"Troy Davis Must Not Be Executed" Tuesday Day of Action!!!!!

[nofurylike]

(several actions below)

Troy Davis Must Not Be Executed

" ...conviction of Troy Davis in Chatham County, Georgia is one of the most egregious and compelling cases in decades. You can help save this man's life."
Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, June 17, 2009

***

So, this is what we are dealing with. All Troy has is our voices, so please, please, let’s make sure Chisolm is going to hear thousands of them tomorrow, Tuesday!

Tonight, make sure you remember to have your letter ready to be faxed, Chisolm’s phone number in your purse and his email before you go to work on Tuesday.

And last, but not least, PLEASE FORWARD TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE ASKING THEM TO TAKE ACTION WITH US TOMORROW, TUESDAY JUNE 23RD!!


***


Week of Witness for Troy Davis
Tomorrow, Tuesday, Day of Witness for Troy Davis

Friends,

The US Supreme Court is expected to decide whether or not to hear Troy's case on June 25, making their decision public in the days following. In preparation for that, Amnesty Int'l and NAACP have called for a Week of Witness for Troy Davis to be held next week, from Friday, June 19 to Friday, June 26. The intent is to keep the public spotlight shining on Troy's case during this critical time.

And thanks so much, in advance, for the help you've all already put in. The community's committment to this case has been truly inspiring.

***

We need everyone who cares about Troy Davis and innocence to do whatever they can to persuade DA Chisolm to reopen Troy's case. Be as creative as you can in getting his attention and, above all, speak in your own voice. Tell Chisolm from your heart why he needs to intervene.

We encourage you to make one-to-one contact with him whether it be through faxing a personal letter, email, phone call, video message, or a personal visit with Chisolm.

The most important thing is that you contact him and do it Tuesday. If you simply do not have time to send your own message, there are many time-saving and easy options available:
ACLU:
https://secure.aclu.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=906&page=UserAction&s_src=taf&JServSessionIdr011=dmq87c4v21.app25a

Amnesty:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=12361

Investigate the Injustice Petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/17/investigate-the-injustice

Atlanta CEDP's Concern Professors letter :
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/concerned-professors-for-troy-davis


It is imperative that Chisolm understands that Troy's case is important to people across the spectrum and that TROY'S INNOCENCE is the ISSUE! Troy cannot afford to have that message diluted. So, please speak in your own voice and deliver your message to Chisolm directly.

Larry Chisolm
District Attorney
133 Montgomery Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] or [phone]

***

Email, Fax and Call Attorney General Eric Holder

From Michael E. Ross, West Coast journalist and a frequent contributor to The Loop, The Root and PopMatters:

What can Holder do?

It’s here that Holder can scrutinize the conviction of Davis, a former coach with the Savannah Police Athletic League, and the prosecution’s speculation on why a citizen would suddenly go from incidental contact with the police to murdering an officer.

It’s here that Holder could demand an inquiry into why most of the eyewitnesses have changed their stories.

It’s here that Holder could demand a civil rights investigation into the claims by those prosecution witnesses who allege police coercion.

It’s here that Holder’s Justice Department can consult with Boleyn and other Georgia prosecutors to discover why there’s apparently been no consideration of Coles’ alleged private claim of culpability for this crime — or why Boleyn thinks such an admission isn’t trustworthy but the implication of another man is.

It’s here that, because a possibly innocent man may die because of Georgia's willingness to ignore what could exonerate him, Eric Holder can stand again on principle.

“In the interest of justice.”

***

Email, Fax, and Call Attorney General Holder:

You can make make your letter and comments personal, just please have these points:
Ask him to check into Troy Davis' case because he is being denied access to courts due to Anti-terrorism Bill; that he was sentenced to death based on eyewitness testimony with no DNA, no weapon, no physical evidence; 7 out of 9 eyewitness have recanted and 9 further witnesses were never heard in any court of law; exculpatory evidence was omitted in all stages. The state's case has fallen apart, Mr. Davis has faced execution 3 times, and if the US Supreme Court does not take case he may face execution a 4th time, because he is being denied access to courts due to procedure and technicality.


To email the Attorney General: mailto:[email protected].
To call: [phone] toll-free at [phone]
(another number given by another source is: 202-353-1555 )
To Fax: [phone] or [phone]


***

[SeattleGirl]

1. Thank you for the reminder.

I will be doing my part!

[nofurylike]

2. you are very welcome! thank YOU so very much, SeattleGirl!! eom

[nofurylike]

3. Article: Troy Davis Must Not Be Executed

Troy Davis Must Not Be Executed

http://www.theroot.com/views/troy-davis-must-not-be-executed?auto=true


Wrongful convictions of black men have become commonplace. But conviction of Troy Davis in Chatham County, Georgia is one of the most egregious and compelling cases in decades. You can help save this man's life.
By Benjamin Todd Jealous
June 17, 2009

-snip-

To DeJuan Correira, his “Uncle Troy” embodies all of these attributes. A mentor to his nephew, Troy Anthony Davis played a prominent role in DeJuan’s development into a superior student while simultaneously providing support to DeJuan’s mother, Martina, Troy’s sister who was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. Davis’ accomplishments as a father figure and family man are astounding given his circumstances; since 1991, Davis has been on death row, wrongly convicted of the murder of Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail.

-snip-

But the Troy Davis case is the most compelling case of wrongful conviction in decades. No physical evidence links Davis to the crime; no murder weapons were found and seven out of nine eyewitnesses recanted or contradicted their original statements. The facts of his innocence are so overwhelming that it has inspired conservative former Congressman Bob Barr and former FBI head William Sessions to speak out. The chorus calling for a new trial includes former President Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict XVI. Despite irrefutable evidence of his innocence, Chatham County is one of 159 counties in the state of Georgia. The county currently has approximately 250,000 residents, less than 3 percent of Georgia’s state population. Yet this tiny county has produced one-third of Georgia’s exonerations and 40 percent of its death row exonerations, statistics that reveal a questionable history of negligent legal practices. The Troy Davis case is the latest in a series of disturbing instances of Chatham County’s disregard for justice and a proclivity to prosecute and potentially execute people innocent of the crimes of which they've been convicted. The new Chatham County District Attorney, Larry Chisolm, who is black, could reopen the case, but so far he has refused to do so.

In a desperate attempt to silence Davis, the Georgia Department of Corrections has prohibited all television access to him. Interview requests from 60 Minutes, Dateline NBC and the Associated Press have been denied, and the prison has threatened to revoke Davis’ phone privileges should any family member allow media to speak to him. These drastic infringements on Davis’ First Amendment rights are a measure of the state’s fear that exposure could reveal the truth about racism and injustice in Chatham County and in the state of Georgia.

-snip-

While many in his position would be resentful about the unfair circumstances and an unjust system that put them behind bars, Davis exudes benevolence, responsibility and leadership. The effect Davis has had on his nephew is evident—DeJuan achieved top honors in the state’s Social Science Fair for his project entitled “Time for Change: How Does the Troy Anthony Davis Case Affect Georgia?" From the confines of the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison, Davis has mentored and provided an example to young DeJuan by being positive, unwavering and unbroken.

-snip-


Benjamin Todd Jealous is the president and CEO of the NAACP.


***

Please, if you haven't already, sign the petition too:
http://iamtroy.com/

[NightWatcher]

4. Chisolm is not about to alienate all of the Savannah PD on this one

and obviously no one is concerned about the truth, they all (including the officer's wife and son) just want to see Davis dead, regardless of his guilt or innocence.

I'm afraid this doesnt bode well for Davis, his family, justice, or the truth

[nofurylike]

5. what you say is heartbreaking, since likely. so, it is all the MORE

important that you please take these actions!!!

thank you for posting!


peace

[NightWatcher]

7. I hope it doesnt happen, but being a Savannahian and knowing some of those involved

this is about blood thirst, not the search for the truth

Savannah Justice is not about finding the truth, but about protecting the status quo. Cops are gods, blacks are animals, and those who work for the system (even many African Americans) feel that they too are above truth and are cogs of a mighty machine.

[nofurylike]

9. o my, you're a Savannahian. quite a history there! i do get what

you are saying, and how devastating it all really is.

(all our areas have some horrifying histories, in this country.)


chisolm knows he owes his winning that election to blacks of savannah, though. breath-holding here!!!

thanks again for posting!


peace and solidarity!

[aikoaiko]

16. I think you are correct. I voted for Larry but I don't think is willing to risk his career on Davis

I'm sure a retrial would be a judicial disaster, and moving to free him, if possible, would be a political disaster.

In the end, Larry gets to hang his hat on a majority African American jury convicting Davis and sentencing him to death even if witnesses have now changed their stories or are no longer intimidated by police. In addition, the appeals have not forced his hand.

From locals who were here, the 1980s were a bad time for gang life and murders in downtown Savannah and the death of Officer MacPhail was something that could not go unanswered. Sadly, there was a rush to judgment.

I don't know if Troy Davis is innocent. He was convicted of killing two people in seperate incidents. Nevertheless, I want more certainty in death sentenced murderers. This case is just way too flimsy at this point (and it probably always was).

[nofurylike]

21. more on all that later, but just a couple of things for now:

it was not two killed, it was one shot and one killed. witnesses, whose testimonies have been blocked, so far, say troy was not at the first shooting at all.

and the claim that ballistics proved they were both shot with the same gun? not true. it proved only that the same kind of gun was used. redd coles carried that kind of gun.

lawton had a habit of stretching almost-truths, claiming they are facts.....

you know....

four jurors have signed affidavits they woudn't have convicted - or sentenced to death, some might be.... - knowing what they know now. some came forward many years ago, were suppressed....


more later.

[nofurylike]

26. check THIS out:

"Now comes the lone September 2008 affidavit of witness Benjamin Gordon, who testified under oath that he did not see the shooter and that Troy Davis was not in the group of people at the late night party in which the officer was killed. He again reiterates that he signed the police report without reading it 'under duress' (i.e., he was threatened by the police).
"All told, 26 witness affidavits were given, more than half stating that Davis either wasn’t present or that they could not positively identify him as the shooter, but only Gordon’s affidavit was considered to be good enough for the court to consider as possibly true.
"In this affidavit, Gordon stated that he had known since 2003 that 'Red' Coles allegedly confessed to the murder of Officer MacPhail, but he did not share the information because Coles is a family member. Gordon stated that he told Coles to ‘clear it up’ because they had someone else locked away for the murder. His words were only that 'Cole cried.' Though Gordon stated that Coles confessed to the murder, the court relied only on Gordon’s attestation that 'Coles cried' (his reaction to being told to turn himself in). In their estimation, Coles’ grievance in tears did not constitute an admission of guilt."

**

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous, who recently met with Davis for two hours on death row said, "Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this man is innocent."

**

you know, more people swore Troy did NOT kill Officer MacPhail, than testified he did (ALL but two of whom have recanted, one remaining being the alternate suspect, the other having originally said he could not identify the killer, then claiming he could two years later). that is some of the evidence that lawyers call the omitted exculpatory evidence. that is prosecutorial misconduct.



hey, aikoaiko, i just have to say that it is a big deal that you speak out against this execution.

i didn't say above, but thank you so very much!!!


peace!


* edit for clarity

[nofurylike]

27. i think it would be very good, and important for you to write to

chisolm and holder stating outright that you are not an abolitionist and that it is not fair that they blithely dismiss all protest against troy's execution as "just a bunch of abolitionists trying to further their agenda" - which is what they keep doing, even stating to media!

moreover, they fail to grasp that their actions in this very case have multiplied the number of abolitionists multifold - all over the world!!!

and that this case precisely underlines what much of the drive for abolition is about.

thank you so much for participating in these discussions, too, aikoaiko.


peace and solidarity!

[aikoaiko]

54. It is important and I have written. I will do so again.

Thank you for correcting my errors. The second man was shot, not killed in the previous incident, as I wrote.

[nofurylike]

55. i truly can not thank you enough, aikoaiko. it is very big!!

nothing, anywhere, ever implies either was shot by troy. well, until the prosecution simply lied to claim so.

[aikoaiko]

57. deleted: posted in wrong spot

[ColbertWatcher]

6. Thank you for posting this. k+r, n/t

[nofurylike]

8. you are very welcome, ColbertWatcher! thank YOU, so very

much!!

please take the actions and spread word everywhere!!


peace and solidarity!

[ColbertWatcher]

14. You are welcome. n/t

[nofurylike]

10. "Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this man is innocent."

NAACP Tries to Save Man's Life
Troy Davis

http://www.portlandobserver.com/story.asp?record=10102§ion=Law%20/%20Politics

The NAACP is launching a campaign called "I am Troy" to save the life of Troy Davis, an African American man on death row, who will be executed unless Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue or Savannah District Attorney Larry Chisolm intervene.

-snip-

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous, who recently met with Davis for two hours on death row said, "Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this man is innocent."

-snip-

The courts have denied Troy an evidentiary hearing which would allow the evidence to be reexamined. A last ditch effort before the Supreme Court will be heard on June 25 but is not expected to prevail and his execution could come within weeks following the decision.

-snip-

Prominent politicians and leaders, including President Jimmy Carter, Pope Benedict XVI, Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Presidential candidate Bob Barr and former FBI Director and Judge William S. Sessions have all called for Davis to be given a new trial or evidentiary hearing.

-snip-

***

[nofurylike]

11. "Davis could be executed next month" - PLEASE ACT, ALL!!!!

Davis could be executed next month
http://gpbnews.blogspot.com/2009/06/naacp-continues-push-for-new-davis.html

NAACP Continues Push For New Davis Hearing

About 200 people were on-hand Saturday afternoon in a Savannah park, joining the NAACP in a rally to support Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis. NAACP President Ben Jealous led the rally, and later led supporters in a petition drive hoping to pressure local prosecutors to re-open the case. Davis was convicted in 1991 of the killing of police officer Mark McPhail 20 years ago. Since then, several witnesses have recanted testimony, and high profile names such as former president Jimmy Carter have called for a fresh look at the case.

The NAACP hopes to get 10,000 signatures on a petition local prosecutors to step in. But barring an late intervention by the U.S. Supreme Court, Davis could be executed next month. The nation’s high court has the Davis-case on its Thursday docket.

***

[nofurylike]

12. "Help Spare the Life of Innocent Inmate"

Jun. 22, 2009 NAACP: Help Spare the Life of Innocent Inmate By BET.com Staff

http://www.bet.com/News/News_RaceInAmerica_NAACP_Launches_Campaign_To_Save_Troy_Davis.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished&Referrer=%7B0471DDF0-D0D8-48A8-9E30-ADD40CBE0269%7D


The NAACP, Amnesty International and other leading human rights groups are urging everybody to get involved in helping spare the life of Troy Davis, whom they argue is about to be executed for a murder he never committed.

“The interest of the state is in the truth," NAACP President Ben Jealous told the Savannah Morning News Saturday. "If Troy Davis was convicted on lies, then the truth is, a killer's on the loose." Jealous, who was in Savannah Friday as part of "I AM TROY," wants District Attorney Larry Chisholm to reopen the case and find the “real” murderer.

Davis, 38, was convicted in 1991 for the shooting death of off-duty Savannah, Ga., Police Officer Mark Allen MacPhail. However, seven of the nine witnesses who identified Davis as the killer during the initial trial have since recanted their testimony. Despite several appeals – and having his execution delayed on three separate occasions – Davis remains on death row at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison near Jackson.
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court will likely consider the latest challenge by attorneys for Davis.

So how can individuals get involved? Jealous says that those wanting to make an impact should go to the "I Am Troy" Campaign (http://iamtroy.com/), sign the petition and let Gov. Sonny Perdue know that you are outraged by the possible execution of an innocent man.

***

[nofurylike]

13. kick. back with more info soon. please act!! please kick!! spread

the word everywhere possible!!! PLEASE!!!

thank you ALL!!!


peace and solidarity!

[Fire1]

15. Thanks for the reminder. Will do! n/t

[nofurylike]

18. thank you so much, Fire1, again, and more!!! spread word!! eom

[nofurylike]

17. Tonight, remember to have your letter ready to be faxed,

Chisolm’s phone number in your purse, and wallet, and his email before you go to work on Tuesday!!


thank you!!!

[Number23]

19. Kicked and rec'd!

[nofurylike]

23. thank you so much, Number23!!! pelase act and spread word!! eom

[Dystopian]

20. KandR. Thank you for posting.

Heartfelt thanks for fighting for Troy...We can do it!

peace~

[nofurylike]

24. "fighting for Troy...We can do it!" thank you thank you thank you

so much, Dystopian!!!
and for bringing along your precious framed photo of Troy! i love it!! all you can see of him, so clearly in that picture. he is incredibly sweet, just like we can see in the photo!


:hi:

:loveya:


peace and solidarity, always!!

[Dystopian]

30. You're very welcome...

Yes, the photo says it all...
Thank you for fighting the good fight...
You are precious...
Keep on!



peace~

[nofurylike]

34. o my, you constantly give me so much more strength, Dystopian!!

and you make beautiful posts!!

how perfect, those hearts floating up around Troy's portrait!!!

thank you, more than i can express....


peace and solidarity, always!!

[nofurylike]

22. thank you, ALL, for the recs!!! eom

[nofurylike]

25. "more than half stating that Davis either wasn’t present or... "

Judge Barkett: " ...punishing an innocent defendant with the penalty of death simply because he did not file his papers as early as he should have is draconian.”


Update in the case re: Troy Anthony Davis
by S. Renee Greene


http://www.aframnews.com/html/interspire/blogs/19/One-Bad-Apple.html



-snip-

By now, most folks who are interested have heard the story: Nine ‘key’ witnesses, seven recants, and three witnesses who did not come forward during trial who state that one of the two remaining witnesses actually confessed to the murder. Sylvester “Red” Coles is the one the other three witnesses point to as the liable party by his own admission.


Now comes the lone September 2008 affidavit of witness Benjamin Gordon, who testified under oath that he did not see the shooter and that Troy Davis was not in the group of people at the late night party in which the officer was killed. He again reiterates that he signed the police report without reading it “under duress” (i.e., he was threatened by the police).

All told, 26 witness affidavits were given, more than half stating that Davis either wasn’t present or that they could not positively identify him as the shooter, but only Gordon’s affidavit was considered to be good enough for the court to consider as possibly true.

-snip-

In other words, the police investigation proceeded in the manner that it did based solely on Coles’s statement and not because of any positive evidence presented that would have implicated Davis. Per (Judge)Barkett, “though the witnesses stated they did not know what color shirts either Davis or Coles were wearing, that they identified the shooter as ‘wearing a white shirt.’ … a claim of actual innocence is a cognizable Constitutional claim … the evidence presented by Davis in support of his actual innocence claim is significant and compelling … obviously, the execution of an actually innocent individual has nothing to do with the goals of criminal punishment. Such an execution would serve no retributive purpose nor have any deterrent value. On the contrary, the execution of an actually innocent individual undermines the legitimacy of the criminal justice system’s power to punish. Likewise, the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause prohibits states from depriving any person of life or liberty without due process of law… The concept of punishing an innocent defendant with the penalty of death simply because he did not file his papers as early as he should have is draconian.”


***

[Gregorian]

28. Recommending for Troy. For justice.

Thank you DU for the recommendations. It does a heart good to see that you care.

This really is a very important issue, above and beyond the life of one man. That alone is of great importance.

[nofurylike]

29. yes, "For justice"! thank you so much Gregorian!!! please act and

spread the word everywhere possible!!!

:hi:


peace and solidarity!

[Dystopian]

31. Kicking for Troy, for Justice, for Humanity...

peace~

[nofurylike]

36. yes, yes, "for Humanity"! deeply moving. thank you!! eom

[nofurylike]

32. we must flood DA Chisolm with the demand that he investigate

and re-open this case!!!!

[nofurylike]

33. as you see, in the OP, Atty Gnl Holder CAN investigate this case!!

please be sure to write to him too!!!!

[nofurylike]

35. some intriguing, and awful, facts about this case:

Spencer Lawton, then prosecuting, continues to claim that the recantations didn't start until recently.

The truth: At trial, several witnesses attempted to reveal that their original statements to the police were coerced or false.

· Darrell "DD" Collins: (a sixteen year old) said AT TRIAL , “I told the detective what he wanted to hear ‘cause I was scared. I didn’t want to go to jail. The police told me if I didn’t cooperate with them I’m going to be in prison for 10-12 years.”

· Dorothy Ferrell (parolee): On the day of her trial testimony, she called the defense lawyers and admitted that her testimony was perjured. She was arrested and brought back to court the next day, at which time another lawyer was appointed to advise her. She was informed that if she “changed her story” she would face 10 years for giving perjured testimony.

· Other witness refused to honor the subpoena in order to avoid perjury.

Did Lawton investigate Coles? According to Lawton: “Yes. Well, I don’t know what you’re going to be willing to call an investigation. What happened is, he came, I think the day after the event he produced himself to the police.” When asked why Coles’ willingness to make a statement to the police was sufficient to render him credible, Lawton provided this answer: “Well because it indicates, it indicates some confidence, on the part of the lawyer, that Coles was not involved. Any lawyer that had even the tiniest notion that his client could be tied to the case, whether justifiably or not, would never allow him to make a statement to the police without the lawyer present.

The truth:

· Redd Coles’ lawyer arranged for Coles’ meeting with the police and was at the station with Coles when he made his statement to the police.

· Redd Coles lied about several key points while at the station; each of which could have been easily established as false had the police carefully scrutinized his statements.

· There was NO investigation of Coles. Rather, the police accepted Coles’ statement at face value and immediately announced Davis as the suspect.

***

At that point, Troy's picture was plastered all over local media, framed by the words "Cop-Killer." Then, the alternate suspect, 'Redd' Coles, was not in identifying lineups.

[nofurylike]

37. Judge Barkett: "simply because he did not file his papers... " eom

[nofurylike]

38. kick. please keep this kicked for the late-nighters. eom

[nofurylike]

39. i will be back to remind again in the morning: PLEASE ACT!!! eom

[nofurylike]

40. PLEASE SEND THIS TO YOUR EMAIL LISTS, and MYSPACE

BUDDIES!!!

[nofurylike]

41. PLEASE TWEET THIS TO YOUR TWITTER FOLLOWERS!!! eom

[nofurylike]

42. PLEASE SEND TO YOUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS!!! eom

[nofurylike]

43. PLEASE ACT, TODAY and WEDNESDAY!!! plenty time to

spread the word all around!!!!

[nofurylike]

44. JUST OUT! John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of

Good and Evil speaks out about Troy & Lawton.


Berendt: Why the rush to execute Davis?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 12:30 am
Savannah Morning News

http://savannahnow.com/node/742183

-snip-

Nonetheless, District Attorney Spencer Lawton refused to order an
evidentiary hearing, bucking a growing consensus that the most
reasonable course would be to reopen the case - a position supported
by former FBI chief William Sessions, former Congressman Bob Barr,
Jimmy Carter, the European Parliament, Amnesty International and
others.

-snip-

He opens by questioning the motives of those who have petitioned for a
new hearing: "The only information the public has had in the 17 years
since Troy Davis's conviction has been generated by people
ideologically opposed to the death penalty."

This is patently untrue. Many of the petitioners, including Bob Barr
and Judge Sessions, support the death penalty. They draw the line,
however, at executing a defendant who might be innocent.

-snip-

Lawton leaves out crucial information: the ballistics evidence does
not connect Troy Davis to either shooting that day or to the .38-
caliber handgun which was never found. At trial, no witness identified
Davis as the shooter in the earlier incident.

-snip-


***

John Berendt is the author of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and
Evil," the best-selling book that chronicled the people and events
surrounding the conviction and subsequent acquittal of Savannah
antique dealer Jim Williams, who was charged with murdering Danny
Hansford in 1981.

***

a story that includes Spencer Lawton.


a MUST-READ piece, full of the real FACTS of this case!!! please read the rest at the link!!

[nofurylike]

45. maybe someone would like to re-post the Berendt piece, as a

new thread????

it is important.

and it seems much of DU is consumed with other matters.....


thank you, if you will do that!!

[nofurylike]

46. please, people, read this thread FULL of information. if you are

not outraged enough to act then, you...


i can't say more. i am horrified at how few here give a.....

nevermind.

i feel too much gratitude to those who keep showing up.
i adore you all!!!! your hearts and natures and essences and....
call it what you will...


You



:grouphug:

:loveya:


Peace and Solidarity, Always


good night. see you in the morning.

[nofurylike]

47. thank you, ALL, who have taken part!!! my S/HEROES!!! eom

[nofurylike]

48. PLEASE keep this kicked, and spread the word! THANK YOU! eom

[nofurylike]

49. kick goodnight. please act, spread word, and kick. thanks!! eom

[nofurylike]

50. yeah, let your own country/state lynch someone, while you're

vicariously gettin off on another country's tyrannies.


:puke:


bye.

[EFerrari]

51. Kick

[nofurylike]

56. hey, can you please kick me out of despair, again? i can't bear

it.

thank you so very much, EFerrari!!!


peace and solidarity, always!

[EFerrari]

52. Kick

[Dystopian]

53. Please take action.

:kick:

peace~

[nofurylike]

59. am i blowing it, falling apart at this point? sleep deprivation is

definitely part of it.

but i am so blown away by humans, D.

one reason i was always drawn to your nick. a dystopian doesn't even try to pretend it is other than it is.

but it also reflects the disappointment, doesn't it?

well, we do what we can, inch by inch, ah.

thank you beyond words for showing up again and again!! you are so dear!!!


peace solidarity and love, always!

[aikoaiko]

58. The DAs in the Troy Davis case.

Some of you may be wondering why the DAs in the this case have not done much.

Here is an piece written by previous long-term DA Spencer Lawton Jr. It had a pretty big impact on people who were beginning to give Troy Davis the benefit of doubt. Lawton has no doubt and doesn't really address the details of the new evidence or why it casts doubt on Davis's conviction.

http://www.savannahnow.com/node/597187
Lawton: Troy Davis verdict correct
spencer lawton jr. | Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 12:30 am
Chatham County's district attorney explains why he's not concerned that an innocent man may be put to death.

Many people are concerned that an innocent man is about to be put to death. I know this, and I understand it. I am not likewise concerned, however, and I want to explain why. The only information the public has had in the 17 years since Troy Davis' conviction has been generated by people ideologically opposed to the death penalty, regardless of the guilt or innocence of the accused. While they have shouted, we have been silent. The canons of legal ethics prohibit a lawyer - prosecutor and defense counsel alike - from commenting publicly, or engineering public comments, on the issue of guilt or innocence in a pending criminal case.

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled, the case is over, and I can try to tell our side. First , Davis' advocates have insisted that there was no physical evidence in the case. This is not true. Crime lab tests proved that the shell casings recovered from the shooting of Michael Cooper at a party earlier in the evening were fired from the same weapon as the casings recovered from the scene of Officer Mark MacPhail's murder. Davis was convicted of shooting Cooper. And, while it isn't physical evidence, consider the "testimony" of Officer MacPhail himself: When he comes to the rescue of a homeless man being harassed and pistol-whipped, the officer ran past Sylvester Coles on his way to catch Davis. This makes Davis the only one of those two with a motive to shoot Officer MacPhail. Yet Davis' lawyers argue to condemn Coles for shooting MacPhail. Why would he? In fact, Davis' advocates are eager to condemn Coles based on evidence far weaker than their characterization of the evidence against Davis. Where is their sense of fairness? This is the same Sylvester Coles who promptly presented himself to police, and who was advised by counsel to tell all that he knew - with his lawyer not even present. Which he did. No lawyer who even faintly suspects a client of criminal conduct would let him talk to the police without counsel.

Second , they claim that seven of nine witnesses have recanted their trial testimony. This is not believable. To be sure, they've produced affidavits; a few handwritten and apparently voluntarily and spontaneous, except for concluding with "further the affiant sayeth not." Who wrote that stuff? The lawyers, perhaps? The law is understandably skeptical of post-trial "newly-discovered evidence." Such evidence as these affidavits might, for example, be paid for, or coerced, or the product of fading memory. If every verdict could be set aside by the casual acceptance of a witness's changing his mind or suggesting uncertainty, decades after the event, it is easy to see how many cases would have to be tried at least twice (perhaps ad infinitum). Thus the law sets strict standards for such "newly discovered" evidence. For example, it cannot be for a lack of diligence that the new evidence was not discovered sooner, and the defendant is expected to present that evidence at the earliest possible time. Yet these affidavits were not offered in a motion for new trial until eight days before the first scheduled execution in 2008 seventeen years after Davis' conviction. If this affidavit evidence was so compelling, why didn't they rush to seek a new trial in 2003 when they had most of the affidavits they now rely upon? Or collect those affidavits earlier? Each of the now-"recanting" witnesses was closely questioned at trial by lawyers representing Davis, specifically on the question whether they were in any way pressured or coerced by police in giving their statements or testimony. All denied it. And while an 80 percent recantation rate - the first in the history of the world ? - may seem to some as overwhelmingly persuasive, to others of us it invites a suggestion of uncanny coincidence, making it very difficult to believe.

Third , they claim that their "newly discovered evidence" (i.e., the recantations) hasn't been adequately considered by the courts. This is not true. The affidavits, in various combinations, had already been reviewed by 29 judges in seven different types of review, over the course of 17 years, before Tuesday's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The state Parole Board halted the execution in 2007, saying they wouldn't allow a possibly innocent man to be executed. Then, after more than a year of reviewing all of the evidence on both sides, and hearing from every witness Davis' lawyers presented - including Davis - they refused to grant clemency. The trial was fair. Davis was represented by superbly skilled criminal defense lawyers. He was convicted by a fair jury (seven black and five white). The post conviction stridency we've seen has been much about the death penalty and little about Troy Davis. The jury found that Davis, after shooting another man earlier in the evening, murdered a police officer who came to the rescue of a homeless man Davis had beaten. Mark MacPhail had never even drawn his weapon.

A more complete discussion of these - and other - points can be found at Chathamcounty.org/vwap/html

And the new DA, just elected, has not said anything except to say that he is waiting for the appeals process to be finished.

http://www.theroot.com/buzz/georgia-da-bind-over-death-row-case

Who shot Officer Mark MacPhail? Supporters of death row inmate say it was not Troy Davis, the man who was convicted for the slaying in 1989. As the LA Times reports, this circumstance has newly-elected DA Larry Chisolm in between a rock and a hard place. The first Black district attorney of Chatham County, Georgia is being pressured by the NAACP and others to review the case and interevene on behalf of Davis in light of witness recantations that began in 2000. The Georgia Supreme Court has denied Davis' appeal, as has the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Davis' attorneys have filed an appeal with the US Supreme Court, but call that appeal a "longshot." Though no execution date has been set, that reality seems increasingly likely and as appeals processes run out, it also seems increasingly likely that Chisolm, a death penalty supporter, will have to address the matter publicly. Though he himself has declined to speak on the matter specifically until all other avenues have been exhausted, the prospect he faces is daunting: The first Black DA in Savannah must decide the fate of a Black man accused of killing a white police officer. Should he intervene on Davis' behalf, he stands to lose conservative support as well as the support of the police force. If he does not, he stands to lose the support of the Black community, a voting bloc that was instrumental in getting him elected.

Even reporters from outside Savannah, GA and the South see Chisolm as being in a tough spot.

New DA, old death row controversy

By Richard Fausset, Los Angeles Times | June 5, 2009
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/06/05/ga_district_attorney_on_hot_seat_in_death_row_case/

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Larry Chisolm, the first-ever black district attorney in Chatham County, was sitting in his modern, sixth-floor office, tolerating an interview but declining to speak about the problem that he may have to address soon - the one that could come to define and complicate the rest of his young political career.

It is a problem he inherited. The problem of death row inmate Troy Davis. Behind Chisolm, a window framed the western flank of this old Southern city, offering a clear view of the bus station parking lot where Davis, a black man, allegedly killed an off-duty white policeman in 1989.

In recent years, recantations from key witnesses - and Davis's inability to win a new trial - have made the case an international cause célèbre, sparking European street demonstrations and calls for a new day in court from former president Jimmy Carter and Bob Barr, onetime Republican US representative. But now, as Davis's execution looks increasingly likely, the advocates for a new case are turning their attention to Savannah's newly elected prosecutor. The local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is imploring Chisolm to get involved. Carter sent a letter May 14, as did the Congressional Black Caucus.

I hope Larry Chisolm finds the strength to do what is right and convey to his constituency why those actions are the best ones.

[nofurylike]

60. "I hope Larry Chisolm finds the strength to do what is right," too.

it is indecent that lawton's lies should be given voice on a thread desperately working to save troy. but it is your right to do that. and i see that you did somewhat offset that.

i also find it pitiful for anyone ever to say that saving their career or reputation is more important than stopping a lynching.

we are all praying chisolm will care that Officer Mark MacPhail's killer is out there gloating that Troy is taking the fall for him.

i have to be at peace with you, aikoaiko. i respect you. you are able to see beyond dogma, and you have a conscience that supersedes it. that is very big!! the world could actually have differences without constant clashes if more could do that.

thank you.

peace

*edit punctuation

[aikoaiko]

64. I only offered Layton's statement for context and not to persuade anyone of Davis's guilt

Like I said, it seemed like those in my group of locals who were beginning to express some doubt about Davis guilt or punishment were impacted by Lawton's statement. This piece is really what Davis's advocated are up against at this point.

And thank you nofurylike for all your hard work to make Davis a visible cause on DU. You inspired me to write Larry Chisolm (twice now) and send in a ltte.

[nofurylike]

69. thank you for that, aikoaiko! i understand why, and i very much

appreciate, admire, your ability to step back and evaluate!!

thank you so very much for writing chisolm! and twice!! he really does NEED to hear from you!!

you are very welcome, too.


peace and solidarity!

[Gregorian]

61. I didn't know Davis was convicted of shooting Cooper.

I'm troubled by much of what I read. Not the least of which is the groups who just want to see a conviction in order to revenge the death of McPhail. They are sick people. So it would seem that evidence relies on the accuracy of a crime lab that linked shells to both shootings. There could be doubt, but it's pretty solid sounding.

I tend to agree that part of the fight against Troy's death sentence is the death sentence itself. I see folly in so much of what we do. Revenge, and blindness. Meanwhile we have far more evil people just skating free. Like Rumsfeld. But that's another issue. I don't know what to think about Troy Davis now. The shooting of Cooper isn't widely publicized. Or at least I hadn't heard it. And it does paint a context of that night. Not good. So another killing will help out how? And if dna evidence can free someone from a crime, then I can't imagine forcing someone to their death because perhaps they couldn't make a case from a solitary cell with no real means to defend themselves. But according to what you posted, Troy did have representation. So why is this getting attention? Is there some truth to his innocence? It isn't any easier all of these years later, no doubt.

Thanks for the article. It gives another facet to the case, some of which I didn't know.

[nofurylike]

62. that is why i was sad lawton's agenda would touch this thread.

"Lawton leaves out crucial information: the ballistics evidence does
not connect Troy Davis to either shooting that day or to the .38-
caliber handgun which was never found. At trial, no witness identified
Davis as the shooter in the earlier incident."


please read the entire thread. this was addressed up thread.


peace

[Gregorian]

66. Thank you again!

I so appreciate your help. And I did not read the above posts. Shame on me! Haha. :) I'm still struggling to get a tractor running, and get some damned electricity here. Which is no excuse.

[nofurylike]

72. you are very welcome, Gregorian! i can understand, completely.

that is why i am so saddened any time i run across lawton's lies, here or in the media (they play him like he's THE authority on what is The Truth, when he is the one who suppressed exculpatory evidence) - it keeps affecting people!! it is nearly impossible to hope otherwise, considering the deeply ingrained bias toward officers of the law, and court, that our societies instill in us... because, of all people, we OUGHT TO BE ABLE to trust them!!!

but, alas, we too often can not.


peace and solidarity, always!

[aikoaiko]

65. Its not so clear from media reports that Davis actually shot Cooper either.

But he was convicted.

I can't find the quoted testimony of the crime lab techs but the analysis of the .38 casings were not 100% either.

Truthfully, both convictions seem really sketchy to me based on the evidence that the media reported. A lot of it hung on "eye witness" testimony which is often unreliable without police intimidation or pressure.

[nofurylike]

73. well said, aikoaiko!! the casings only showed the TYPE of gun

used in each shooting, not that they were from the same gun.

some of the omitted exculpatory evidence the courts NEED TO hear is how many witnesses say that troy was not at the party where the earlier shooting occurred.

curiouser and curiouser, isn't it?

that is why they really must re-open this case. and i am deeply grateful to you for your support and actions toward making sure that happens!!


peace and solidarity!


*edit for spelling

[nofurylike]

63. Please ALL, keep spreading word!! please keep kicked! eom

[nofurylike]

67. Article: International Longshoreman spoke out for Troy!!!

http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10580158

Supporters rally for Troy Davis
Posted: Jun 23, 2009

By Melanie Ruberti

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Supporters are rallying once again for convicted killer Troy Anthony Davis.

Tuesday morning, the International Longshoreman spoke out about the case hoping to get more response from the community.

-snip-

The ILA says the more people who support Davis, the better his chances are of getting his case re-opened by district attorney Larry Chisolm.

"He has the power," said Chester Dunham of Chisolm. "He is the top law office here in Chatham County and he has the power to open the case up and give Troy Davis a day in court. That's all we're asking for. Justice. That's the only thing we're asking for."

-snip-

***


mailto:[email protected]

[nofurylike]

68. DA Chisolm's switchboard operator: they are counting the number

of calls that come in!!!

AND she said they can not take messages "because of the sheer number of calls"!!!

thank you!! thank you ALL!!!!

[Dystopian]

70. ACLU email. Please sign. Thank you.

Dear ACLU Supporter,

Thank you so much for standing with us, and with Troy, as we fight to save his life. Can you ask your friends to help? They can take action by going to going to this link:

http://action.aclu.org/savetroy

Here's a message you can cut and paste and send to your friends and family.

************************************************************************************

Subject: Help save a life!

A man who is almost certainly innocent needs your help, and fast.

Recently, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Troy Anthony Davis’s petition to have a hearing to prove his innocence. He received a 30 day stay so he could file a petition with the Supreme Court of the United States.

Troy Anthony Davis was convicted of the murder of off-duty Savannah Police Officer Mark MacPhail in 1991. No physical evidence links him to the crime, and he has steadfastly maintained his innocence. His conviction was based solely on the testimony of witnesses. There was no other evidence against him. Since his trial, seven people who had previously testified against Troy changed the story they had told in court.

Some witnesses say they were coerced by police. Others have even signed affidavits implicating one of the remaining two witnesses as the actual killer. But due to an increasingly restrictive appeals process, none of this new evidence has ever been heard in court.

Can you take 30 seconds and help save the life of a man who is almost certainly innocent? You can learn more and take action here:

http://action.aclu.org/savetroy

peace~

[nofurylike]

76. thank you so much for posting that, Dystopian, & for all you do!! eom

[beac]

71. Done! Thanks for the reminder. K&R n/t

[nofurylike]

74. thank you so much, beac!! you're very welcome! spread word!! eom

[noiretextatique]

75. another "justus" travesty

:kick:

[nofurylike]

78. noiretextatique, will you tell me your meaning for "justus"? i am

guessing that it refers to only the most privileged mattering to themselves and each other?

as in they couldn't care if troy receives justice?


thank you for posting!!!

please take the actions!! and spread the word everywhere possible!!!


peace and solidarity!

[noiretextatique]

86. just us as in just black people

or brown people or poor people. i don't know who coined the term, but richard pryor used it, as do many african-americans.

it applies particularly in the south, which has a tradition of criminalizing black people.

[nofurylike]

88. thank you for explaining, noiretextatique! i was sure

you meant something near that, but was hearing it as justice just for whites, as in white saying "justice is just for us." i see now, it is "just us" people of color railroaded, lynched, betrayed, as, i agree, is horrifyingly true and pandemic here.

thank you, again!!

please take the actions and please spread the word!!!!


peace and solidarity!

[nofurylike]

77. kick

[nofurylike]

79. kick. i'm off to fax!! please call and fax and email all!!! eom

[nofurylike]

80. kick! pelase keep kicked for later folks!! thank you, ALL!!! eom

[nofurylike]

81. please kick this, folks? thank you!! eom

[nofurylike]

82. kick to the top before i go to fax! eom

[nofurylike]

83. kick! eom

[nofurylike]

84. kick! eom

[nofurylike]

85. kick

[EFerrari]

87. Back up there!

[nofurylike]

90. thank you thank you thank you so, EFerrari!!! eom

[nofurylike]

89. kick

[Democracyinkind]

91. Kick! Gotta free Troy NOW! Learn about him thru this song (link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08bGrPLPkJM&feature=related

[nofurylike]

101. if i'd seen this the other day. i'd have know, huh? sorry!! great

song and i love their dedication and passion!!!

thank you so much for posting this, Democracyinkind!!

i see the lyrics on the other thread, thanks SO much!!


peace and solidarity!

[EFerrari]

92. And KICK!

[Generic Other]

93. kick

ThaNK you for all you do to raise AWARENESS!

[nofurylike]

100. thank you so much, Generic Other!!! please take action and

spread the word!!!


:hug:

peace and solidarity, always!!


ps - new thread today:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5920902

[Dystopian]

94. Kick for Justice.

peace~

[nofurylike]

102. thanks so much, D!!! you do so much!!!

i'm sick. and dizzy with panic.

i'm sorry i didn't get back to this thread.


i can not thank you enough.....


peace and solidarity, always!!

[Dystopian]

95. kick

[EFerrari]

96. Kick

[nofurylike]

103. always always comin through EF. gratitude!!! eom

[nofurylike]

97. thank you all thank you all thank you all. i'm sorry, but i can not

reply to individual replies right now.

or kick.

i am sick.

tomorrow the supreme court has a conference about troy's case. they can say any time, up to monday the 29th, what they decide.

if i hear anything, i will post as soon as i can. most likely someone else will just as fast.

[EFerrari]

99. Take good care of yourself! And thank you for spearheading this effort.

:hi:

[nofurylike]

104. how dear, thank you so much!!! you are very welcome, too!!!

:hi:

:hug:


sick. dizzy. panic.....


new update thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5920902

[nofurylike]

98. if you chant, please chant. if you pray, please pray. if you speak

with the shared unconscious, please ask us to make this a righteous priority.


Please please visualize the supremes being enlightened, touched with wisdom and compassion, understanding what is right and true......


thank you ALL. thank you so very much. i adore you.


peace, solidarity and love