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Photos from 3rd Anniversary of Justice for Reggie Campaign (December 2008)

Darryl Burton attended the 3rd Anniversary of the Justice for Reggie Campaign. Darryl Burton served 24 years in prison on a wrongful conviction for murder.

Campaign Update - Week of 12/08/2008

3rd Anniversary of the Justice for Reggie Campaign

Please join us on Saturday, December 13th from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm for the 3rd anniversary of the Justice for Reggie Campaign. The updated documentary of the Color of Justice will be shown. We will also receive a report on 2009 projections. The event will be held at the Rowan Community Center, 1401 Rowan Avenue. Light refreshments will be served.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 09/15/2008

Elections and the death penalty

While Kansas City prosecutors drop the death penalty in the case of 3 year old Green (Jane Doe), gubernatorial candidates Jay Nixon (D) and Kenny Hulshof ® recently vowed to uphold the death penalty in Missouri during a candidatesʼ forum in Columbia, MO. During the same forum, Libertarian candidate Andrew Finkenstadt said he is opposed to capital punishment and Constitution Party candidate Greg Thompson said it costs too much compared with life in prison.

The Justice for Reggie Clemons Campaign has been constantly asked about the governorʼs race: Who should abolitionists support? This will be a very challenging race. We know that the death penalty is not the only issue to consider so we urge you to do your homework on all the candidates. If you get the opportunity to attend a candidatesʼ forum, press Hulshof and Nixon: Would they consider claims of innocence, would they reconsider cases of botched trials, etc.

Should you get such a question in, please share the answer with us!

Justice for Reggie Campaign meeting

Next meeting will be Monday, September 22 at 7 pm at the Rowan Center, 1401 Rowan Avenue.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 09/01/2008

No executions for September

As the week comes to an end, we are happy to report that John Middleton has received an indefinite stay from the Missouri Supreme Court. Let’s not get complacent because the State is not. They are moving down the list of 14 men that Attorney General Jay Nixon identified last year as ready for execution. Please step up for action when you are asked to—our determination and synergy is what is keeping the death machine idle.

Reggie’s 37th Birthday

Reggie and the Campaign thank you for your birthday wishes. This is his 18th birthday behind bars, 16 of those while on death row. The resolve of the Justice Campaign is to bring Reggie home for a real birthday celebration.

We also appreciate your feedback on the documentary shown at the celebration.

If you have a completed petition sheet, please mail it to Justice for Reggie, PO Box 5277, St. Louis, MO 63115 or drop it off at any of the places listed on the website.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 08/18/2008

It’s Reggie’s Birthday

The event to celebrate Reggie’s 37th birthday will be Saturday, August 30, 4:00-5:30 pm. The celebration will be held at the Schafly Library, 225 N. Euclid at Lindell Blvd. The Color of Justice documentary will be shown. Spread the word!

Give us Five!

We need you to help Reggie. Here’s how:
1) Bring a completed petition to the August 30 event.
2) Share three names of your friends with us who can be added to Reggie’s sudden alert list (these are people who can be quickly mobilized for Reggie’s defense).
3) Add the name of an influential person to the List of Influentials (these include people from the business, faith, civic, etc. communities who can mobilize others).
4) Make a donation to the campaign.
5) Attend the birthday celebration.

Crew for Missouri Black Expo

The Campaign is looking for Reggie supporters to join us at the Black Expo on August 23 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Convention Center. We will be gathering signatures and passing out leaflets for his birthday event. If you can come any time during the 3-hour slot, please let us know.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 07/21/2008

No execution for Middleton this month

The Missouri Supreme Court declined to vacate the stay of execution it issued in John Middleton’s case. There will be no execution this month but unfortunately one has been set for September 17, 2008 (unless there are other developments in the legal case). The Court also denied money for an independent mental-health examination to determine if Mr. Middleton is competent to be executed.

Color of Justice

Thanks to all of you who came to the screening of The Color of Justice. For those who could not make it and who have inquired about another opportunity, stay tuned.

Save the Date!

Reggieʼs 37th birthday celebration is coming up on August 30, 2008.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 07/14/2008

Note: This has been a very volatile week and we waited to see how the dust would settle befoe sending out our weekly update. There are sure to be more changes on the Missouri death penalty scene next week. As we have warned, Missouri is itching to get a couple of executions in before the November election.

Execution stay for John C. Middleton

The state had set July 30 as the execution date for John C. Middleton. We were notifed by his counsel that the MO Supreme Court granted a stay. Then came conflicting reports that the stay was lifted. We don’t know what’s going on at this point and will keep you abreast.

Justice for Reggie Campaign Meeting

We began plans for Reggie’s birthday on August 30. We also are looking at increasing publicity. Michael Eric Dyson and Marcia Dyson have added their names to Reggie’s “List of Influentials” expressing their outrage at a conviction and death sentence given the lack of evidence.

The next meeting is July 28 at 7 pm. The meetings are held at the Rowan Community Center, 1401 Rowan Avenue (63112).

Don’t forget The Color of Justice Documentary

The COJ documentary is part of the 8th annual St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. It will be screened on Monday, July 21 at 5 pm at the Tivoli. The cost of admission is $10. This is a video that features Reggieʼs case.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 06/30/2008

Execution date set in Missouri

The state has set July 30 as the execution date for John C. Middleton, a meth drug dealer who allegedly killed two witnesses scheduled to testify against him. Middleton was also convicted in another murder case. It is clear that the state’s first execution since that of Marlin Gray in 2005 is one where there are few shades of gray and less likely to cause a public outcry.

Unless there is a stay, Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty will hold their customary vigil on Tuesday, July 29 at 8:30 pm. We will confirm this in the coming weeks.

There are still challenges to Missouri’s lethal injection method—including Reggie’s—and we remain hopeful that a legal challenge can once again put a monkey wrench in the death machine. But we also recognize that this is an election year with hotly contested races for Attorney General and the Governor, both offices who have their hands on the death penalty lever.

The campaign is gearing up our efforts in Reggie’s case, and asks that you join us in the uncertain days ahead.

Justice for Reggie Campaign meeting

The next meeting is July 14 at 7 pm. The meetings are held at the Rowan Community Center, 1401 Rowan Avenue (63112).

The Color of Justice Documentary

The COJ documentary will be screened on Monday, July 21 at 5 pm at the Tivoli. The cost of admission is $10. This is a video that features Reggie’s case. Please support the efforts of the documentary crew who have been donating their expertise and time.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 6/23/2008

Mike Farrell: Fundraiser for Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty
Mike Farrell, star of M*A*S*H and anti-death penalty activist will speak Saturday, June 28 at 8:00 pm and sign copies of his new book, “Just Call Me Mike”. The event is to be held at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd 63117. The event is free and open to the public although a suggested donation of $5 would be appreciated.

A fundraising reception will precede the event at 6:00 pm, giving attendees an opportunity to personally meet Mr. Farrell. Tickets are $100/individual or $125/couple. For reservations, call (314) 881-6019, or pay with credit card online at www.moabolition.org.

The Color of Justice Documentary
Finishing touches are being put on the documentary featuring Reggie’s case. Look for details in the next couple of weeks.

Justice for Reggie campaign meetings
Mondays, July 14 and 28 will be our meeting dates for next month. Please mark your calendar. We will need your ideas and support to celebrate Reggie’s birthday on August 30.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 6/02/2008

Supreme Court is ready to give execution dates
According to Attorney John Simon, execution dates for Russell Bucklew and John J. Middleton, may be forthcoming. John is now the attorney for these two and is fighting like hell to get the legal issues out that have been buried. With the execution doctor in place and the pens in the hands of the justices to sign the death order, we should expect that it won’t be long before we hear the cranking up of the death machine.

North Carolina man exonerated
Last month, Levon “Bo” James was release after 14 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. We wish Levon and his family the best as he starts his new life. He is yet another example of why we need to abolish the death penalty.

Candidate for Governor is opposed to the death penalty
Last week, we reported that all the candidates for attorney general were gun-ho about the death penalty. We need to correct that. Madeline Coburn is a gubernatorial candidate who strongly opposes executions. Madeline issued a press statement to that effect which did not make the news from what we could see or hear.

Mark your calendar
Mike Farrell, star of M*A*S*H and anti-death penalty activist will speak Saturday, June 28 at 8:00 pm and sign copies of his new book, “Just Call Me Mike”. The event is to be held at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd 63117. The event is free and open to the public although suggested donation $5 would be appreciated. A fundraising by reception will precede the event (6:00 pm) to personally meet Mr. Farrell. Tickets $100/individual or $125/couple. For reservations call (314) 881-6019, or pay with credit card online at www.moabolition.org.

Petitions
Please continue to get signatures. Stay tuned for details on how we will ramp up the campaign in the coming weeks.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 5/26/2008

Candidates and the death penalty
All three candidates for Attorney General have expressed their support for the death penalty. Margaret Donnelly, Chris Koster and Jeff Harris should be questioned while on the campaign trail as to why they support the death penalty and how they would deal with a case of innocence like Reggie’s. Koster became a Democrat just to run for the office. Harris is proud to say that he worked under Jay Nixon. Donnelly is the only female and seemingly wants to prove that she can be one of the boys. What a selection!

Has anyone seen Jay Nixon? He seems to be doing selective campaigning in the African American community.

What the campaign needs from you right now

– Talk about Reggie’s story to others; distribute and/or email the fact sheet to your contacts.
– Get people to sign the Reggie’s petition (hard copy or online @ his website)
– Make a financial donation to the campaign; mail to the PO Box below

Clemency Petitioning
Thanks to you all with eagle eyes who let us know that the Michael Eric Dyson event was the 14th NOT the 15th as previously emailed. We were still there collecting signatures.

Upcoming Petitioning Opportunities
Remember there’s no age, residency or voter requirements for signing Reggie’s petition for clemency

May 24-26 - African Arts Festival
This weekend, we have a table at the 3-day African Arts Festival in Forest Park. Please let us know if you can help with tabling or with working the crowd to get signatures. Times are Sat. 10 am-8 pm; Sun 11 am- 8 pm; and Mon 10 am-6 pm

May 29 - Erykah Badu Concert in concert at the Fox, 8 pm

May 31 Jazz Festival at Shaw Park, Noon-9 pm

June 1- A Call to Oneness March
March will assemble at 10 am at the Roberts Building (Old Sears Bldg) at Kingshighway and Dr. King Blvd.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 5/19/2008

What the campaign needs from you right now

– Talk about Reggie’s story to others; distribute and/or email the fact sheet to your contacts.
– Get people to sign the Reggie’s petition (hard copy or online @ his website)
– Make a financial donation to the campaign; mail to the PO Box below

Clemency Petitioning
Thanks to you all with eagle eyes who let us know that the Michael Eric Dyson event was the 14th NOT the 15th as previously emailed. We were still there collecting signatures.

Upcoming Petitioning Opportunities
Remember there’s no age, residency or voter requirements for signing Reggie’s petition for clemency.

May 24-26 - African Arts Festival
This weekend, we have a table at the 3-day African Arts Festival in Forest Park. Please let us know if you can help with tabling or with working the crowd to get signatures. TImes are Sat. 10 am-8 pm; Sun 11 am- 8 pm; and Mon 10 am-6 pm.

May 29 - Erykah Badu Concert in concert at the Fox, 8 pm

May 31 - Jazz Festival at Shaw Park, Noon-9 pm

June 1- A Call to Oneness March
March will assemble at 10 am at the Roberts Building (Old Sears Bldg) at Kingshighway and Dr. King Blvd.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 05/12/2008

New Developments on Missouri’s Death Machine
Since our last campaign update, we have found out that the Missouri Department of Corrections has hired a nurse and anesthesiologist to perform executions. This is a sign that the state is gearing up to re-start executions. There are still legal challenges pending on Missouri’s particular method of lethal injection, allowable even with the US Supreme Court’s recent ruling upholding the current application of lethal injection. But we cannot take anything for granted. We must gear up our efforts too.

We need 3 things from you right now:

1. Talk about Reggie’s story to others; distribute and/or email the fact sheet to your contacts.

2. Get people to sign Reggie’s petition (hard copy or online at this website).

3. Make a financial donation to the campaign; mail to the PO Box below.

Clemency Petitioning
Listed below are details for upcoming events at which to collect signatures for Reggie’s clemency. Please let us know if you can help out during any of these dates so that we can coordinate. Remember there is no age, residency or voter requirements for signing the petition.

May 15 - Michael Eric Dyson at the downtown Library, 7-8:30 pm
May 18 - Annie Malone Parade
May 24-26 - African Arts Festival, Forest Park Pavillion, all day
May 29 - Erykah Badu Concert in concert at the Fox, 8 pm
Any Memorial Day Event

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 05/05/2008

AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR
3 shows this week–one is TONITE
The film is about Reverend Carroll Pickett, a Presbyterian minister who served from 1982 to 1995 as chaplain on Texas’s death row in Huntsville. He counseled 95 inmates and stood with them in the death chamber as they were executed. The film is based on audiotapes he made at the time of each execution of his thoughts and feelings about the man and the execution process. It chronicles in the most moving terms the reasons for his transformation from death penalty supporter to abolitionist. The film focuses on one particularly troubling execution, that of Carlos DeLuna, whom Rev. Pickett believed at the time to be innocent and whose case for innocence was recently bolstered by an investigation by the Chicago Tribune. The film also focuses on the effect capital punishment has on the mental health of all involved, including family members of the executed and those whose positions require them to carry it out. The film is a must see for those who wish to think deeply about whether the death penalty has any place in a civilized society.

Three Opportunities to View This Film:

WHEN: TONIGHT Tuesday, May 6, 7:00pm
WHERE: Webster University, Moore Auditorium, First floor, Webster Hall, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119. The showing is a part of the Webster Film Series.
COST: Admission is $4-6.
Reverend Pickett will be at this showing to discuss his experiences and answer questions.

WHEN: FRIDAY May 9, 7:00pm
WHERE: St. Louis University, Tegler Hall, Carlo Auditorium, 3550 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103.
COST: Admission is free.

WHEN: SATURDAY May 10, 1:00pm
WHERE: Life Victory Center, 2922 Grand, St. Louis, MO 63107.
COST: Admission is free.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dave McNeil, MADP St. Louis chapter chair, 314-772-1146

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

Clemency Petitioning
Save the date- Potential details to collect signatures for Reggie’s clemency

May 24-26 - African Arts Festival, Forest Park Pavillion
May 29 - Erycah Badu Concert
Memorial Day Events

***************************************************************************************************
Affirmation Act Law withstands attack by Ward Connerly
This struggle is not related to the death penalty but is certainly related to fairness and justice. The so-called Missouri Civil Rights ballot initiative was not able to turn in enough signatures on Sunday which means the issue will not be on the November ballot. This was a deceptive campaign by Connerly to turn back the clock on affirmative action. The We CAN Coalition helped to organize a statewide offensive that shut down Connerly’s operation in spite of his millions of dollars. This is a good example of how effective a united effort can be if you have a good strategy, solid partners and committed volunteers.

Thanks to you if you helped in any way to spread the word about the Decline to Sign-Think before you Ink campaign by We CAN. Claim your victory!

COMING SOON!! The Color of Justice documentary

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

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Campaign Update - Week of 04/28/2008

Orange Alert
Thanks to the US Supreme Court and Atty General Nixon, we are now in execution mode. The campaign must respond accordingly. We are increasing our efforts to get signatures for Reggie’s clemency petitions. We will start identifying events for supporters to get those signatures. We are also going back to meeting twice monthly in order to stay on top of all the activities that will need to be generated to save Reggie’s life. The campaign meetings are open to all, and will be held at the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7 pm at the Rowan Community Center, 1401 Rowan Avenue.

Press Conference
The Campaign believes we countered the US Supreme’s Court ruling on lethal injection with our own view using Reggie’s case as the centerpiece. Coincidentally, Gov. Blunt called his own press conference to push legislation that would automatically give child rapists the death penalty. In retrospect, we are glad that we gave the media another voice. We also felt that generally the press coverage was decent.

The Color of Justice
Some of us were privy to a documentary screening of The Color of Justice which includes Reggie’s case of injustice. The crew is putting the final touches on the first in a series of documentaries. More on the documentary and how you can get involved later.

At the Death House Door
An independent film, At the Death House Door, will have a couple of showings around town. One will be at Life Victory Center, the home church of Bishop and Vera Thomas, Reggie’s parents. View the film and take part in the discussion on Saturday, May 10 at 1 pm. The church is located at 2922 N. Grand.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 04/21/2008

Reception for Supporters This Evening
Don’t forget to join us at 6 pm today at the ACLU office, 454 N. Whittier (at Olive). If you participated in Campaign 1515 or have helped to collect signatures at any time, come on by.

Press Conference Today
We believed this morning’s press conference went well. The panel of speakers were Jamala Rogers, campaign coordinator; Vera Thomas, Reggie’s mother; and Redditt Hudson, ACLU Racial Justice Manager. We need you to help monitor the actual press coverage, especially the TV news at 5, 6 and 10 pm tonite. Please send us feedback. If the coverage is biased, you need to call the network and make a complaint. (This was also encouraged by a media person at the press conference.)

Moratorium Bill
If the Committee is to believe citizens are truly interested in a moratorium, they need to hear from their fellow legislators. First, those legislators must hear from YOU. If you don’t know who your state rep or senator is please go the website http://www.house.mo.gov/. You can also get their phone number and email address (phone call is better).

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 04/17/2008

ALERT! US Supreme Court Decision on Lethal Injection!!!!
You may have heard that the US Supreme Court held that Kentucky’s lethal injection procedure does not violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. The language in the ruling appears to make it more difficult for future challenges to lethal injection. Worse, it re-opens the door on executions that has been shut for months.

In the near future, we ask that you stay tuned to developments in MO in general and Reggie’s case in particular. We must be ready for whatever comes down in Missouri.

PRESS CONFERENCE
As announced in previous updates, there will be a press conference on Monday, April 21 at 10 am to discuss Reggie’s 15th year on death row for a crime that many people think he is innocent of. Obviously, we will also be reacting to the High Court’s ruling. The press conference is being hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 454 N. Whittier (at Olive) in the Old Gaslight Square neighborhood.

RECEPTION for Campaign 1515
We will recognize participants in the Campaign 1515 who have collected signatures for petitions. The reception will be held at the ACLU office (address above). Please let us know by tomorrow, Friday, if you have 15 completed sheets (or close!) so that we prepare accordingly. EVEN IF you didn’t participate, please come out to support Reggie’s family at the critical time.

We encourage you to make plans to attend the press conference and/or the reception.

How you can help

-Collecting signatures is still necessary as we prepare Reggie’s clemency package.


-Talk to friends, supporters, etc. about Reggie’s case and the many injustices that took place before, during and after his trial.




-Make a financial contribution to the Justice for Reggie Campaign. We have put together Reggie buttons in packets of 5, 10, and 20 that can be purchased. You can either sell them or give them away. We need funds at this importance time of publicizing and organizing around Reggie’s case.




-Call your legislator and ask them to support moratorium legislation, HB1870 and SB800. There are only a few weeks left in the Legislative Session and they need to hear from you.




“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 04/07/2008

Campaign 1515
The American Civil Liberties Union will host a reception on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 6:00 pm for those who have submitted the designated 15 petitions. A press conference is being scheduled that day bring attention to Reggie’s case and the impending US Supreme Court decision on lethal injection.

The Campaign 1515 asks supporters to collect signatures to recognize the 15th year of Reggie’s conviction in the Chain of Rocks tragedy. You can represent your family, your church, your organization or just yourself and collect 15 completed sheets of signatures for Reggie’s clemency. The deadline for turning sheets in has been extended to April 15.

HB 1870
From all accounts, the April 1 public hearing for the moratorium bill went well. The proof is in the committee vote. This bill had 13 Republican and 44 Democrat sponsors—pretty impressive for this kind of legislature. Let’s create some buzz by contacting your state rep and letting him/her know that you support HB 1870. Also contact your friends in the state and tell them to do the same.

Bridge Anniversary postponed due to flooding and construction
Next week we hope to have a new date for an anniversary event.

Good news on the national scene…

Missouri was the subject of a recent Arizona Legal Studies paper on capital murder case. The report, “Life and Death Decisions: Prosecutorial Discretion and Capital Punishment in Missouri,” studied 1046 homicide cases and concluded that that geography and race are determining factors for who gets the death penalty. The entire report can be downloaded here.

Glen Edward Chapman, a North Carolina man who was sentenced to death for two 1992 murders, was released from death row on April 2. Chapman is the 128th inmate exonerated from death row. Charges were dropped after a new trial was grant in 2007 because of weak evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective defense counsel, etc. (sound familiar?).

Maryland lawmakers recently voted to create a commission to study the state’s death penalty.

A judge in New Mexico has barred the state from seeking the death penalty because the legislature has not provided sufficient funding for defense representation. The legislature failed to do so during their legislative session which ended in February.

Let’s keep the pressure on! Join death penalty opponents across the country working to make the death penalty history.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 3/24/2008

Bridge Anniversary Postponed
Due to the flooding situation at the Chain of Rocks, we have temporarily postponed the annual anniversary of the Chain of Rocks Bridge tragedy on April 4. We are looking at another day later this month and will keep you informed.

Campaign 1515
The American Civil Liberties Union will host a reception for those who have submitted the petitions in Campaign 1515. We may also hold a press conference at that time to bring attention to the impending US Supreme Court decision on lethal injection.

The campaign is asking you to collect signatures to recognize the 15th year of Reggie’s conviction in the Chain of Rocks tragedy. You can represent your family, your church, your organization or just yourself and collect 15 completed sheets of signatures for Reggie’s clemency. The deadline for turning sheets in is April 5. It is a good opportunity to talk about Reggie’s case and get support.

HB 1870
There will be a public hearing for the moratorium bill on Tuesday, April 1 at the Capitol Building, hearing room 6. If you can make it, please do so. We will let you know when you should hit up your legislator for support.

Nebraska May Move to LWOP
The Nebraska Legislature debated LB 1063 today which replaces the death penalty with life without parole. Recall that the Nebraska State Supreme Court ruled the death penalty unconstitutional. Let’s keep our eyes on this developing situation.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 3/10/2008

Legislative Update
After the plea to death penalty opponents to call House Speaker Rod Jetton, Senator Jetton referred the moratorium and study bill, HB 1870, to the Crime Prevention and
Public Safety Committee. Thanks for your prompt action on this important matter. Now, we need to call Senator Jetton and thank him for moving the bill to committee. Please contact his office at 573-751-5912 or e-mail Senator Jetton at Rod.Jetton@house.mo.gov.

Meanwhile, the SB 800 moratorium bill by Senator Rita Day, and the SB 835 abolition bill by Senator Joan Bray are ready for hearings. Since the legislature is gearing up for their spring break, we will probably be notifying you about hearings after March 25.

Good News About a Bad Situation
A Los Angeles judge on Monday overturned the conviction of a man who has spent the last quarter-century in prison for a murder he insists he did not commit, concluding that the prosecution’s star witness lied. Willie Earl Green may be freed if the prosecutors do the right thing and not appeal the decision or go for a re-trial.

Some of you may have seen the 60 Minutes broadcast on Sunday where 2 attorneys allowed an innocent man to be imprisoned for 26 years because of the client-attorney privilege. This is another sad commentary about the justice system. Alton Logan always maintained that he never killed a security guard, but it was only after the death of the real murderer that the truth has been told. Just think if the two jurors who voted against giving Alton the death penalty had went along with the prosecution!

These are just two more out of hundreds of reasons why the death penalty needs to be abolished.

Dates to remember
The deadline for turning in the Campaign 1515 petitions is April 5. Please team up and work with your family, job, church, sorority or other group to collect 15 completed clemency petitions.

April 4 is the 15th anniversary of the Chain of Rocks Bridge tragedy. Please mark your calendar for a planned event on that day.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 3/3/2008

Moratorium NOW! Campaign
ACTION ALERT: WE NEED YOUR HELP

Speaker of the House, Rod Jetton, has not assigned HB1870 to a committee. We must flood his office with calls to do so or we will never get a hearing on the bill.

MESSAGE:
Urge him to assign House Bill (HB)1870 to the Crime Prevention and Public Safety (CPPS) Committee THIS WEEK. HB 1870 is the bi-partisan bill calling for a death-penalty study and execution moratorium (CPPS is the committee which has traditionally considered such criminal-law measures).

WHEN:
Contact his office Wednesday, 5 March NO LATER THAN Thursday, 6 March at 12 Noon…

CONTACT:
Speaker Jetton’s office
Fax a letter: 573-526-9804 Call: 573-751-5912 OR
E-mail: Rod.Jetton@house.mo.gov
(listed in order of greatest effectiveness; use what means you have available though)

–14 Republicans and 44 Democrats have co-sponsored HB 1870 (1/3 of the
House), but it is stalled by not being assigned to a committee. Without a
committee assignment, the bill cannot receive a public hearing and further
considered by legislators. Late Thursday, March 6, 2008, Speaker Jetton will report which
bills will be referred to the various committees. Let’s make sure HB 1870 is
among the bills moving forward!

MAIN MESSAGE for Speaker Jetton:
–As a Missouri citizen, you want HB 1870 assigned to the CPPS Committee, so
there can be a public hearing and hopefully, later deliberation by the
full House. Explain that you are committed to having a fair and just criminal
justice system in our state, especially when considering such an
irreversible punishment. HB 1870 is a reasonable bill to help ensure that
fairness.

OTHER Optional points:
–You can mention your concern that people in Missouri have been wrongly
convicted, sentenced to death and even executed in Missouri; that you are
concerned by journalistic and academic reports of apparent arbitrariness and
unfairness with how the death penalty is being applied. Please DO NOT
express moral objections or a desire you may have to abolish the death
penalty;
–There is significant interest among legislators with the issue: more than
a third of all members of the House of Representatives are co-sponsors of
the measure;
–There is bi-partisan support for HB 1870 14 Republicans and 44 Democrats
have co-sponsored the bill;
–Such legislative support reflects extensive public concern with this
measure as more than 100 concerned citizens from across the state attended
the Feb. 20 Rally and Lobby Day in support of the bill;
–HB 1870 was introduced on January 28, well over a month ago. Forty-nine other
bills were assigned to the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee late
in the day, this past week on February 28. The time for the bill to be
assigned has arrived.

PLEASE REMEMBER
In any contact with Speaker Jetton, or more likely, with his staff, please
be polite, respectful and grateful for their attention — while being
assertive.
Again, emphasize you want the bill to PLEASE be assigned to the CPPS
Committee THIS WEEK.

Thank you in advance for your actions and please feel free to share forward
this alert with any colleagues or other concerned citizens. You are also
welcome to contact me if you have other questions and/or concerns.

Sincerely,
Jeff Stack, convener
Moratorium NOW! Campaign
573-449-4585
jstack@no2death.org

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 2/25/2008

Moratorium Lobby Day
The Moratorium Now! Lobby Day brought about 150 to the State Capitol. Thanks to the ACLU, St. Louis had a free bus. Joe Amrine, Missouri’s first exonerated from death row, was the speaker. Joe challenged the increased involvement of African-Americans who are disproportionately represented on death row. The Moratorium Now! Coalition of 18 organizations will continue to give follow up on legislators. The Justice for Reggie Campaign is a part of the coalition and we will keep you updated, especially when we need you to take action.

Campaign 1515
As stated in previous updates, we are collecting signatures to recognized the 15th year of the Chain of Rocks tragedy. You can represent your family, your church, your organization or just yourself and collect 15 completed sheets of signatures for Reggie’s clemency. The deadline for turning sheets in is April 5. It is a good opportunity to talk about Reggie’s case and get support. If you are interested in participating in 1515, please let the campaign know now as we are planning something special for the participants.

Website Update
Reggie’s website is getting a makeover. Check it out.

Mark your calendar
Actor and Activist Mike Ferrell is coming to St. Louis to talk about his opposition to the death penalty. We expect him to be here the last weekend in June. Details coming.

Health and Welfare
Congrats to Vera Thomas, Reggie’s Mom, who was honored at the 1st annual celebration by Life Victory Church for its First Lady.

Our deepest regrets to Jonnie Warner, a Reggie supporter and the sister of Larry Griffin, on the recent death of her brother.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 2/11/2008

Lobby Day
There is a free bus and the seats are going fassst! The Moratorium Now Lobby Day is February 20, 2008. The bus will leave at 6:30 a.m. from Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108. To reserve your seat or for more information contact Colleen Cunningham at 314.256.9810.

Moratorium Bills
Moratorium bills have been filed in both the House and the Senate. HB 1870 was introduced by Rep. Bill Deeken ® and is being co-sponsored by 14 Republicans and 43 Democrats (this is no small feat!). The changes from last years bill is to reduce the length of the study from 3 years to 2 years and to include a provision to study the impact of different sentences upon murder victim’s family members. SB800 (SB 800 Summary and Full Bill) was introduced by Senator Rita Heard Days.

This will be an interesting and important legislative session. Gov. Blunt has announced he will not run again. This is a term-limited years for many reps and senators. We need to be letting our own legislator know we want to support the bill. In the next Campaign Update, we will include the Committee and its members who will be hearing the bills. Some of them will need some extra attention from us as well.

Petitions
At an MLK event, a Reggie supporter told me of her personal campaign to get signatures. We think Chlora’s idea is a great one for everyone. She is identifying 15 people to collect 15 signatures each (the number per sheet). That’s a total of 225. If we got 49 others to do likewise, that’s 11,250 signatures. That would almost double the amount we have collected to date. If 100 people collect 15 sheets, well you get the picture. The suggested deadline for 1515 camapign is April 4, the 15th anniversary of the Chain of Rocks Bridge Tragedy.

Super Tuesday is a big opportunity to collect signatures at the polling sites. But there will be candidates coming through before the February 5 Presidential Primary. Barack Obama is scheduled to come to St. Louis on Saturday.

Hit us back if you want to be a part of Campaign 1515.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Week of 2/04/2008

Petitions on Super Tuesday
Get signatures for a petition sheet or two. Download a petition form from the website.

Lobby Day
Reserved your seat for the February 20 Lobby Day? Hurry, seats are going fast.

Legislative Update from Jeff Stack, Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty

Four death penalty bills have now been introduced by state lawmakers. The good news is that three of them are progressive measures. Let’s start with the positives.

1) Lawmakers earlier this week formally introduced House Bill (HB) 1870. HB 1870 would establish a study commission to analyze various aspects of the death penalty in Missouri while putting in place a concurrent two-year moratorium on executions in the state. Rep. Bill Deeken (R-Jefferson City, District 114) has for the third consecutive year assumed the lead role in
sponsoring the measure. Thirteen other GOP representatives joined 44 Democrats (well over ½ of those party representatives)– more than a third of the full legislative body‹in co-sponsoring HB 1870. (See below for a full listing of those lawmakers, their contact information, as well as well as other notes).

To view the text of HB 1870, log onto:
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/biltxt/intro/HB1870I.htm

(NOTE: additional information will also soon be posted on the website of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty at www.moabolition.org, the best site generally for legislative updates).
 ACTION: Please contact Rep. Deeken and thank him for again taking the initiative in advancing this wise public-policy measure. Contact him, writing his Capitol office…The Honorable Bill Deeken, House Post Office, Jefferson City MO 65101, by electronic mail at Bill.Deeken@house.mo.gov, by calling 573-751-2412 or by faxing a letter to 573-526-9774.

ACTION: Please contact the offices of the lawmakers (especially if your representative is a co-sponsor) thanking them for co-sponsoring HB 1870. You can reach their Jefferson City offices via:

Standard/snail mail, writing The Honorable ___________, House Post Office, Jefferson City MO 65101; OR

Phone, calling their office (numbers listed below)

E-mail, addressing a generic letter if you wish, writing, Dear Representative, sending it to Rep. Deeken and sending your note by blind carbon copy or bcc to the other co-sponsors. Copy and paste the block of e-addresses below into the bcc box, then send your note to all co-sponsoring legislators at one time:

Jim.Avery@house.mo.gov, Mark.Bruns@house.mo.gov, Sally.Faith@house.mo.gov, Jeff.Grisamore@house.mo.gov, Mike.McGhee@house.mo.gov, Bob.Nance@house.mo.gov, John.Quinn@house.mo.gov, Therese.Sander@house.mo.gov, Rob.Schaaf@house.mo.gov, Charlie.Schlottach@house.mo.gov, Vicki.Schneider@house.mo.gov, Rick.Stream@house.mo.gov, Steven.Tilley@house.mo.gov, Craig.Bland@house.mo.gov, John.Bowman@house.mo.gov, Michael.Brown@house.mo.gov, John.Burnett@house.mo.gov, Maria.Chappelle-Nadal@house.mo.gov, shalonn.curls@house.mo.gov, Bruce.Darrough@house.mo.gov, Mike.Daus@house.mo.gov,Curt.Dougherty@house.mo.gov, td.elamin@house.mo.gov, tony.george@house.mo.gov, Belinda.Harris@house.mo.gov, Esther.Haywood@house.mo.gov, steve.hodges@house.mo.gov, jason.holsman@house.mo.gov, Theodore.Hoskins@house.mo.gov, Rodney.Hubbard@house.mo.gov, leonard.hughes@house.mo.gov, Connie.Johnson@house.mo.gov, Beth.Low@house.mo.gov, Jennee.Lowe@house.mo.gov, rebecca.mcclanahan@house.mo.gov, Sara.Lampe@house.mo.gov, Tim.Meadows@house.mo.gov, Kate.Meiners@house.mo.gov, jamilah.nasheed@house.mo.gov, charlie.norr@house.mo.gov, Jeanette.Oxford@house.mo.gov, paul.quinn@house.mo.gov, Jeff.Roorda@house.mo.gov, Martin.Rucker@house.mo.gov, luke.scavuzzo@house.mo.gov, ed.schieffer@house.mo.gov, Sue.Schoemehl@house.mo.gov, Trent.Skaggs@house.mo.gov, Michael.Spreng@house.mo.gov, Rachel.Storch@house.mo.gov, Mike.Talboy@house.mo.gov, Thomas.Villa@house.mo.gov, Michael.Vogt@house.mo.gov, Gina.Walsh@house.mo.gov, Juanita.Walton@house.mo.gov, Robin.Jones@house.mo.gov, Patricia.Yaeger@house.mo.gov

2) As noted a few weeks ago, Senate Bill (SB) 800 would also institute a study commission but with a three-year execution while the study would take place. For the second consecutive session, Sen. Rita Days (D-St. Louis) is lead sponsor of the measure, which she pre-filed before lawmakers convened last month in Jefferson City. To view the bill log onto:
http://www.senate.mo.gov/08info/pdf-bill/no%20watermark/intro/sb800.pdf

SUGGESTED ACTION (if you haven’t already): Please contact Sen. Days, thanking her for again assuming leadership in this effort, either by writing her Capitol office…The Honorable Sen.Rita Days, Senate Post Office, Jefferson City MO 65101, by electronic mail
at ritadays@senate.mo.gov by calling 573-751-4106 or faxing a letter to
573-751-0467.

3) Sen. Joan Bray (D-St. Louis) again is lead sponsor of abolition legislation in the Senate, as many of you may already realize. To view the bill, log on to:
http://www.senate.mo.gov/08info/pdf-bill/intro/SB835.pdf.

SUGGESTED ACTION Thank her for her ongoing progressive vision (if you haven¹t
already), either by writing her Capitol office…The Honorable Sen. Joan Bray, Senate Post Office, Jefferson City MO 65101, by electronic mail at jbray@senate.mo.gov by
calling 573-751-2514 or faxing a letter to 573-751-5209.

4) Sen. Kevin Engler (R-Farmington) has introducted Senate Bill 912. The bill would make it more likely someone convicted of murdering a ³criminal justice official² would be sentenced to death (similar to Rep. Michael Parson¹s bill last session). Log onto http://www.senate.mo.gov/08info/pdf-bill/intro/sb912.pdf to view the senate bill. No action is requested of concerned citizens at this time. More thoughts in coming weeks about this regressive measure.

More on the House moratorium legislation…

Several co-sponsors, including Rep. Deeken are in principle death penalty proponents, also believing, however, that Missouri needs to halt executing people at least while the system is thoroughly reviewed. Wrongful convictions are his and many other lawmakers’ gravest concern about the death penalty. As he did in 2007, Rep. Deeken graciously and wisely opened up co-sponsorship to any interested representative regardless of party affiliation.

Here are some other encouraging developments….

– Significantly Rep. Mark Bruns (R-Jefferson City), the Chair of the Crime
Prevention and Public Safety Committee and four other members‹half of those
sitting on the committee are co-sponsors of the moratorium bill. That committee will almost certainly be the one that holds a public hearing considering the measure. One has yet been scheduled; we will share that information as soon as it becomes available.

–There is also great geographic diversity among co-sponsors, coming from every general corner of the state, with at one co-sponsor hailing from a county situated within each of the 9 Missouri Congressional Districts. They represent a variety of rural, suburban and (all three major) urban state centers.

– Several of the lawmakers (18) had not previously co-sponsored a moratorium bill in past legislative session, further indicating growing support for the concept among representatives.

Here’s the complete rundown on the moratorium bill co-sponsors and their contact info:

Rep. Jim Avery (Crestwood, District 95) Jim.Avery@house.mo.gov,573-751-2150;

Rep. Mark Bruns (Jefferson City, District 113) Mark.Bruns@house.mo.gov,573-751-0665;

Rep. Sally Faith (St. Charles, District 15) Sally.Faith@house.mo.gov,573-751- 1452;

*Rep. Jeff Grisamore (Lee¹s Summit, District 47) Jeff.Grisamore@house.mo.gov, 573-751-1456;

Rep. Mike McGhee (Odessa, District 122) Mike.McGhee@house.mo.gov, 573-751-1462;

*Rep. Bob Nance (Excelsior Spring, District 36) Bob.Nance@house.mo.gov,573-751-1468;

Rep. John Quinn (Chillicothe, District 7) John.Quinn@house.mo.gov,573-751-4028;

*Rep. Rick Stream (Kirkwood, District 94) Rick.Stream@house.mo.gov,573-751-4069;

Rep. Therese Sander (Moberly, District 22) Therese.Sander@house.mo.gov, 573-751-6566;

Rep. Rob Schaaf (St. Joseph, District 28) Rob.Schaaf@house.mo.gov,573-751-2183;

Rep. Charlie Schlottach (Owensville, District 111)Charlie.Schlottach@house.mo.gov,573-751-6668;

Rep. Vicki Schneider (O-Fallon, District 17) Vicki.Schneider@house.mo.gov,573-751-2433;

Rep. Steven Tilley (Farmington, District 106) Steven.Tilley@house.mo.gov,573-751- 1488.

Democrats

Rep. Craig Bland (Kansas City, District 43) Craig.Bland@house.mo.gov,573-751-2124;

Rep. John Bowman (St. Louis, District 70) John.Bowman@house.mo.gov,573-751-4726;

Rep. Michael Brown (Kansas City, District 50) Michael.Brown@house.mo.gov,573-751-7639;

Rep. John Burnett (Kansas City, District 40) John.Burnett@house.mo.gov,573-751-3310;

Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (St. Louis, District 72)Maria.Chappelle-Nadal@house.mo.gov;

Rep. Shalonn Curls (Kansas City, District 41) shalonn.curls@house.mo.gov,573-751-3158;*

Rep. Bruce Darrough (Florissant, District 75) Bruce.Darrough@house.mo.gov,573-751-9760;

Rep. Michael Daus (St. Louis, District 67) Mike.Daus@house.mo.gov,573-751-6736;

Rep. Curt Dougherty (Independence, District 53) Curt.Dougherty@house.mo.gov,573-751-6535;

*Rep. Talibdin El-Amin (St. Louis, District 57) td.elamin@house.mo.gov,573-751-2198;*Rep. Tony George (St. Louis, District 74) tony.george@house.mo.gov,573-751-2135;Rep. Belinda Harris (Hillsboro, District 110) Belinda.Harris@house.mo.gov,573-751-2398;*Rep. Esther Haywood (St. Louis, District 71) Esther.Haywood@house.mo.gov,573-751-4468;*Rep. Steve Hodges (East Prairie, District 161) steve.hodges@house.mo.gov,573-751-4085;*Rep. Jason Holsman (Kansas City, District 45) jason.holsman@house.mo.gov,573-751-6607;Rep. Ted Hoskins (Berekley, District 80) Theodore.Hoskins@house.mo.gov,573-751-0169;Rep. Rodney Hubbard (St. Louis, District 58) Rodney.Hubbard@house.mo.gov,573-751-2383;*Rep. Leonard Hughes (Kansas City, District 42) leonard.hughes@house.mo.gov,573-751-1501;Rep. Connie Johnson (St. Louis, District 61) Connie.Johnson@house.mo.gov,573-751-7605;Rep. Beth Low (Kansas City, District 39) Beth.Low@house.mo.gov,573-751-4485;Rep. Jennee Lowe (Kansas City, District 44) Jennee.Lowe@house.mo.gov, 573-751-2437;Rep. Rebecca McClanahan (Kirksville, District 2)rebecca.mcclanahan@house.mo.gov, 573-751-4042;Rep. Sara Lampe (Springfield, District 138) Sara.Lampe@house.mo.gov,573-751-1460;Rep. Tim Meadows (Imperial, District 101) Tim.Meadows@house.mo.gov,573-751-1311;Rep. Kate Meiners (Kansas City, District 46) Kate.Meiners@house.mo.gov,573-751-9469;*Rep. Jamilah Nasheed (St. Louis, District 60) jamilah.nasheed@house.mo.gov,573-751-4415;*Rep. Charlie Norr (Springfield, District 137) charlie.norr@house.mo.gov,573-751-4082;Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford (St. Louis, District 59)Jeanette.Oxford@house.mo.gov, 573-751-4567;Rep. Paul Quinn (Monroe City, District 7) paul.quinn@house.mo.gov,573-751-4028;Rep. Jeff Roorda (Barnhart, District 102) Jeff.Roorda@house.mo.gov,573-751-2504;Rep. Martin Rucker (St. Joseph, District 29) Martin.Rucker@house.mo.gov,573-751-9460;*Rep. Luke Scavuzzo (Harrisonville, District 124)luke.scavuzzo@house.mo.gov, 573-751-4072;*Rep. Ed Schieffer (Troy, District 11) , ed.schieffer@house.mo.gov, 573)751-9459;*Rep. Sue Schoemehl (St. Louis, District 100) Sue.Schoemehl@house.mo.gov,573-751-9804;* Rep. Trent Skaggs (North Kansas City, District 31)Trent.Skaggs@house.mo.gov, 573-751-2199;Rep. Michael Spreng (Florissant, District 76) Michael.Spreng@house.mo.gov,573-751-9628;Rep. Rachel Storch (St. Louis, District 64)Rachel.Storch@house.mo.gov,573-751-1400;Rep. Mike Talboy (Kansas City, District 37) Mike.Talboy@house.mo.gov,573-751-1309; Rep. Thomas Villa (St. Louis, District 108) Thomas.Villa@house.mo.gov, 573-751-0438;*Rep. Michael Vogt (D-St. Louis, District 66) Michael.Vogt@house.mo.gov,573-751-9472;Rep. Gina Walsh (D-St. Louis) Gina.Walsh@house.mo.gov, 573-751-6845;Rep. Juanita Head Walton (St. Louis, District 81)Juanita.Walton@house.mo.gov,573-751-5538.Rep. Robin Wright Jones (St. Louis, District 63) Robin.Jones@house.mo.gov,573-751-6800;*Rep. Patricia Yaeger (St. Louis, District 96) Patricia.Yaeger@house.mo.gov573-751-0220.
Symbol Key*First time co-sponsor of moratorium bills

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com

Campaign Update - Happy Dr. King Birthday!

Reclaim the Dream
Concerned individuals and groups have launched the Reclaim the Dream campaign to re-assert and re-interpret Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision for the world. As you have seen, there have been many who have used his name while they made decisions, policies and laws that are destroying not just the dream but real lives. The Justice for Reggie Campaign supports this effort. Why? Dr. King was categorically opposed to the death penalty. If alive, he would be right here supporting Reggie’s case. Yet, there will be politicians and civic leaders showing up at King events who support the death penalty and who are also responsible for undermining the quality of life for poor and working classes people. These were the people that Dr. King fought so hard to lift up.

Organizers are asking that people meet at 9:30 am in Keiner Plaza (across the street from the Old Courthouse) for a pre-rally to the official Dr. King program and march on January 21. The Justice for Reggie Campaign has been participating in the local King march for the last two years as a contingent. We use Reggie’s banner to help people find us. This year, the Campaign will join the Reclaim the Dream so meet us at Keiner Plaza that morning. See you on Monday, January 21 at 9:30 am in Keiner Plaza. Look for the Justice for Reggie banner.

Annual Newsletter
Thanks to the crew who showed up last evening to help get the newsletter mailed out. It is a bulk mailing which means it may take from 4-7 days for you to receive.

Moratorium Now! Plans a Lobby Day
The Mo Now Lobby Day is February 20, 2008. The ACLU is providing a FREE bus from St. Louis to the Capitol. It will meet at: 6:30 a.m., Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108. Seating is limited and on a first-come basis. To reserve your seat or for more information contact Colleen Cunningham at 314.256.9810.

Nurse of Death
Some of you have already keyed in the Post Dispatch’s second expose’ on those who have been responsible for administering lethal injection. We now see that Missouri is using a criminal to assist with executions. For others who missed it, we have included a link to that revealing article which appeared in the Sunday Post.

“Enough Already!”
Jamala Rogers, Coordinator
JUSTICE for Reggie Campaign
P. O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959
www.justiceforreggie.com