posted on November 26, 2005 06:03:26 AM new
SAN FRANCISCO (Nov. 26) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would consider granting clemency to convicted killer Stanley Tookie Williams, the Crips gang co-founder who became an anti-gang activist while in prison.
The governor said Friday he would meet Dec. 8 in a private hearing at his Sacramento office with Williams' lawyers, Los Angeles County prosecutors and others involved.
Schwarzenegger, vested with constitutional authority to grant mercy and commute a death sentence to life without parole, is not legally obligated to hold a public or private hearing, and decides clemency requests on a "case-by-case basis," said his spokeswoman, Margita Thompson.
Williams, 51, faces death by lethal injection on Dec. 13 for murdering four people in 1979 - a Whittier convenience store clerk and three people at a Pico Rivera motel less than two weeks later. He denies his guilt, and has also asked the California Supreme Court to reopen his case, alleging shoddy forensics wrongly connected him to three of the murders.
The Supreme Court has not ruled on his petition.
Los Angeles County prosecutors and victims' relatives have demanded his execution.
Along with asking Schwarzenegger to commute Williams' death sentence, his lawyers submitted what they said were signatures of 32,000 people supporting his petition for clemency last week. They said Williams, who has been nominated for several Nobel Peace Prizes as an anti-gang activist, could do more for society alive than dead.
Schwarzenegger has rejected the only other two petitions from death row inmates seeking a commutation of a death sentence.
The governor denied a hearing, public or private, altogether last year for Kevin Cooper, whose execution was later stayed by a federal appeals court. In the other petition for clemency this January, after a public hearing, Schwarzenegger declined to spare Donald Beardslee, whom the former warden of San Quentin State Prison urged be kept alive.
Schwarzenegger's office said it would decide Williams' clemency request before Dec. 13.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
posted on November 26, 2005 08:39:04 AM new
fenix, he is an 'anti gang activist'. Is that why he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize?
There had to be some real damning evidence against him for murder, but he denies he did it?
Ok, maybe take him off death row, but he should do life in prison. I don't know, the article is kinda vague
posted on November 26, 2005 09:32:00 AM new
He has done a great deal of anti gang work. If you saw the movie "Redemption" with Jamie Fox, he played Williams in the movie. He has come out against gangs, he has spoken with young members and young kids in the community about the downfalls of the gang mentality as well as writing a series of books directed directed to youths. All of his proceeds from his books and the movie rights have been donated to anti-gang programs in the community
I would like to see the cases revisted since he has been pretty upfront about his prior activities. The fact that he is denying involvement makes me wonder. At the same time, if this is all revistited and forensics proves he was involved I would have to pull my support for commuting his sentence to life since despite all the good that he has done, he is not accepting responsibility for all of his actions.
The clemmency appeal i to commute the death penalty sentence to life in prison. He is scheduled to be put to death in mid December.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is an interview with him from 2001 after he was first nominated.
Apart from winning an appeal or walking the green mile, there aren't many ways to make the headlines from death row. But last November, Stanley "Tookie" Williams, infamous co-founder of the Crips street gang, saw himself on the nightly news: The San Quentin inmate had been nominated for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize by a member of the Swiss Parliament.
Williams, now 47, was sentenced to death in 1981 for four robbery-related murders. The Crips -- which he and a friend started in South Central Los Angeles in 1971 -- had already spread to cities throughout the United States, and copycat gangs would soon crop up in South Africa and Switzerland as well.
Williams experienced a "reawakening" in 1993 and has since tried to whittle away at the burden of his violent legacy, one word at a time. He's written Tookie Speaks Out Against Gang Violence, a series of eight readers aimed at urban youth, and Life in Prison, a biography detailing the isolation and despair of death row. In collaboration with his editor, Barbara Cottman Becnel, Williams also started the Internet Project for Street Peace, which links teens from the industrial, largely black town of Richmond, California, with peers in Switzerland, teaching them computer literacy and encouraging them to share their experiences in avoiding street violence.
Mother Jones spoke to Williams by phone about his nomination, his work for children, and his life in San Quentin.
Mother Jones: How did you start writing for troubled kids?
Tookie Williams: Let's just say I was inspired to write children's books, but without blood and gore. You see, the first publishing company that contacted me, they wanted the gore, the foul language. But see, I don't curse. All these things they wanted are things that I had actually transformed from. Why should I rehash something that was negative? If you're going to teach a child, teach him properly. I apprised [editor] Barbara [Cottman Becnel] that I wanted to write children's books. Life in Prison, that's self-explanatory -- being in here. I wanted to deglamorize this place because this is ridiculous. No child would ever want to end up in here. So any stories that they heard -- I wanted to debunk that.
MJ: And the Internet project?
TW: I had been hearing a lot about computers. Admittedly, I've never had a computer because we aren't allowed to have such things. But I found out that children were interested in computers. The program teaches individuals to become computer literate, but it also teaches leadership and communication skills with other youth.
MJ: Anger is at the core of a lot of street violence. How do your projects address that?
TW: That anger that we talk about is self-hate. On a daily basis these youngsters digest negative stereotypes about blacks, and eventually they end up believing them and acting them out in life. That's basically what happened to me. My books, they are about instilling confidence, trying to convince youngsters that they have the potential to succeed in life, and that they don't have to succumb to the stereotypes.
MJ: Do you think you can be a role model from death row?
TW: For me, there was never an individual there that I could empathize with when I was growing up. If there had been an individual like myself who had actually experienced the madness and then came back and said, "Hey, look, this is not what you want to do," I know I would have done better.
MJ: What effect did writing the books have on you?
TW: For me it was redemption, an act of atonement. Something that I could give back. Because let's face it, myself and others in the gang life have done nothing but destroy the community.
MJ: You say your reawakening began when you were sent to The Hole in 1993. Can you talk about your transformation?
TW: I unchained my mind, and I did so through prayers and extensive study. I had to seriously question whether I was a human or a beast. In choosing not to be a beast, I discovered my humanity. I became autodidactic, self-educated -- a critical thinker.
MJ: Do you think you would have had the same transformation if you'd had a life sentence rather than a death sentence?
TW: I would like to think so. We all know this place is potentially volatile and hopeless... I mean, this place -- looking in it or being in it -- is a place of doom. All right? This is where one's past continues to haunt you. This place can either make you go mad or convince you to become a better person.
MJ: Do you believe you've been effective in turning back the tide of gang violence?
TW: There is no one elixir that can resolve the madness that's going on out there. But I believe that what I'm doing and what I've done has helped individuals. It has more effect on the youngsters, because they have a better chance of growing up into responsible adults.
MJ: What did the Nobel nomination mean to you?
TW: I couldn't have perceived such an honor being bestowed upon me. Having been nominated is simply mind-shattering.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
posted on November 26, 2005 09:49:17 AM newWilliams, 51, faces death by lethal injection on Dec. 13 for murdering four people in 1979.
And I hope it takes place. For some strange reason too many people choose to forget the victims of these crimes and the pain and suffering their families went though. And when put in prison and they 'repent', which he hasn't even done, or 'find' God...then that helps people forget their victims and want to forgive their crimes, imo mostly because when the time comes for them to actually PAY for their crimes, it's been so many years and too many people just don't care anymore - so they get off too easily.
Imo, the victims should never be forgotten....and the sentence these murderers receive for the terrible crimes they've committed should never be changed, forgiven, or be given clemency.
posted on November 26, 2005 09:54:49 AM newMost people fall into that category. The death penalty is simply barbarious vengence...cruel and inhumane.
More bleeding-heart liberalism for those who excuse the worst of the worst of our society....and forget those they murdered.
If we'd hang them, inject them, electricute them right then and there, rather than it taking 15-20 years for them to get through all their appeals....THEIR CRIMES would be fresh in the minds of everyone. THEY might remember why we have chosen to remove these killers from our society. Not give them 20 years of being under the total control of a system where it's to their advantage to show they've somehow changed their ways.
I don't believe that you can site any remark that I have made in which I excuse the "worst of our society." Hell, I don't even make an effort to excuse you.
Another problem with capital punishment is the fact that there is no guarantee against wrong convictions.
posted on November 26, 2005 11:49:56 AM new Hell, I don't even make an effort to excuse you.
Yeah....well I've already told everyone just how much you love me.....so they wouldn't be expecting you to excuse me.
And our system, imo, is the BEST in the world. Mistakes??? sure there have been....why???? because NO system is perfect. But it's worked to remove the scum of our society from this world.....for the betterment of all.
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
Oooops, I forgot that some of you want to sink to the cruel and inhumane level of a killer. Since they commit cruel and inhumane acts of murder, you consider yourself obliged to do likewise?
posted on November 26, 2005 01:01:36 PM new
Fenix said:
"Personally I am normally all for the death penalty but I think in this case this is someone I think can do more good alive than dead."
and Helenjw replied:
"Most people fall into that category."
I agree with Fenix, but not Helen on this one.
I am generally all for the death penalty, as I believe most of the people on death row show little or no remorse and have learned nothing. They DO NOT fall into the class Fenix specified, they have little or no redeeming value to society.
In this particular case, the murderer has remorse and is actually doing something productive with his life. Killing him now would cause more harm than good.
As for the original crime, he killed (presumably, I don't really think he got where he is by being innocent) 4 people. But how many could he save by speaking out against the gangs? I don't know about "Karma" of a "Cosmic accounting," but it seems to me that if he could save more than the four lives he took, he should be allowed to continue.
The death penalty isn't always wrong, but people CAN change and redeem themselves.
--------------------------------------
Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
posted on November 26, 2005 01:45:23 PM new
Harrmph Harrmph, the pompous old walrus speaks:
""But it's worked to remove the scum of our society from this world.....for the betterment of all.""
No, there's still plenty of scum around and what the heil does "for the betterment of all" MEAN?????
Reminds me of the last words of " A Christmas Carol", corny and pompous! Harrmph!
Yes, those that are for capital punishment don't care if the innocent are killed along with the guilty because they know that most of the executed are poor....remember, the rich get away with murder routinely.
And remember, these christians hate the poor.
posted on November 26, 2005 07:50:11 PM newOooops, I forgot that some of you want to sink to the cruel and inhumane level of a killer. Since they commit cruel and inhumane acts of murder, you consider yourself obliged to do likewise?
uh, plain and simple, yeah
at least you describe killers as cruel and inhumane
posted on November 26, 2005 07:56:08 PM new
Thanks fenix, I was thinking pardon.
I believe in captial punishment it is vengence for the victims survivors or for society as whole. The majority wants to know that person will never walk the streets again.
That's right mingotree and eye for an eye.
Ron
"Better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not."
posted on November 26, 2005 08:20:35 PM new
Some people's lives are based around revenge...it eats away at them until they do incredibly stupid things. They don't realize it but the person they're seeking revenge on is actually controlling them. Their actions are centered around their prey hence the prey controls them. They are incapable of controlling themselves and just walking away from the situation...sign of an unbalanced mind, one in which logic and reason have no place..
posted on November 26, 2005 09:50:49 PM new
Maggie - under most circumstances I agree totally. I think in this case though, allowing this person to continue to live, behind bars, and continue his anti-gang work could in the long run save many more lives. This is someone that has a track record of positive works and legitimacy in a community where his message is desperately needed.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
posted on November 26, 2005 10:07:12 PM new
Sorry, Ms.Fenix.. I wasn't addressing the OP.
I was disagreeing with Helen and Mingo.. I don't find it disrespecting the value of human life, or a vengeful act. I believe that some crimes are committed by monsters not humans.
posted on November 26, 2005 11:35:33 PM newThis is someone that has a track record of positive works and legitimacy in a community where his message is desperately needed.
Wrong, this is a person that has a track record of crime. Co-Founder of the Crips, one of the most notorious, ruthless and bloodthirsty criminal organizations in the history of our country.
So, he was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering four people huh? How many died under his command while he was in power and running free, or for that matter, how many have died at the hands of other Crips members since he's been in jail on these charges??
I'll bet that alot of convicts find God and turn their lives around in prison while awaiting their death sentences but that doesn't absolve them of their crimes.
Like the mouse said, you can keep your stinking piece of cheese, i just want out of the trap. and that is after it's destroyed and contaminated all sorts of crops and foodstuffs.
This human piece of garbage needs to pay for the crimes that he's been convicted of as well as the ones that no one but himself and possibly a few others of his fellow Crips members knows that he is responsible for.
posted on November 27, 2005 04:00:05 AM new
"Yes, nearthesea, and I consider those who support the death penalty equally cruel and inhumane with a disrespect for the value of human life"
and after killing four people,what value does this human life have????????????
posted on November 27, 2005 06:09:31 AM new
Pi - and for the past 12 years, his track record has been one of trying to keep others from making the same mistakes. Because he is one of the founders of the Crips he is a voice that young people in the community listen too but now he is using that voice to tell them to stay away and to make something better of their lives. He is also communicatiing with young memebers in jail encouraging them to usse their time in jail to get an education and develp skills that will enable them to leave the gang life when they are released.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
posted on November 27, 2005 06:54:39 AM new Some people's lives are based around revenge...it eats away at them until they do incredibly stupid things
I can agree with that, that is why we have the death penalty, so people won't feel the need to take it upon themselves. Your controlling statement is backwards. Once convicted they are no longer in control, they must rely on whatever mercy the jury/judge deems fit. They only have control while roaming free and not being punished.
That is why I fully support the death penalty, give the victim/s families some closure. I guess John Wayne Gacey, Ted Bundy, etc should of lived a nice liesurely existence behind bars? Even if it was your son/daughter? Dahmer got what he deserved, I think that was a set up hit, but jailhouse justice prevailed.
Ron
"Better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not."
posted on November 27, 2005 09:17:44 AM new
Hear the Grinch song on the radio a little while ago and this thread immediately came to mind. Here goes:
You're a mean one, Mr. Crips,
You really are a heel,
You're as cuddly as a cactus,
You're as charming as an eel, Mr. Crips.
You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel!
You're a monster, Mr. Crips,
Your heart's an empty hole,
Your brain is full of spiders,
You've got garlic in your soul, Mr. Crips.
I wouldn't touch you with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole!
You're a foul one, Mr. Crips,
You have termites in your smile.
You have all the tender sweetness
Of a seasick crocodile, Mr. Crips.
Given the choice between the two of you
I'd take the seasick crocodile!
You're a rotter, Mr. Crips,
You're the king of sinful sots,
Your heart's a dead tomato splotched
With moldy purple spots, Mr. Crips.
You're a three decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce!
You nauseate me, Mr. Crips,
With a nauseous super 'naus',
You're a crooked dirty jockey
And you drive a crooked hoss, Mr. Crips.
Your soul is an appalling dump heap
Overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of rubbish imaginable
Mangled up in tangled up knots!
You're a foul one, Mr. Crips,
You're a nasty wasty skunk,
Your heart is full of unwashed socks,
Your soul is full of gunk, Mr. Crips.
The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote,
'Stink, stank, stunk!'
--------------------------------------
Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum sonatur.
posted on November 27, 2005 10:37:02 AM new
Fenix, then his death sentence, carried out should be a sort of poetic justice, as a kind of final chapter in his story to the ones that look up to him as a community leader. His execution will show them the final outcome of a life wasted in pursuit of the gang lifstyle. Is he by any chance preaching this sort of an outcome or has he even mentioned it in any of his writings??
posted on November 30, 2005 11:24:45 PM new
LOL....what are you? Another atheist?
We've been putting people to death for murdering other innocent people since our country was founded. LONG history of removing the scum from our society.
AND it's not only Christians that feel this way. Get real please.
"Whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy. This is their essence." --Ann Coulter
And why the American Voters chose to RE-elect President Bush to four more years. YES!!!
