Latest Save Tookie Ploy

A new witness - yeah, right. I think there is a good chance Arnie caves on this issue.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Supporters of former gang leader and convicted killer Stanley Tookie Williams made a last-minute pitch to save his life Sunday, saying they had a new witness, while prosecutors asked the California Supreme Court to allow his execution to go forward as scheduled early Tuesday.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Brault wrote to the court that Williams' request for a stay of execution "is without merit and is manifestly designed for delay."

Comments

[Mishy]

I had more sympathy for Karla Faye Tucker, when she fought her death sentence. She admitted her acts, and actually did change her ways. But, even if Tookie has redeemed himself in some ways, with his children's books, he has never admitted his heinous acts, or shown remorse. He still identifies with the Crypts, even if he discourages kids from gangs. Gangstas refer to him as "OC" or "OG" for Original Crypt, or Original Gangster.

I am not a big supporter of the death penalty, but, if anyone deserves it, is this man who brutally slaughtered at least four innocent people, in the cruelest way. He also is responsible for ordering other people's deaths, and encouraging and creating a culture of violence.

He has not redeemed himself sufficiently, in my eyes, just by writing a few kiddie books, and being another prison con talking to kids in a "Scared Straight" program.

If the death penalty is applicable to anyone, it is for animals like him. He doesn't fool me. He's an original con, in my eyes.

[Sprite]

If he is granted a stay, it will only send a message to other gang members and leaders....
~If you are caught killing folks then all you have to do is write some good positive books while in prison awaiting you date with death for your crimes and you will be granted a stay before they actually execute you~
I hope Arnold does not fall for this. It will be sad for him and many of he does.
The man should pay for his wrong doing. That simple !

[cindi in pa]

I suppose from my experience, being a x-addict, having the chance to see many a bad person, have the ability to turn their life around, my opinion on the death penality is different. I don't now this guy, but I know people can change. And yes, jail is often a start to that. Considering the 180 some people released from jail in the past few years, due to DNA evidence, the death penality really has to be revisited.

[Hobo]

There is a lot of press regarding 'the childrens books' he wrote. The story on the books is that a San Francisco journalist named Barbara Becnal visited him in prison and struck a collaboration agreement with him to write the books. Yes, she got the format; but she did the editing and the writing. His supporters claim great numbers of gangbangers have 'turned around from reading them'; sorry, but gangbangers don't read, just like 'Charlie don't surf.' This State has the death penalty for specific conditions and this guy more than qualifies. If the people want to vote it out, then so be it. In the meantime, let's get on with following the law. Veiled threats of riots and violence have been made if he is executed; I say let them happen. That kind of retaliation and expression will just reinforce the existing image of those the supporters are fighting for. Purely rumor, but if some areas get torched and looted, "they" will sit back and remind the Governor "we told you so" for not caving in.

Shalom

[roy]

Posted by: cindi in pa | Dec 12, 2005 1:14:06 AM

I very much admire your courage Cindi.

[caseyschenkofsky]

"Barbara Becnal visited him in prison and struck a collaboration agreement with him to write the books."
It is not unusual for the famous and infamous to work with professional writers. I would suspect that many publishers require it, but don't know. The point is that the man shared his experiences with a professional writer (my assumption), and we use that as shorthand for "writing."

Maybe you could give us a reference; without one (and this is not a defense of anyone, or anything) it seems like you are just soiling the singular aspect of rehabilitation or service that has been a touchstone here. What is the point in that?

"Sorry, but gangbangers don't read"
Can you back this up, and if so, how, and what does it mean exactly?

My only hope is that people reflect on the larger issues that go beyond politics... As per Mr. Owens' surviving daughter's reported comments.

[Intelligent one]

There is no reason that anyone has any grounds or basis for an argument to let this piece of trash. This man started one of the largest and most gruesome gangs in the world, which is responsible for countless tortures and murders. If anyone feels that this man should live feel free to email me with reasons other than he was writing childrens books on death row or to see his good for nothing kids grow up.

[Rayven]

Past Past Presidents and every governing session of Congress (as a entity/group/body)since its inception.........have done far worse inteligent one.