Dear Governor Bentley

I write you with an urgent plea--please delay the September 22nd execution date for Derrick O’Neal Mason.

As you know, DerrickMason’s case has some of the same legal issues which will be argued before the U. S. Supreme Court on October 4th regarding Alabamian Cory Maples’ case. Surely we must not hasten to kill someone when there is the possibility new light will be shed on his case through federal litigation regarding another case.

As Governor, you are an extremely valuable component of the justice system.  You contribute compassion and grace to a system that is often unable to consider both.  You have a tremendous responsibility of deciding whether to modify sentences when they do not serve the public interest or meet evolving standards of decency, or whenever the exercise of merciful intervention seems appropriate and just.  I come to you now pleading for the life of Derrick O’Neal Mason, who is scheduled to be executed on September the 22nd.

By Birmingham News editorial board The Birmingham News
 

(AP/Dave Martin)If there's one thing that should unite those who support the death penalty and those who don't, it's a desire to make sure no one is executed for a crime he didn't commit.

And if there's one thing that ought to preoccupy our justice system, it's making sure such a terrible travesty does not occur.

The hard copy of the latest edition of our newsletter Wings of Hope was mailed today. It is also up on our website. We are grateful to report that the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP is supporting the Montgomery Rescue and Faith Crusades fund raiser. Angela Davis and Bryan Stevenson are the guest speakers. We have a special spot in our hears for this organization of which the Browder Ministers are a part. The Browder Ministries visits Holman death row once a month and are very much appreciated by the men. We also sang Happy Birthday to Carey Grayson. Happy Birthday, Boo!

WORSE THAN TEXAS

l stole the title from the Economist because it triggers an instant reaction of shock and disbelief. How can little Alabama be worse that the mighty state of Texas? Mlghty at least when lt comes to the death penalty?

Well, we are worse than Texas when it comes to number of death sentences, and we are not speaking per capita. This is not new, so why has our state suddenly made headlines with articles proliferating and garnering attention nationally and state-wide?

The Board approved signing on in support of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act which is moving to the Senate. Pictures and Bios of the Board are up on our website www.phadp.org. The newsletter is at the printers and we are encouraged by the support for Derrick Mason.
See you next week! Esther

We discussed the Talking Points for Derrick and were shocked that the AL Supreme Court set a date before the U.S. Supreme Court heard and ruled on the Cory Maples case, which is very similar to Derrick's. We also made plans for a celebration of life party, thanks to a kind friend in Germany. Derrick is doing well!
See you next week! Esther

Execution Alert

Alabama has set September 22nd 2011 as the execution date for Derrick O’Neal Mason.

Derrick O’Neal Mason           September 22

We were shocked to learn this morning that Derrick, who is a member of the phadp Executive Board, was given an execution date. I will be discussing Derrick's Talking Points with the Board at the meeting tomorrow and will then send them out, asking for your help.

Thank you for always letting your voices be heard!

Esther and the Board

Discussed the potential effect the hearing by the U.S. Supreme Court of the Cory Maples case could have by highlighting Alabama's failure to provide counsel or any legal assistance for indigent death-sentenced inmates in postconviction proceedings. "As a result, those who are fortunate enough to have attorneys must rely on pro bono counsel, most of whom practice far from Alabama," states a brief filed on Cory Maples behalf. Oral arguments are set for October 4th.

We also sang Happy Birthday for 3 of the Board members.

See you next week! Esther