

Please contact Courtney Wilson at 832-704-8900 for more information.

Videos from the Human Rights conference

After MVFHR's "Reframing the Death Penalty" panel at the U.S. Human Rights Network conference last month, they filmed several short statements from victims' family members who were at the conference. These videos are posted at The Hub, a site through which human rights activists can share video and audio material.

You can see Jeanne Bishop challenge the conventional wisdom about closure, Debra Fifer talk about losing her son to gun violence, Natalie Philips describe how her aunt Debra's words and the experience of attending the conference changed her from a death penalty supporter to an opponent, Renny Cushing talk about his father's murder and his view of the death penalty as a human rights violation, and Delia Flores talk about why working against the death penalty is so important.

Taken from the MVFHR's blog

"X" on TruthBrigadeRadio.com

Title: EPISODE281 - Prisoners Rights Activist Capital-"X"
Time: Today, 05/29/2008 09:00 PM EDT

Capital-"X" is a Brooklyn born Puerto Rican who now resides in the South Ward of Newark, New Jersey when he is not on tour fighting on the front lines in the war for justice. Spending nearly half of his life trapped within the web of the criminal justice system Capital-"X" transformed himself into a prisoners rights activist.

A strong opponent of capitol punishment Capital-"X" spends much of his time traveling across the US as well as over seas speaking and performing to educate and enlighten the masses on what he considers to be the truth about a corrupt and unjust legal system. Intertwining facts gathered by years of extensive study in criminology, penology, law, personal experience and the experiences of fellow captives with hip hop music "X" intoxicates audiences with what he calls Raptivism. Called the Voice of the Voiceless, Capital-"X" claims to be the spokesman for over 2.4 million captives held in US prisons.

Capital-"X" is affiliated with many organizations such as: Senza Voce, Rome Hip Hop Parade Amnesty International, NJADP, TCADP, Journey of Hope, 4Wardever and the Mikey Powell Campaign just to name a few. "X" has embarked on five European tours performing over 200 shows in 7 countries.

Raised in the streets and in prison, Capital-"X" turned his life around through his music he calls Reality Hip Hop, or Raptivism. A strong supporter for death row inmates, and activist for prison rights, Capital-"X" brings awareness to people and hope to prisoners through his music, and lyrics.

Read more at Talkshoe.com

Listen here: http://TalkShoe.com/tc/11887
Talkcast ID: 11887
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Time: 6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST
Call in: Dial: (724) 444-7444
Enter: 11887 # (Call ID) Enter: 1 # or your PIN

What is Forgiveness

An interview with Sunny Jacobs
Sunny Jacobs spent seventeen years in prison in Florida, including five on Death Row, for murders she did not commit. When she was exonerated and released in 1992, it was too late for her husband, Jesse Tafero, who was executed for the same crimes in 1990 – before his innocence could be proven.

Please find more information about Sonia Jacobs at the homepage of the Journey of Hope

Sunny also shared her story in a book called "Stolen Time".

Katia : taking the Walk 4 Life to the State Capitol

Some of the people who were on the Walk, including family of death row prisoner

By Katia

Today was kind an adventure. We all met around 12 at Denny's to have some real cool breakfast as we knew that we would all need a lot of energy! People were always Us meaning Andre, Bill, KC and her sons, Giulia, Kristen and the family of Death row prisoner Jeff Wood, with a lot of kids to bring some more joy to the Walk.

We then went to Office Depot to have some flyers printed out and we got stopped by the police because the people in the store said that one of us looked like someone who had just committed a criminal offense in the store. So they checked our ID and looked into our purses and what not. I'm telling you, it was pretty crazy. But everything ended up good and we got ready to go.

Finally, with some delay we walked to the Capitol. The gardens surrounding the State Capitol were open to the public so we just took the way through the park to reach the front of the Capitol. There were people hanging out there and visitors of the Capitol. We just got there and stood in front of the entrance with our signs high.

We decided to start and do some shouting so we started shouting "What do we want - Abolition!" and also..."they say death row - we say hell no!". It was good. You can bet we had people's attention by then. After a while we decided to move outside of the garden to not get into any trouble...so we moved outside and in the meantime we spread flyers to the passers by. Me and Bill were singing "We shall overcome" and even if sometimes we were messing up with words we were really believing in what we were doing.

What was really good was that some people asked for the flyers. Some people asked us about what we were doing. It was so great! We moved outside the garden, just in front of the gates of the State Capitol in front of that big street that faces the Capitol. We stayed there with our signs and we got a lot of cars blowing their horns and showing us the peace sign. When we saw passers-by gathering at the corners of the street we started to shout again and a couple of times people showed us support. That was a great encouragement for us all.

It was a great experience to be there and share with all these people what we shared today. Many of these people I didn't know. I had never met them before but the intensity of what we believe in was such a blessing and I am glad I got to share and be part of that.

When people from everywhere and with the most different experiences in life join together for something that is not about themselves but about a common cause--that regards the life of everybody--that is just amazing. That is just God's hand leading the game.

Probably I will never meet many of these people again in my life, but I feel like I have to pay homage to them for the strength and the courage and the incredible desire of justice that they brought in the Walk.

So, to the family of Jeff Wood, I really wanna say thank you and I really send my wishes for many blessings to come.

Bill Pelke has just been a tremendous help and like a "column" in this Walk. He offered one of the most beautiful things that a person can have inside and can share with others: compassion. Bill always has a good word for everyone and a smile to share and I am grateful that I could be among the recipients of such gifts.

The events and the people I met today just led me to think that I still have many things to learn...still have a lot of qualities that I want to acquire and I'm glad that I could have examples in front of me to look at.

While talking with Jeff Wood sister she was telling me how in the previous day there had been people offending and mistreating Kristen and Jeff Wood's daughter, simply because they were trying to educate people about the value of human life. We agreed that we can have different opinions and still respect each others. This made me think about what just happened with another person within this movement in Texas and I just realized how, so many times, we want to teach others that we need to respect human life, but we are unable to respect and cherish our own comrades and people nearest to us.

This tells me that probably, we all have to learn from what we believe in, and use God's grace to open our eyes and others' eyes.

Katia

My time with Capital X

by Christy Armell, New Mexico

I spent twelve very exciting days walking the streets with Capital X. His strength and motivation was so inspiring to me, that I knew I would also catch the fever more than ever! I arrived in Arkansas not really knowing what to expect. I was traveling many miles to help fight the atrocity of state sanctioned murder. I have had trouble getting people in New Mexico to step up to the plate and fight with me in this struggle. I guess people feel that since there are only two men on death row in New Mexico, we really don't have a problem. I was even critiqued more when I stood up for Michael Astorga, who is accused of killing a Sheriffs Officer, is facing the death penalty in New Mexico if convicted. I was told that Michael Astorga was not the person to be the poster child for the death penalty. Is there anyonet hat should be the poster child for the death penalty?

It was great to be able to go and meet with Capital X, who is someone I knew would understand my deep desire to be very vocal about the death penalty. I was relieved to finally find someone that I could lean on for support.

The moment I met X, I knew that Arkansas and Texas were in trouble!! The two of us together, well we were going to cause major damage!! When I looked at him, I saw myself!! We made our way into Texas and that experience was very bittersweet for me. I could almost smell the death in the air. All the men and women who sit on death row in Texas, waiting to be killed, I felt them all with me. They are the reason I got up every morning ( even though I am NOT a morning person) and put on my shoes to begin the day. I held tight to the Cross necklace that Rudy Medrano made for me. Rudy sits on Death row in Texas, charged under the Law of Parties. Rudy was not even at the crime scene , but was charged with capital murder because his guns were used in the crime.

I met Rick Halprin, who I admire beyond belief. his dedication to this struggle is never ending, and he taught me many things. I also met a mother and father who's only son is on death row. I felt their pain, as if it was my child sitting there, waiting to die. I thought to myself, how can this be? How can the country I live in kill in the name of Justice? It is not something I chose to be silent about.

I also met a man in the streets of Dallas who came up to me, praising me for standing up against the system. After talking awhile, he took off his sunglasses and told me that he was sentenced to die by electrocution in the late 70's. His sentence was overturned and he is free today. He cried to me when talking about the guys on the row, and said he knows what its like to have people forget about you. I get chills just talking about it now. There is so much pain in the death penalty.

I came home to New Mexico full of energy! I am ready to continue this fight here, and across the world. This is a dark circle we dance in. But together, we can and will end the suffering of so many of our brothers and sisters.

We walked here in New Mexico on May 25th, the day that Capital X was arriving in Austin. My heart was with him, Bill and everyone that was there !! We were in solidarity!!

Capital X will be in New Mexico on June 12th. We will be having activities in Albuquerque on June 13th and we will be in Santa Fe on June 16th, where we will walk from the Capitol to the SuperMax Prison. It is time for New Mexico to wake up and realize that the issue of the death penalty and the need for prison reform does effect us!!

I can be reached at christyntruman06@aol.com or at 505-299-2795

BIO About me:

I am 34 years old. I am a single mother of a 14 year old daughter. I am a student studying Criminal Justice and I am looking to be a Mitigation Specialist. I have been vocally active against the death penalty and prison reform issues for about a year. I was researching the death penalty for a class when I came across Kenneth's Fosters case. I wrote to Kenny in prison, and became very active in saving his life. Kenny is the reason I found my voice, and i always give him credit for that!! he is my brother in the struggle!!!

Texas Bridges

Andre Latallade aka Capital "X" has an objective for this Walk 4 Life: "To build a BRIDGE between two groups of victims: the executed and their families, and the victims and families of violent crimes. Latallade said, "separated, we call for life or death. I say we unite and call for solutions. I think it can bring unity. Unite everybody that is fighting injustice, and keep that unity till the end." This is a major focus as well for The Journey of Hope born out in this latest event. (Find this quote in Amnesty & JOH blog & elsewhere.)the first bridge R is Westbound approach to Rainbow Bridge in Orange County, Texas. Veterans Memorial Bridge is on the left in keeping with this long Memorial Weekend. The 2nd bridge on left is an Austin walking bridge As you care and pray for the Walk 4 Life with all parties connected to them, hold them all in the light as bridges with all their further events in Houston, Italy and beyond. Thanks!

Capitol Austin Texas

CONTACTS for Capital "X" /Andre Latallade/Walk 4 Life Texas

CURRENT CONTACT AUSTIN Delia Perez Meyer 512-444-5366 for information on Walk 4 Life

Andre Latallade (he pronounces it La-tah-LAH-day), also known as Capital "X"
The visionary behind The WALK 4 Life Campaign and Walk (PLEASE speak clearly because of crowds and sometimes a hearing difficulty) 281-818-8935

Katia Who's been working closely on Walk projectrevolution2010@gmail.com

Bill Pelke of The Journey of Hope 305 775-5823

If you have any difficulty reaching the right person, call me & I will try:
Connie 828 884-9467 or email me if time is not of essence at newlease7@yahoo.com
~~~
See just below see: CELEBRATING The End of the Walk 4 Life with Katia (she describes being at the Gov. Mansion with Bill Pelke & Capital X and other protesters and now ONWARD to the Capitol of Texas at Austin.) STAY TUNED FOR A REPORT FROM THERE!

Courtney Wilson 832-704-8900 (Houston, Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty)

While in Houston, Capital “X” will be hosted by BOTH the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement. (Stay tuned for more info as some of these events are being "fined tuned" & hope to put these up together with a few more contacts)

Please scroll below to find a ballad on how youth copy their elders and blogs not only the Walk but also on MIKE KENNEDY, beloved activist for whom we now grieve, also notes on Susybelle & more from DALLAS. Be sure not to miss the very moving blog with Marietta Jaeger and families & last but NOT least, please sign the petitions on the imminent executions and help all of us protest executions until they are no more...

Release on Walk 4 Life with Capital "X"

Press Release: May 13, 2008 (just sent to this JOH blog by David Atwood)

Contact: Courtney Wilson 832-704-8900 (in Houston)

HIP HOP ACTIVIST WALKS 1700 MILES TO TEXAS TO PROTEST DEATH PENALTY

Capital “X”, a hip hop artist and activist, will be in Houston on May 30 as the last part of a 1700 mile walk which started on March 31, 2008. The walk started in New Jersey where the death penalty has recently been abolished. It is ending in Texas, the leading death penalty state in the nation with 405 executions since 1982. Texas currently has 10 (!) executions scheduled, the first one being Derrick Sonnier on June 3.

Called the “Walk 4 Life”, Capital “X” will walk through 10 of the 12 states with the highest execution rates in the U.S. He is walking to protest the death penalty and to shed light on the inhumane treatment of prisoners on death row. Capital “X” can be contacted directly at 281-818-8935 and at projectrevolution2010@gmail.com .

On May 30 at 7pm, a salute to Capital “X” will take place at Avant Garden, 411 Westheimer, Houston. On May 31 at 2pm, he plans to protest the death penalty at the Walls Unit in Huntsville where executions take place.

While in Houston, Capital “X” will be hosted by the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and Texas Death Penalty Abolition Movement.

Please contact Courtney Wilson at 832-704-8900 to request interviews and for more information.

Celebrating the End of the Walk with Katia

Gov. Mansion With Katia , Bill Pelke & Capital X


Hello there Connie,

It's Katia...hope you're doing fine. Some news from Texas... me, KC, My fellow comrade Giulia and KC's two sons drove 4 and a half hours from Livingston to Austin to reach the last leg of the Walk. We met with Capital X and Bill Pelke at Pizza Hut near to the Gov mansion where the other comrades were taking a break before the final step. There were also family members of death row prisoner Jeff Wood...lots of kids and some very motivated people. His wife, his brother-in-law and even his daughter. We were like 20 people.

We started walking downtown carrying signs against the death penalty and a lot of cars who were passing us by showed support by blowing their horns and making the peace sign. it was great. We reached the Gov mansion and we just sit there with our signs exposed. WE CELEBRATED THE END OF THE WALK and like 10 mins later we were joined by two guys who drove from Dallas just to meet us on the last leg of the Walk. One of these guys had met X in Dallas and had talked to him. he made it a point to be present at the end of the Walk. Amazing.

Then we went to the temporary home of Governor Perry. We were lucky enough to find a car that was entering the gates of the property...so we just followed that car. We stopped in front of the Gov's house gate and X went and rang the bell. Security hung up on him. Then i went and rang the bell too. i told security that i was from Italy and that i had come with some citizens to talk to Gov Perry and i asked if he could receive us. The security told me that nobody was in the house.

Like 5 minutes later we were approached by a police officer telling us that we had to move in order not to get in trouble. Other two officers from the inside of the Gov house joined her. We were all very peaceful and even if we had to move we were still able to show our signs to the cameras. Indeed we did what we were supposed to do...and somebody will surely see the images on cameras of people peacefully protesting and asking for an alternative to the death penalty.

Also another resident there passed by with the car showing support...so...even the new neighbors of the governor don't approve the death penalty.

We will be at the state capitol in a few hours.
That's all for now. Hope this helps.

Katia