The Somerville 5 Need Your Support

Somerville 5 need you to attend Cambridge Juvenile Court tomorrow @ 9:00 am!!

Retired, Unemployed, Bored or Motivated by the pursuit of Justice? Come to court tomorrow!!!
( And for however long the trial lasts! )
DEFEND OUR YOUTH!
DROP THE RACIST FRAME-UP CHARGES AGAINST THE SOMERVILLE 5!

STOP POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACIAL PROFILING!

The trial for the juvenile defendants in the case will start
TOMORROW--THURSDAY 9:00 AM
Your immediate help is needed:

COME PACK THE COURT:
Thursday, 2/28/08 9:00 AM

Middlesex Juvenile Court, 121 Third St. - Cambridge (brick building, corner of Thorndike + Third Streets, Lechmere Stop on Green Line)

Call, Fax or Write the Judge.
Demand Case be dismissed and all charges dropped!
Chief Justice of Juvenile Court Honorable Martha P. Grace, 3 Center Plaza, #520, Boston, MA 02108; TELEPHONE: 617-788-6550; FAX: 617-788-8965

The Somerville 5 are Black youth who were racially profiled by white Medford police then attacked, beaten, maced and arrested on April 20, 2005. They were charged with numerous crimes and suspended from Somerville High School. They became a symbol across Boston of youth standing up and fighting back against racism and police brutality.

Almost three years later, the Medford cops and Middlesex DA are continuing with their attempts to railroad the remaining 2 defendants, Cassius Belfon and Earl Guerra. Jury selection will start on Wednesday, February 27 and the trial is expected to begin on Thursday, February 28th.

These young men should be allowed to get on with their lives. Both Cassius and Earl will be graduating from high school this year and are looking forward to attending college. Both are active in organized sports and church activities.

The pursuit of this racist vendatta by the Medford Police and DA is an outrage, particularly in light of the fact that the first trial of Calvin Belfon and Isaiah Anderson was rife with conflicting police testimony and lies. One witness for the prosecution turned against them and testified in defense of the Somerville 5, saying she had been coerced and duped. Other witnesses were taken to the police station and threatened. The judge stated in a memo that it was clear that the police initiated the attack on the youths, resulting in the youths being forced to defend themselves.

For one and a half years, the Committee to Defend the Somerville 5, friends, family and supporters picketed, rallied, held press conferences, conducted a national phone/fax campaign, held fundraisers and then packed the courtroom. The judge, the jury, the police and the DA all took note of this. As a result, the DA's plan to lock the youth in prison for 2 years was stopped! But they were found guilty of some charges and given 2 years probation.

Enough is enough! We need to defend our youth! Demand all charges be dropped against Cassius Belfon and Earl Guerra!

Thank you,

Committee to Defend the Somerville 5

c/o The Action Center

284 Amory St.

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

617-522-6626

Please write a letter in support of Arnold King

Please send a letter to Governor Deval Patrick in support of Arnold's commutation

Peace People, here are some points that we discussed at the community meeting at Mel King’s on Sunday (2/4), including some points from the legal team.

We would like you to write a letter in support of Arnold to Governor Deval Patrick asking him to approve Arnold's petition for commutation and forward Arnold's package to the Governor's Council for consideration.

Please address the letter to:

Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts State House, Room 360, Boston, MA 02133

Please incorporate into your unique letter as many of the following points as possible:

(1)

· People who write support letters to the Governor should state how long they’ve known Arnie.
· Optional…say something about how you met
· If you have, say how many parole hearings you’ve attended.

(2)

· People might want to mention that you’re aware of the Governor’s creation of an Anti-Crime Council.
· Of the Governor's direct participation in council meetings.
· Maybe mention some of the things that prompted him to establish the council, and its mission.
· Looking at Arnie’s documented record over the pass 30 years particularly in,
· Education,- Programs-participated in and created-
· Youth councilling
· Arnie, could be appropriate candidate for his muti-faceted Anti-crime council.
· Can quote MA advisory board statement about Arnie, “may very well prevent future crime by his outreach work in the community” or any other quote you feel is relevant.

(3)

· Para phase: we are also aware from your guidelines that you recognize the people with the greatest expertise to make an informed judgement on commutation petitions are the members of the parole board.
· That the advisory board has scrutinized Arnie for over twenty years.
· That after four hearings, 1992-2002-2004-2007
· Attendance at the hearings rose respectively from, 45, 75, 130, ~150. Couldn’t count the 2007 hearing since the parole room was filled, the over flow room was filled, the lobby, and hallways. They started telling people as they drove in, there was no more room.
· Arnold's self-development, self-improvement, exceptional strides…
· Arnold's unanimous recommendation for commutation and release.

(4)

Final point that the majority of the parole board was appointed by Republican Gov.s, Deval Patrick has only appointed two people of the six…so, they can not say that he is soft on crime if he signs it…He is simple following the process that was set up long before him.

Please write this letter of support as soon as possible and send a copy to Arnold (Bay State Center, P.O. Box 73, Norfolk, MA 02056) and Marva (1511 Athens Road, Wilmington, DE 19803).

Thank you for continuing to support our brother.

Peace and Love,


Kazi Toure and the rest of the King Family

Editor's Note: You may wish to review the Governor's Clemency Guidelines.

Massachusetts Presidential Primary: February 5

A quick public service reminder: the Massachusetts Presidential Primary is February 5th. The last day to register to vote in this Primary and/or change party enrollment for this Primary is January 16th, a week from yesterday. There are also some special election primaries to select nominees to fill vacant seats left by Rep. Marzilli, Rep. Correia, Rep. Petersen, and Rep. Festa.

If you have moved since the last election or never voted or registered, registering now will permit you to vote on Feb. 5th.

Presidential Primaries are elections. When citizens vote in a Presidential Primary for a particular candidate, they are actually voting to allocate their state’s delegates to a particular candidate before the national conventions. Each state is assigned a number of delegates based on population of the state. Those delegates will attend the national conventions in the summer to select the party nominee for President for each party. Voting in a Presidential Primary gives the average citizen an opportunity to participate in determining the party’s nominee for President and to influence the party platform.

You do not need to be enrolled in a party (registered as a Republican or Democrat or Green or Libertarian, etc.) in advance to vote in a primary. But, you will have to enroll in a party on the day of the Presidential Primary in order to participate in it. That means, when you go to your polling place, you will have to say, "I want to vote on the ____ (Republican/Democrat/Green/Libertarian, etc.) ballot." And, if memory serves, that will mean that you will remain enrolled as a member of that party after the primary unless you choose to indicate otherwise.

We have voter registration guides here and you can also download the voter registration forms here http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/file.pdf. Be sure to follow the general and state specific instructions when filling it out. These must be postmarked by January 16th.

You can contact the Secretary of State's office with questions about primaries or registering to vote at the numbers below.

Telephone: (617) 727-2828
Toll-Free: 1-800-462-VOTE (8683)
Fax: (617) 742-3238
Email: elections@sec.state.ma.us

I am available to answer any questions that I can and hunt down answers for those I cannot. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

We encourage all of our friends to participate in this important process and let their voices be heard.

Happy New Year!

Best,
Deb

Deborah H. Fournier, Esq.
Associate Director of Public Policy
AIDS Action Committee
294 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
617.450.1315
617.262.6185

Don't forget, the only folks in Massachusetts who cannot vote due to incarceration are those who are incarcerated POST TRIAL for a FELONY CONVICTION. All others can vote -- those on probation, parole, and those with criminal records CAN vote. those who are incarcerated pre-trial and those who are incarcerated post-trial for misdemeanor convictions CAN vote.

Upcoming Boston Globe investigative series on prison 'suicides'

Upcoming Boston Globe investigative series on prison 'suicides' and what you (we) can (will )do

FORWARD SEND FAR & WIDE

Hello All.

I understand that the Boston Globe Spotlight Team will FINALLY publish its investigative series on Massachusetts prisoner 'suicides' beginning next Sunday December 9. Four reporters have been working on this effort for almost 8 months.

The stories - as many of us close to the prisoner families know- are compelling and should 'shock the conscience' of all. We do not believe for one moment that all these deaths were by suicide. Nor do we believe that all those who did commit suicide were 'mentally ill'.

While it may be true that many folks diagnosed as 'mentally ill' may attempt or complete suicide attempts it is the DOC's abuse of prisoners that brings many to a terrible choice: to live in unending deprivation and despair or to end their suffering. A 'healthy, normal’ person would soon sink into depression, anger and hopelessness under the daily conditions inside MA prisons and jails. Prisoners who come into correctional facilities with a diagnosis of psychiatric disabilities are targeted for mistreatment by staff. Indeed there are probably more suicides than the DOC has 'reported.' The so-called good guys are free to torment and humiliate incarcerated citizens. Most legislators will not act to hold the DOC accountable because they’d prefer to look tough–on-crime.

What many should know is that the Commonwealth, the Legislature and correctional legal services, the Disability Law Center and the DOC all agree that the solution to this torture is to spend more money to create special Residential Treatment Units within correctional facilities for 'mentally ill' prisoners. This is the real craziness! The abuse will continue. It'll just be in a different location. What the state does not address is the root cause of the conditions within prisons. RTUs will not stop extra-judicial punishment or, medical neglect. It is not the cure for the lack of oversight. It's just sending another 40 million tax dollars down a rat hole!

It seems that Globe Spotlight Team has worked thousands of hours to bring this story ('suicides') to light. The team is comprised of fabulous journalists. However- they took direction from state-funded agencies. While families of the lost prisoners were consulted at great length- there was very little use of grassroots organizations and activist friends & families.

There is an opportunity to bring OUR insight, our expertise to this issue and to the greater public next week. What will you do? How is the epidemic of suicide connected to the call for a jail in Somerville? Who will speak about state complicity in the death of the prisoners? Who will demand accountability? There are many avenues here for effecting REAL CHANGE.

Let's hear from you.

Thank you.

Susan Mortimer
www.massdecarcerate.org
info@massdecarcerate.org

Support Sean Pelzer

Come to Dorchester Court

Help ensure a fair hearing for Sean Pelzer

Sean Pelzer’s case:

Dorchester Municipal District Court

510 Washington St. – Dorchester, MA

(4-Corners Neighborhood)

Injustice In Boston

Brother Sean Pelzer is a 39 year old African American male who is currently employed as the Lead Organizer for the Union of Minority Neighborhoods, a local Social Justice Agency with offices in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.

Presently Brother Pelzer is facing probation surrender, hearing on November 29, 2007, at 2:00 pm, in Dorchester District Court. Being falsely accused we request the community’s support in the form of presence in the courtroom on November 29th.

Understanding the nature of today’s criminal justice system we do not feel Brother Pelzer will receive a fair hearing without the community’s support.

CORI Screening by Vendors of the City of Cambridge

From: "UMN/Horace Small"
Subject: "CORI Screening by Vendors of the City of Cambridge"
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:48:18 +0000

There is more to do!

Although the Cambridge City Council passed the Fair CORI Hiring ordinance over a year ago, the Cambridge City Manager has yet to implement the ordinance. City Councilor Brian Murphy is hold a hearing this Wednesday, November 28th, at 5:30PM at the Cambridge City Hall, in the Sullivan Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

It is critical that you attend and testify to the importance of this ordinance's passing for the good of the community and to allow legitimate access to those individuals needing to provide for themselves, their families, and contribute to their community.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

See Cambridge City Clerk notice below:

TO: INTERESTED PERSONS

FROM: D. MARGARET DRURY, CITY CLERK

DATE: NOVEMBER 28, 2007 at 5:30 PM

RE: ORDINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING


************************************************

Please be advised that Councillor Brian Murphy, Chair of the Ordinance Committee has scheduled a public hearing of the Ordinance Committee for Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The purpose of the hearing is to consider proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance Chapter 2.112 of the Municipal Code by adding Section 2.112.060, CORI Screening by Vendors of the City of Cambridge, to ensure that the persons and businesses supplying goods and/or services to the City of Cambridge deploy fair policies relating to the screening and identification of persons with criminal backgrounds through the CORI system.

Your kind attention in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
***********************************************

For more information please see the following CORI screening policy text ("CORI Screening by Vendors of the City of Cambridge"):
http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridge_Content/documents/CORI%20screening.pdf.

Please come and share your opinion! The City needs to know that CORI reform is important to you!

Best,
-Omar

Omar M.R. Bandar
Special Assistant to the Mayor
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel: 617-349-4329
Fax: 617-349-4320

-

Union of Minority Neighborhoods
83 Highland St
Roxbury, Ma 02119
617-521-4111

2 Harris Ave
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-522-3349

www.unionofminorityneighborhoods.org

Hospital Quality Care Bill

Below you'll find a snippet from the Mighty Wonderful State Representative Denise Provost of Somerville. Read about her House Bill 2226, and hospital-acquired infections. Many of us know that our loved ones in MA jails/prisons are exposed daily to MRSA-- an antibiotic resistant infection. It is commonplace in correctional facilities due to poor health, poor ventilation, limited access to hot water and soap and the hesitance of jailors to act on this health threat. It only makes the news when guards acquire the infection. In recent years I've called the DPH/Sanitation Offices to discuss the incidence of MRSA 'inside'. While the DPH folks were responsive to me they also acknowledged that they downplay MRSA with the prisoners because they 'over-react'

We all know how imprisonment destroys health. So please call or write to support this bill. Hospital Quality Care Bill. I have filed a bill to improve health care quality in the Commonwealth which aims to address issues of hospital-acquired infections, public notification of so-called 'never events,' and patient notification of potential adverse medical events. The bill also strives to improve physician/patient relationships by allowing physicians to acknowledge a medical error with an apology, without fear of a lawsuit, and would establish 'Patient and Family Councils' to provide patients and their families an opportunity to offer suggestions for the improvement of hospital care. I am working hard for the passage of this important legislation, House bill 2226, which is entitled 'An Act Promoting Health Care Transparency and Consumer/Provider Partnerships, Submitting Written Testimony. I encourage you to submit written testimony to the Committee on Public Health, where the bill was heard, in support of the legislation.

If you choose to write a letter urging the Committee to report the bill out favorably, it should be addressed to the Committee chairs.

The Honorable Susan Fargo
Committee on Public Health, Senate Chair
State House
Room 504
Boston, MA 02133

The Honorable Peter Koutoujian
Committee on Public Health, House Chair
State House
Room 130
Boston, MA 02133

-----

http://www.prisoners.com/dropmrsa.html

MRSA
Prison Disease Infects Prisoners and Guards
By: Chris Holbrook

Pennsylvania prisons have become a greenhouse for a virulent and highly contagious strain of Staphylococcus. The so-called 'MRSA' (for Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureau) strain of bacteria is a fast-growing infection which generally rots through the victims skin. It can be fatal especially to older or weakened victims. The disease spreads readily from person to person, particularly between men forced to share the same tiny prison cell.

In the filthy Pennsylvania prisons MRSA has infected many prisoners. Nobody counted how many or cared much about the disease until it started infecting prison guards. The guards are given an endless supply of rubber gloves to protect them. Prisoners aren't allowed to possess or use such protection.

The medical department in at least one Pennsylvania prison circulated an alert to the staff. It taught the guards how to wash their hands; actually giving step-by-step hand-washing instructions as one might do with a toddler. (Prison guards aren't recognized as being as bright as toddlers.) No similar warning or alert was issued to the prisoners - let 'em rot!

Even with the alert, guards are being infected. At last count, at least 11 guards have suffered from MRSA. Nobody knows how many prisoners have been infected or have died from the disease. We know of cases currently active in several Pennsylvania prisons.

So far, most infections seem to have proven very difficult to treat, but not totally hopeless. In several cases, it's been necessary to hack-out the infected flesh. The medical folks call that 'excising tissue.' What's done is the diseased part of the body is dug out. If they miss a germ or two, the Staph keeps right on growing, rotting whatever it touches. In addition, very powerful medications are administered. They are often pumped directly into the heart in an effort to delay or prevent death.

At least that's what's done for infected guards. Prisoners are occasionally offered two aspirin and a dab of Vaseline to ease the ream-job that's coming. Let 'em rot!

One particularly obnoxious prison guard, Jerry Droppings, a runt who enjoyed demeaning and debasing prisoners, came down with a bad case of MRSA. Maybe he didn't know how to wash his hands. Mr. Droppings quickly became seriously sick. He was hospitalized, had a chunk of infected tissue lopped out and received huge doses of antibiotics and other medications. We have no affection for Mr. Droppings, he's a truly foul human being, but nobody, not even a prison guard, cop or lawyer should suffer from MRSA and its painful complications. We sincerely hope that Mr. Droppings recovers. He has a family who likely hopes to join the imprisonment industry. It's a family business. We sincerely hope that the family isn't infected with the guard's disease.

Guard Droppings had a relative who could read and write. The relative whined about the poor darling's medical condition. It doesn't matter how badly he treated others, the relative thought that he should be treated better. We agree. Two wrongs don't make a right. There was a lot of public gnashing of teeth about the case. Nobody cared about the many prisoners similarly infected. We hope that everybody infected with this virulent infection recovers as well and as quickly as possible. Mr. Droppings and his relative seem mostly interested in money.

The principal reason for the epidemic of MRSA and other diseases in the Pennsylvania prisons is the very poor materials available for routine cleaning of cells, showers, messhalls, visiting rooms and communal areas. There is no effective disinfectant, no scouring powder or scouring pads. There is no effective soap or detergent to sanitize even the toilets and sinks. Nothing is really clean. Complaints to the prison administration are rebuffed.

A few years ago, such cleaning chemicals were readily available. There was far less disease. In fact, the state prison at Huntingdon in central Pennsylvania actually manufactured potent cleaning chemicals for the whole prison system.

Pennsylvania prison guards are such pussies, that they were afraid of the cleaning chemicals. The guards treat prisoners so very badly, that they're terrified of retaliation. If they're that scared, perhaps they should have looked for jobs as hairdressers. The bullies worry that, how about if potent cleaning chemicals were to be thrown on them! What would the poor darlings do then?!

Such things almost never actually happened. When they did, the effects were trivial. The cowardly guards would be better off to worry about the truly serious consequences of infections such as MRSA from having the prisons so filthy.

Pennsylvania prisons now use very small amounts of impotent colored water in place of real cleaning materials. Even that scares some of the more cowardly guards. We know of the case of guard, Mr. 'C.' He's won't let the men use even the watery 'disinfectant' spray. Trembling at the thought that some might be squirted at him, Mr. 'C.' keeps a tight grip on the bottle. Where a toilet must be disinfected, he personally gives the bowl a meager mist of colored water. Diseases will spread, but the cowardly Mr. 'C' is safe from colored water.

It appears likely that the MRSA bacteria was carried into the prisons from veterans returning for the insane Iraq war. Lots of prison guards are so enamored with bullying, killing and feeling important, that they've gone to Iraq in hope of killing helpless civilians. They discovered that it wasn't so easy. Some of the civilians didn't like being invaded. They defended themselves. They shot back. The prison guards pretty quickly quit and scurried home, bringing diseases with them.

Pennsylvania prison guards seem to think that it's a lot safer to abuse prisoners than to invade other people's land. If MRSA isn't eradicated in the prisons, they may be very wrong. Proper cleaning materials would be the first step in the right direction.

Hearing on sentencing bills

Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee Hearing on sentencing bills
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007 Room A-2, State House, Boston 1:00PM


Your help is needed to demonstrate support for reform! The Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee has rescheduled its hearing on state sentencing reform bills, including S.884, sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Creem (see www.famm.org for more info). The hearing will be held on Nov. 13. PLan to spend the entire afternoon and be prepared for a crowded hearing room.

Meet with your legislators while you wait. FAMM will have packets to give your legislators. If you can, please bring a picture of your loved one in prison.

Register today! Call Tom Burkert (517-487-1261) or email tomburkert@famm.org with the name and address of each person planning to attend so we can prepare packets for everyone."

CORI WORKING GROUP ANNOUNCES PUBLIC HEARING ON NOVEMBER 7

The CORI Working Group formed by Gov. Patrick following the Sept. 18 judiciary committee hearing has announced that they will hold a public hearing on November 7. The hearing will be be chaired by Secretary of Public Safety Kevin Burke, who will be joined on the panel by Undersecretary for Criminal Justice Mary Elizabeth Heffernan, Health & Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, and Suzanne Bump, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development. The panel will also include Joint Committee on the Judiciary chairs Sen. Robert Creedon and Rep. Eugene O'Flaherty, as well as other committee chairs who are participating in the working group. Your presence and/or testimony at this hearing is important as we continue to push forward on this important issue! If you are interested in providing oral or written testimony, please let me know. Following are the details of the hearing:

CORI WORKING GROUP PUBLIC HEARING
Wednesday, November 7
4:00-7:00 p.m.
Gardner Auditorium, State House

On October 27th, Take a Stand!

Dear activists, colleagues and friends,

It has been over 4 and a half years since the invasion of Iraq. 3,835 U.S. soldiers and over 1 million Iraqi citizens have lost their lives. U.S. taxpayers have spent over $600 billion on this war with no end in sight.

This Saturday, October 27th, you can take a stand. United for Peace and Justice is coordinating over 150 peace groups across the country for demonstrations in 11 cities.

Boston, Chicago, Jonesborough Tennessee, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

There are also events in Fairbanks, Tucson, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Denver, Kapaa Hawaii, Des Moines, Smithfield NC, and Oklahoma City.

We made a video to help get the word out. Watch it here and recruit your friends to come:

Please come! Four years ago this month we documented the lies that led us into this war in "Uncovered: The War on Iraq," and last year we took on the mercenaries, cost-plus contracts, Blackwater and Halliburton in "Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers." Both of these stories are now widely known in the broader media thanks to your efforts in screening the films and organizing with them.

This new video is about getting people into the streets and DOING SOMETHING.

See you on Saturday!

Robert Greenwald, Jim Miller, and the Brave New Foundation team

P.S. Click that forward button!

Brave New Films is located at 10510 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 and info@bravenewfilms.org

Call In for CORI Reform

Call In for CORI Reform (pt 1)!
October 22nd - October 31st

GOOD JOBS can break the cycle of poverty, violence, and incarceration in our communities. BUT the CORI – our state's criminal record check system – stops thousands from obtaining decent work. The time for change is NOW.

Over 600 people came to the State House last month in support of CORI reform. The Governor's Office is deciding whether to act on the CORI issue.

Please support the movement and call your officials today.
---------------------
(617) 725-4005

DEAR GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK:

The violence that plagues our streets has put our communities in crisis. CORI is a barrier to jobs, education and housing for both youth and adults.

People with CORIs are being discriminated against, and the waiting period to seal a CORI is too long.

We are counting on you to act now. Don't forget about your community.

SUPPORT THE PUBLIC SAFETY ACT of 2007, H.1416.

---------------------
(617) 635-4500

DEAR MAYOR THOMAS MENINO:

As you know, the CORI is creating crises in our neighborhoods. Without jobs, the violence will continue.

Thank you for speaking out for CORI reform.

Please support the "Public Safety Act" (H. 1416) and use your power as mayor to win reforms now.

---------------------
Call (617) 427-8108 or email cori.reform@gmail.com for more info or to let us know that you called.

This "CORI Call-In" is co-sponsored by the Union of Minority Neighborhoods, Jobs With Justice, Community Change, Inc., Ex-Prisoners and Prisoners Organizing for Neighborhood Advancement, Community Labor United, Boston Mobilization, and Dorchester People for Peace

www.BostonWorkersAlliance.org

King Commutation Hearing

Warm Greetings! Thanks so much for the love and support and preparing for the October 25th hearing. We are almost there now. A lot of folks are committed to attending while others have written inspiring letters to the Advisory Board of Pardons. Attached are the bios of some of the folks who will be present. City School, What's Up Magazine and Project Hip Hop will be there as well. If you haven't decided yet, please consider the positive impact of your presence and join with us in this effort.

One Love,


The Commutation Project

P.S. PLEASE note all attendees at the hearing will be searched. The following items are NOT allowed in the hearing room: overcoats, hats, gloves, umbrellas, sunglasses, food or drinks, gum chewing, cell phones, cameras.

March for P.E.A.C.E.

Join Survivors, Peace Activists and concerned citizens of all ages as we March for P.E.A.C.E.


Roxbury Crossing to the State House
Saturday October 13th, 2007
1:00 PM

o CORI Reform
o PowerBuilders P.E.A.C.E. Fund
o Green-collar Jobs not Jails

Co-sponsored by:

The Live for the Future Campaign, The Bobby Mendes Peace Legacy, City Mission Society, Reach Out 2007

For more information, call 617-969-6378.

Prisoners argue constitutionality of criminal code

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Release on September 24, 2007

Prisoners argue constitutionality of U.S. criminal code

For dozens of prisoners, attorneys Barry Bachrach and James W. Parkman, III, filed a petition today with the United States Supreme Court that challenges Public Law 80-772 (including Title 18, or the U.S. Criminal Code). Tens of thousands of federal prisoners prosecuted since 1948 may be affected by the Supreme Court's response.

"Public Law 80-772 is invalid," Bachrach asserted. "This is a case where numerous procedural errors occurred. The law is clear; an act of Congress cannot become a law unless it follows each and every procedural step as defined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution."

A bill originates in either the House of Representatives or Senate, but its exact text must be approved by a majority vote in both chambers. While Congress is in session, that text must be certified as having been passed in identical form by both Houses (or "truly enrolled") and then signed by the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate. After, the bill is presented to the President to sign into law.

According to Bachrach, spokesman for the petitioners, H.R. 3190 was passed by the House on May 12, 1947. The resolution came before the Senate, but Congress adjourned before the bill could be passed. The Senate should have returned the bill to the House to be resubmitted to the Senate during a later session. Instead, during the following session, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary continued its review of H.R. 3190 and added a volume of amendments to the bill. The Senate passed "H.R. 3190 As Amended," which was sent to the House for a vote. While the House agreed with the amendments, the members failed to vote on "H.R. 3190 As Amended."

According to the Constitution, valid business is conducted only when Congress is in session and a majority of members of both Houses are present. Yet, Congress authorized the House Speaker and President of the Senate to sign enrolled bills during an adjournment of indefinite length that began on June 20, 1948. This incomprehensible error was compounded when the Chairman of the Committee on House Administration mistakenly certified as enrolled the original H.R. 3190. Still more errors occurred: the House Speaker and President of the Senate signed the Senate's "H.R. 3190 As Amended," the bill was then misrepresented to President Truman as being enrolled, and Truman signed the bill.

"Congressional journals clearly show that the House and Senate each passed two separate bills that were grossly different. According to the Constitution, this means that neither bill ever became law," Bachrach said.

"Under P.L. 80-772, U.S. district courts were given jurisdiction over all federal offenses. With P.L. 80-772 being invalid, however, the district courts clearly lack jurisdiction. The convictions and sentences of these prisoners are therefore void."

Countries having extradition treaties with the U.S. since 1948 and their citizens, who were turned over for trial in U.S. district courts, also may be affected by the outcome of this case.

###

Contact: Barry A. Bachrach, Esquire, 62 Paxton Street, Leicester, MA 01524; Telephone: 508-892-1533; E-mail: info@NoCriminalCode.us.

Download the petition and exhibits at http://www.nocriminalcode.us/. Prisoners are encouraged to file behind this petition as soon as possible. If you do so, please notify us at info@NoCriminalCode.us.

CORI HEARING at STATE HOUSE

CORI HEARING at STATE HOUSE
September 18, 2007
1:00 pm
to
6:00 pm

*BWA Flyer - CORI Hearing 9.18.07 (click to download flyer)*

(read more..)

Foster Transferred Clandestinely

Haramia KiNassor/Kenneth Foster, Jr. Transferred Clandestinely
By Walidah Imarisha

The indignities in Haramia KiNassor/Kenneth Foster, Jr.’s case climbs as KiNassor was transferred to Huntsville Prison, aka the Walls, where the executions take place. Death row Inmates are usually transferred to Huntsville at noon the day of their execution. But because KiNassor has been deemed a “security threat,” he was transferred early, without prior notice to him or his family and supporters. In fact, it was through unofficial channels that his family found out about the transfer; otherwise they would have showed up at the Polunsky Unit for their last visit with him as usual.

At first, it was unclear whether or not KiNassor’s family and supporters would be able to visit him tomorrow, but his father received a call from the administration saying they would be allowed to visit at Huntsville, which is 45 miles from Livingston, where everyone is staying. Visiting starts at 8 am.

This clandestine transfer comes at a time when KiNassor’s supporters are still awaiting word back from the Board of Pardons and Paroles (He also still has an emergency appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court). It was originally thought a positive sign that they had not responded. Usually, the Board summarily denies an appeal by 1 p.m. The fact that they chose not to give a response today, and to wait until tomorrow, was taken to mean they were intensely discussing this situation.

But in light of this transfer, there is a new theory: that perhaps the Board of Pardons and Paroles has not responded to delay the response of KiNassor’s supporters, both inside and outside the walls.

The DRIVE Movement, which KiNassor helped to found, is an organization of death row inmates who engage in non violent civil disobedience to protest the inhumanity of the death penalty. KiNassor is one of the spokespeople and prison authorities are apparently very nervous that the execution of an innocent man who has organized so tirelessly against the death penalty will spark a protest in the prison they will not be able to control.

At this point, the officials’ motivations are all speculation.

What is known is that the same day KiNassor was being called a “security threat” and transferred to Huntsville, 16 Texas state representatives encouraged Governor Rick Perry, collectively and individually, to grant him clemency. They joined the ranks of thousands of people around the globe calling for KiNassor’s clemency, including South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

What is also known is that KiNassor’s death is scheduled to be the third one this week. First was Deroyce Mosley, with John Amador being executed today at 6:20 p.m.

KiNassor’s supporters are asking everyone to act now, to organize all out right now without waiting for a response as the hours slip away, and pressure Governor Perry for a stay. Perry has the power to veto the Board of Pardons and Paroles’ decision, regardless of what it is.

Perry’s contact information is:
Gov. Rick Perry:
Phone (512) 463-1782
Fax (512) 463-1849

Protests

Austin, Thursday, August 30, 5:00 PM, Governor's Mansion (Lavaca at 11th)?EXECUTION PROTEST AND VIGIL?Even in the eleventh hour things could turn for Kenneth. If you can't make it to Huntsville, come out to stand with others against the execution.

Thursday, August 30:
3pm-7pm: Protest the execution of Kenneth Foster Jr .outside the Ellis Unit in Huntsville Texas. Groups from all over the state will converge to stand against this injustice and demand until the very end that the State of Texas do the right thing and stop this execution.

Help Stop The Execution Of Kenneth Foster!

The State of Texas plans to execute Kenneth Foster, Jr, TODAY for the 1996 murder of Michael LaHood, Jr, although the state agrees that he didn't kill anyone. We are told that the Death
Penalty is reserved for "the worst of the worst", so how is this possible?

In Texas, the "Law of Parties" allows the state to hold everyone involved in a crime legally responsible for the actions of every other person involved in the crime. The actual killer was riding in a car driven by Kenneth Foster. He got out of the car to talk to a young women, got in an argument with her boyfriend, and shot the man. Kenneth had remained in the car 80 feet away with the radio on and the windows rolled up. The shooter testified that Foster couldn't have known that he had a gun when he left the car. But Kenneth Foster was a poor young black man with an inexperienced attorney, and he didn't stand a chance in a Texas courtroom.

Texas has just executed its 400th person since 1982. The case of Kenneth Foster, Jr--a black man sent to death row for driving a car--is testament to how rotten Texas' death machinery really is.

PLEASE ACT TO STOP THIS INJUSTICE

CALL ON GOV. RICK PERRY TO GRANT CLEMENCY FOR KENNETH FOSTER
Phone 512-463-1782
(You can just leave a message on a recording)
FAX a letter to 512-463-1849
DO IT TODAY !

INFORM YOURSELF
For more information on what you can do to help Kenneth and on the struggle of Texas death row prisoners against executions and rotten conditions, go to: www.freekenneth.com or www.drivemovement.org.

Commutation hearing scheduled for Arnie King

Warm Greetings! I want you to know that the commutation hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, October 25th, 2007 at 10:00 am. The location is the Parole Board Central Office at 12 Mercer Road in Natick. In the upcoming weeks, the transportation plan from Boston/Cambridge and directions to the Natick site will be available. In subsequent letters to the advisory (parole) board, please express appreciation for the hearing date and your intention to be in the room. It's important for a large attendance, so invite family members and friends as well. Thanks for the continued prayers, presence, and patience.

One Love,
Arnie

How You Can Help: http://www.massdecarcerate.org/throughbarbedwire/update.html

Jena 6

MEETING, August 9, Jamaica Plain

***Free the Jena 6***

Black high school students in Louisiana victimized by the racist criminal injustice system


Six black high school students in Louisiana are facing decades of jail time each. Convicted by an all-white jury, 16-year-old Mychal Bell's promising football career has been cut short by Louisiana's racist criminal justice system. The Jena 6 are charged with attempted second degree murder for beating up a white kid, Justin Baker, who made racist remarks about the black students at the school. During the trial, discussion of the context of the beating was banned. Several weeks before, white students hung nooses under a "white tree" that black kids had sat under. To the black residents of Jena, "Those nooses meant the KKK, they meant 'Niggers, we're going to kill you, we're going to hang you till you die,'" Casteptla Bailey, the mother of Robert Bailey, one of the accused, said. The school board, with only one black member, differed. They gave the students responsible short, in-school suspensions. Shortly after, black students were beaten at a party. The assailants, all white, were charged with simple assault.

The racist attack on the Jena 6 proves that, 50 years after the civil rights movement, Jim Crow is alive and well. We need a new civil rights movement to crush racism, from the Jena 6 to the racist abuse that occurs on the streets of Boston every day. Only our protest can change a system dedicated to racism and injustice. Come to a meeting to discuss who benefits from racism, why Jim Crow still stalks the halls of our schools, and most of all WHAT WE CAN DO TO DEFEND THE JENA 6:

Thursday, August 9
7:00 PM

42 Seaverns Avenue, Jamaica Plain
(Take the Orange Line to Green St., take a left out of the station, and walk up Green St.) Take a left onto Alfred St. (after passing Chestnut Ave. on your right). Go up one block and take a right on Seaverns. 42 is on your right.

Sponsored by: International Socialist Organization
www.internationalsocialist.org
For more information call 617-648-0561
or e-mail isoboston@yahoo.com

July 25th Call in Day to Governor Patrick for CORI Reform

Please call on July 25th and forward....

CALL-IN DAY FOR CORI REFORM

HOLD GOVERNOR PATRICK ACCOUNTABLE!

Wednesday July 25th, 2007
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

- There is currently a CORI reform bill at the state house ~ it is called House Bill 1416 (The Public Safety Act)
- The governor is planning on coming out with his own CORI proposal, which may fall short of the reforms we need
- We must ensure that his CORI reform proposal includes changes to the sealing laws and adds anti-discrimination protections for job seekers.

Governor Deval Patrick promised reforms to the CORI system. The time for change is now!

On Wed. July 25th, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. call the Governor's Office and make your voices heard.

Please voice the two demands below.

Demand:

1) Lower the waiting period for sealing a CORI to 3 years for a misdemeanor and 7 years for a felony. The current law requires a 10-15 years waiting period to seal a record. These long waiting periods prevent us from moving on with our lives and securing decent employment.

2) Demand an "anti-discrimination" law that only allows employers to check a CORI after they decide that the applicant is qualified for the job. Employers that ask about a criminal record on job applications generally weed out job seekers before they even consider our resumes or qualifications.

Please make two calls on Wednesday, July 25 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Governor Deval Patrick's Office, (617) 725-4005

Mary Beth Heffernan's Office, (617) 727-7775
Under Secretary of Criminal Justice
*This is Deval's point person on CORI*

Any CORI Bill that doesn't include these two demands is not real CORI reform. We need meaningful changes now.

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This call-in was brought to you by the Union of Minority Neighborhoods, Jobs With Justice, Partakers, Inc., Ex-Prisoners and Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement (EPOCA) and the Boston Workers Alliance.

For more info, call Makis at UMN at 617-980-2313.