Death Penalty

The Governor's Statement Re: Stanley Williams

Now, whatever the weight of the case against Williams' may be, I have a hard time swallowing the fact that Gov. Shwarzie's statement denying his clemency references the "Dedications" this man chose to name in a book he wrote:

"The dedication of Williams’ book “Life in Prison” casts significant doubt on his personal redemption. This book was published in 1998, several years after Williams’ claimed redemptive experience. Specifically, the book is dedicated to “Nelson Mandela, Angela Davis, Malcolm X, Assata Shakur, Geronimo Ji Jaga Pratt, Ramona Africa, John Africa, Leonard Peltier, Dhoruba Al-Mujahid, George Jackson, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and the countless other men, women, and youths who have to endure the hellish oppression of living behind bars.” The mix of individuals on this list is curious. Most have violent pasts and some have been convicted of committing heinous murders, including the killing of law enforcement."

Williams also got pinged for failing to admit guilt for murders he has always maintained he was innocent of committing. Again, I have not devoured the evidentiary details of his case, but it seems to me that he should be able to maintain that he is innocent of the guilty-verdict murders and, at the same time, claim to be reformed from an admittedly violent lifestyle.

I guess the lesson to be learned:
1) If in prison, only dedicate publications to white folk. Way better chances all the way around with that.
2) If you want clemency, you better be guilty.