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