Weekly Report
August 3, 2000
Weekly Report
August 3, 2000
Good day!
I hope that you have heard some of the reports from activists in Philadelphia about the Republican Convention. Activists blocked dowtown city streets, cops were surrounding buildings housing activists, over 250 people were arrested, a succesful press conference with Jesse Jackson was held, and overall there were hundreds of people out calling for justice. "This is what democracy looks like. And this is also what a police state looks like," said Philadelphia activist David Hemphill, who was arrested while blocking Interstate 676.
The Unity 2000 march and rally held on Sunday was attended by close to 10,000 people according to activists present. Anti-death penalty groups were represented in large numbers, almost a third of the crowd by some estimates.
Thanks to all who organized and participated in such a public opposition to the GOP during the convention!!!
In other news, the House passed a bill unanimously that would prevent the execution of pregnant women. The GOP jumped on the issue July 16 when the Democratic presidential nominee awkwardly declined to say on NBC's "Meet the Press" whether he supported a federal law that would bar the execution of pregnant women. Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush—who has presided over more than 130 executions as Texas governor—immediately said the choice to exempt pregnant women from executions was easy for him to make. The next day, Gore said he does support the law and he noted that such a woman also would have the right to choose whether to have an abortion. "I support the statute to spare that hypothetical person," Gore said. "It should be her right to choose."
Clinton had granted a stay of execution for Juan Garza until December.
Latest polls show drop in death penalty support. The climate in this country is beginning to shift. A moratorium on executions is the opportunity to begin real dialogue and educate the soft supporters of the death penalty. Visit our website for materials that will help you take that first step. Will you bring a resolution to a new group in your community to get them discussing the death penalty and its unjust application?
Feel free to call us for ideas or help! 301-699-0042
Have a great weekend!
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