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Why Oppose the Death Penalty?
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NADP NEWS | Like the Many Colors of Spring | April 2010 | Click to View
NADP NEWS | Building Momentum & Moving Forward | March 2010 | Click to View
NADP NEWS: An Alarming Price Tag | February 2010 | Click to View
NADP NEWS: Legislative Update & Sr. Helen Returns to NE | January 2010 | Click to View
NADP NEWS: Hearings, reports, and retreats... OH MY! | November 2009 | Click to View
NADP NEWS: Make your voice heard! | October 2009 | Click to View
NADP NEWS: What a difference a month makes! | September 2009 | Click to View
NADP NEWS: Innocence Matters | August 2009 | Click to View
THE ABOLITIONIST| Summer 2009 | Click to View
NADP NEWS: Like the Many Colors of Spring | April 2010
Greetings,
I hope that everyone is enjoying the amazing Spring that is in full bloom here in Nebraska. There is nothing like the change in seasons to remind us all that even the dark, cold days of winter can lead to something beautiful and new. Like the many colors of the trees in bloom this months edition of NADP NEWS covers many topics, so we hope you enjoy!
If you opened up the print edition of the Omaha World Herald on April 16th, you would have found a very interesting piece by OWH columnist Robert Nelson on the cost of the death penalty. We don't usually print news articles word for word, but I think this one is worth a read. Take a moment to read it below.
Earlier this month NADP joined with others in observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week. As part of that effort we are working to idenify the much needed services that are available to families who have lost loved ones to murder. Learn how you can be part of this important effort below .
The National Innocence Network held their 2010 Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA earlier this month. NADP Board Chair Amy Miller attended the conference along with representatives from the Nebraska Innocence Project. Check out her update on innocence policy reforms and the latest advances in forensic science below.
Finally, you will find a recent cartoon that we enjoyed!
Onward to Justice,
Jill
By Chair or Needle, Executions Have Cost
April 16, 2010 | By: Robert Nelson
Several weeks ago, I got a call from Win Barber, an official with the Nebraska Department of Corrections, who said he was updating a list he had from a few years ago. It was the list of public witnesses for Nebraska’s next execution. “Are you still willing to be a witness?” he asked. I paused. Stuttered a bit. In my head, answers flew by: “Yes,” “No,” “Hell, no,” “I have a dentist’s appointment that day,” “I probably should,” “I can’t handle it,” “Maybe,” “Go away,” “Who names their kid ‘Win’?” “Yes, I’ll do it,” I finally answered. “I should see it if my state does it.” That also had been my thought nearly three years ago, when I agreed to witness the electrocution of Carey Dean Moore. I figured I should see it if I supported it. Or, in my case, didn’t actively not support it. I especially should see it, I figured then, to determine if the electric chair was as grisly as billed. I should explain to readers what it looked like. You know the rest of the story. No execution. Electric chair deemed cruel and unusual. Then I forgot about it. But the issue kept moving. Last year, legislators agreed to change our method of execution to lethal injection. A move that, Barber explained, “got the ball rolling again.” One step in this process was making sure the state had a crew of witnesses. I must admit: This job as a witness sounds a lot easier this time: guy lies down; guy gets a needle inserted into his arm; guy goes to sleep; guy dies. It sounds about the same as witnessing a surgery, except with less blood. Amazing how little talk there was of any option other than lethal injection. You know, like the option of not executing people. |
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Also amazing was the lack of discussion of another matter: In a close vote last month, legislators decided not to approve a study to determine the cost of capital punishment in Nebraska. The plan was to give some $50,000 to a team of University of Nebraska at Omaha researchers to get to the bottom of this simple question: Exactly how much more do taxpayers spend to give a criminal a sentence of death compared to life in prison? One senator argued that we don’t need to know the cost because it wouldn’t change anyone’s mind. Apparently, then, we all love the death penalty so much, especially this new happy sleep-time version of it, we don’t care how much it costs. This during a legislative session in which the smallest outlay, especially if related to children’s health, was getting shot down because of budget concerns. An interesting twist in all this: As legislators debated keeping themselves ignorant on this matter, the folks at ACLU Nebraska requested from the state prison an accounting of the cost of switching from the electric chair to lethal injection. A change that the attorney general last year said would have “no fiscal impact.” In fact, documents show, about $33,000 had been spent by January remodeling the death chamber, buying lethal-injection equipment and sending prison officials to prisons around the country to learn how to kill with chemicals instead of electricity. So there is a cost to this friendly new form of killing people, even beyond the extra legal costs. One stainless steel table: $1,748. A flight for seven officials to Texas: $6,583, plus $924 in expenses. Bullet-resistant and one-way glass: $2,450. And the priceless, much-needed reminder that even tidy executions come with a cost. |
Contact the writer: 444-1129, robert.nelson@owh.com
Copyright (c) 2010 Omaha World-Herald 04/16/2010
Identifying Crime Victims' Support Services in Nebraska
NADP joined in recognizing Nation Crime Victims' Rights Week
As many of you may know Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty joined with the many organizations and individuals who observed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 18 to 24, 2010. As a part of that week we called on you, our supporters, to help us in identifying the various service programs that are available to the family members of homicide victims here in Nebraska. We want to thank everyone who participated with us!
As we travel around the state talking with people about the death penalty, we often come into contact with individuals who have lost a loved one to homicide. We recognize the unique and urgent needs that these families have in the aftermath of a trauma. We also hear over and over how often those needs are not being met.
We are renewing our call for assistance in identifying victims service providers in Nebraska. If you know of any service providers in your area, please contact our office by phone at 402.477.7787 or by email at info@nadp.net. These services could be found through the courts, the police, at a church, or through some other local agency.
We know that the death penalty gives years of uncertainty and constant media attention to surviving family members while detracting resources from much needed services. By working together, we hope to help our state truly recognize the needs of crime victims so we can refocus resources on programs that help heal our citizens and communities.
New Science to Rigth Old Wrongs
Amy Miller's report from the 2010 Innocence Network Conference in Atlanta, GA
Mid month, I attended the Innocence Network conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a gathering of attorneys, investigators, and activists who work to free innocent people from prison. At one point, I was seated in a room with 82 men and women who had all been wrongfully convicted. Some had been on death row. Others, like the "Beatrice 6" here at home, had been sentenced to a term of years after being threatened with execution. There were 5 women. There was almost a 50/50 split between black and white. Some had been convicted on faulty eyewitness testimony, some on junk science, and some on honest mistakes by law enforcement. Some were educated people, some had never gone past elementary school. In other words, the criminal justice system had failed all these people across a wide spectrum.
This is why we are working to end a punishment that cannot take into account the mistakes made by human beings. Until our human government can get it right every time, we have to make sure there is a way to undo our errors.
This summer, NADP will be holding events across the state to raise awareness about the flaws of Nebraska's death penalty. Watch for updates online and through this e-newsletter--and then join us as we keep going on the slow steady march towards justice.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
While we know how much you love reading our updates, we thought it might be nice to share something with you that is a little easier on the eyes. Below is a cartoon we thought you might enjoy!
Ignorance was blitz - Apr 11, 2010 (Originally appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star)
Used with permission. For more cartoons by Neal Obermeyer please visit www.nealo.com.
NADP NEWS: Building Momentum & Moving Forward | March 2010
Greetings,
We witnessed two major news stories here in Nebraska this week. One gives us great hope for the future of our campaign to repeal the death penalty, and the second reminds us why our efforts are so very important.
On March 25th, 22 Nebraska Senators stood up for the average Nebraskan in support of a bill to identify the financial cost of our state's death penalty system. While we know that the true costs of the death penalty go far beyond what can be counted in dollars and cents, this debate has shown that we are making progress, that our educational efforts are being successful, and that our work must continue! Read more about the vote on LB1105 and see how your Senator voted.
Just days before the debate on LB1105, Douglas County CSI chief David Kofoed was convicted of tampering with evidence in a murder case. Nebraskans were reminded why we will never be able to guarantee the perfection of the criminal justice system—it is run by human beings, and none of us are right 100% of the time. Read more about this case and its impact.
Lastly, we are asking you to help us sustain and expand our efforts here at NADP! Learn more about how you can help.
Onward to Justice,
Jill
22 Nebraska Legislators call for more information about the death penalty
Senators consider a bill to reveal the costs of the death penalty in Nebraska
We got a huge indication last week that our efforts to highlight the many problems with the death penalty have had a sizable impact in the halls of the Nebraska Unicameral. Of the 44 Senators present for the vote on LB1105, half of them indicated that it was time to lift the curtain shielding Nebraskans from knowing the fiscal impact of our death penalty system. While those 22 votes were not enough to pass the bill, it should serve as a strong signal that we are making progress and that our work must continue!
It was the contention of the opponents of LB1105 that knowing the cost of the death penalty would do nothing to decrease the support for the policy in the eyes of lawmakers and voters in Nebraska. As the debate came to an end, however, we witnessed a monumental contradiction to that proposition. Senator John Wightman, a well-respected Senator from Lexington and member of the Appropriations committee, who previously cast votes in support of the death penalty, stated that, in addition to supporting the cost study, he would strongly consider supporting repeal of the death penalty if the cost study showed that the policy was placing an undue financial burden on our state or county budgets.
We have opened new doors in our campaign, and we must continued to raise the important question, to the public and to legislators—is the death penalty is worth it?
We appreciate everyone who has already contacted their Senator in response to the vote on LB1105. For those who haven't yet done so, please take a minute today to thank your Senator if they cast a vote in support of the bill. Too often we forget to say thank you when our representatives cast a favorable vote, and this is a great chance to show our appreciation.
How they voted- LB1105 (click to email)
Voting yes (22): Adams, Ashford, Avery, Campbell, Carlson, Coash, Conrad, Cook,
Council, Dierks, Dubas, Fulton, Giese, Haar, Lathrop, McGill, Mello,
Nordquist, Rogert, Wallman, White, Wightman
Voting no (22): Christensen, Fischer, Flood, Gay, Gloor, Hadley, Hansen, Harms,
Heidemann, Howard, Janssen, Langemeier, Lautenbaugh, Louden,
McCoy, Nelson, Pankonin, Pirsch, Schilz, Stuthman, Sullivan, Utter
Excused (5): Cornett, Karpisek, Krist, Pahls, Price
As many of us know, the true costs of the death penalty are more than financial. They include the toll it takes on the families of those who have been lost to murder, its impact on corrections officials and law enforcement, the very real risk of executing an innocent person, the bias the system shows towards race, gender, geography, and socioeconomic status, and so many more. So while it is important that we understand the financial costs of the death penalty, we cannot lose sight of the many reasons why Nebraska's broken death penalty system needs to be repealed!
Conviction of CSI Investigator Raises Reasonable Doubt
Another chilling example of the imperfections in Nebraska's criminal justice system
The conviction of Douglas County's lead Crime Scene Investigator, David Kofoed, has again shed light on why the risk of executing an innocent person, even in Nebraska, remains a very real concern. Kofoed's conviction was called "disturbing" by Douglas County's top prosecutor and an expert on rules of evidence called it "devastating." Read more about the questions raised by the conviction here.
For Matthew Livers, the actions of Mr. Kofoed amounted to a living nightmare. Livers spent 8 months in jail in 2006 for two murders that he did not commit. Similar to the case of the "Beatrice 6", Livers confessed to killing his aunt and uncle only after an 11 hour interrogation that included the threat of the death penalty. He almost immediately retracted that confession.
We have always understood that the criminal justice system is run by human beings – and we are not perfect 100% of the time. We also know that innocent Nebraskans have been convicted as result of shoddy forensics, coerced confessions, jailhouse snitches, and mistaken witnesses. And when a life is on the line, one mistake is one too many. This horrible case goes far beyond mistakes and casts an even wider shadow on the ability of a justice system to be trusted with a life or death decision.
Help Build Momentum for Abolition!
Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to educate the citizens of Nebraska about the many problems with the death penalty system in our state. We have had a busy year so far—we have made great strides in building a movement of Nebraskans who oppose the death penalty and in educating and moving policy makers to see the futility of our capital punishment system. It’s all because of supporters like you that we are able to do this work. Thank you for your time, energy, and donations!
As NADP looks forward to the work that is ahead, we need your help to make this next year a success! With your support, we will continue to educate Nebraskans about the problems that plague the death penalty system in our state. We will continue our successful efforts to give voices to those most effected by and familiar with the death penalty’s flaws: murder victims’ families and the wrongfully convicted, leaders and members of the faith community, law enforcement and correctional officers, as well as lawyers and judges from all over the state. Your financial support will allow us to do this very important work.
Please take a minute right now to send in a donation of $25, $50, $100, $500 or whatever amount you can afford. Donations to Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty Foundation are tax-deductible and will be used in our important outreach and education efforts. Donate online by clicking here, or you can mail a check to 941 'O' Street STE 725, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Together, we will show our elected officials that the death penalty is dying, and Nebraskans are ready to see it go! 
NADP NEWS: An Alarming Price Tag | February 2010
Greetings from NADP's new field organizer!
Hello NADP Supporters,
My name is Carla Stormberg, and I am the new Field Organizer at NADP. I wanted to take a brief moment to introduce myself and to let you know about the exciting work I will be doing around the state in the coming months!
I grew up in Sidney in Nebraska's panhandle and have been happy to call Lincoln my home for the past 30 years. In 1988 began working as a database manager at Hudson Bay Company--an organization that helps non-profit organizations, including NADP, raise money for their efforts. I first became acquainted with the work of NADP in 2000 and have been a supporter ever since. I starting working at NADP's office in Lincoln at the beginning of February and I have already learned so much from all the amazing people working to end the death penalty in Nebraska.
In my new position I will be working with Jill to design and implement grassroots strategies to mobilize NADP members and supporters to take meaningful action on NADP’s statewide agenda. This will include coordinating events around the state, expanding the use of web-based technologies as an outreach tool, and helping to maintain the integrity of NADP’s database. Many of you will be hearing from me in the near future as we work to strengthen the activities and effectiveness of our current NADP supporters and I very much look forward to getting to know you.
Since coming on board at NADP I have had the pleasure of hearing Miriam Kelle and Kurt Mesner speak to Judiciary Committee members about why the families of murder victims what to know the true cost of the death penalty. Many people are surprised to learn that the death penalty’s complexity and finality make it much more expensive than life without parole. How much does the death penalty cost in Nebraska? We want to know! Read more about what is happening in the Legislature below.
I am excited to get the opportunity to hear a new voice in the movement to end the death penalty, author Thomas Cahill, who will be speaking in Omaha later this week. In an event co-sponsored by NADP, Cahill will present "Courage and Kindness on Death Row" on Thursday, March 4th at Countryside Community Church in Omaha. Read more about this exciting event below!
Earlier this month, Governor Dave Heinemann officially signed Nebraska's new lethal injection protocols. This marks another step in the wrong directions for our state. Read more about the recent decision below.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with you in this important campaign to put an end to Nebraska's death penalty. I would love to hear from you--I can be reached on my email at carla@nadp.net or in the office at 402-477-7787.
Talk to you soon,
Carla Stormberg
An Alarming Price Tag: The Wasteful, Inefficient Government Program
Senators consider a bill to reveal the costs of the death penalty in Nebraska
On Wednesday, February 24th the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on LB1105 which would compare the costs of Nebraska's death penalty with non-death-penalty sentences resulting from capital murder convictions. You can read an article from the Lincoln Journal Star about the hearing here. "This isn’t just a bill in the sense of a pending law,” said NADP Board Chair Amy Miller. “This is also the bill handed to taxpayers with the dollars and cents it costs to exterminate life.”
Just two days after the hearing, a new forecast of state tax revenues from the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted that Nebraska lawmakers will have another $30.7 million budget gap to close this year. This comes after the Legislature already cut state spending and aid and dipped into various cash funds to close a $334 million budget short fall for the current year. According to the Governor, “this forecast indicates that the state has more challenging times ahead. It is clear that the Legislature needs to enact additional spending reductions to get the budget back in balance.”
According to Sen. Lavon Heidemann, chairman of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee, the Leglislature will be considering every possible cost saving measure. Whether that includes ending one of the state's most wasteful and inefficient programs—the death penalty—remains to be seen.
The true cost of executions in Nebraska is currently unknown, as no cost study has ever been undertaken here. But we can anticipate the results of a cost study by looking to studies done in other states. More than a dozen states have found that the death penalty is up to 10 times more expensive than sentences of life or life without parole. In our neighboring state of Kansas, the median cost of a death penalty case is $1.26 million, or 70 percent more than comparable non-death penalty cases. Indeed, the costs of the original trial and appeals in Kansas are 16 and 21 times more costly, respectively, than comparable non-death penalty cases.
We call on our State Senators to pass LB 1105. In a budget crunch year where aid to pregnant low-income women, schoolchildren, the disabled, and the elderly have all been cut, saving millions by abandoning the death penalty sounds better and better. NADP will continue our work to ensure that tax payers in Nebraska have a clear picture of how and where our money is being spent.
Please take a minute today to contact your State Senator and ask him/her to support LB1105 to shine a light on the costs of the death penalty in Nebraska! For more information on the cost of the death penalty and how to contact your Senator please visit www.nadp.net.
"Courage and Kindness on Death Row"
By Thomas Cahill, Author of A Saint on Death Row
Famed author Thomas Cahill (How the Irish Saved Civilization, Gifts of the Jews and A Saint on Death Row) pauses in his writing of the Hinges of History series to share this story about a Death Row inmate who was transformed, and, through Cahill's writing, transforms the reader. Cahill had the unusual experience of forming a friendship with an extraordinary man, Dominique Green, who was a prisoner on Texas Death Row.
In this talk, he tells you about his experience and how it changed forever his view of prisoners, as well as his misunderstanding of the way justice operates in our society. This is a story of affirmation, grace, and change. When considering faith-based citizenship in these United States, Cahill awakens our hearts and minds as the discussion of the death penalty continues in Nebraska.
Date & Time: Thursday, March 4 at 7pm
Location: Countryside Community Church, 8787 Pacific Street, Omaha
Tickets: $10 Suggested Donation, Free for Students w/ ID
Reserve your tickets by email or at Countryside Church during office hours. Questions? Please contact Cyndi Kugler at cyndik@countrysideucc.org or 402.391.0350 x 121. This program is part of the 2009-2010 Center for Faith Studies Annual Lecture Series and is co-sponsored by Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty.
Find “Courage and Kindness on Death Row" on Facebook.
Lethal Injection Protocols Signed
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper
Governor Dave Heineman signed off on Nebraska's proposed lethal injection protocols on February 10th. While we were not surprised by the Governor's actions, we are are again disappointed in the lack of foresight demonstrated by our elected officials. States throughout the country have been, and still are, tied up in years-long battles over lethal injection. Why does Nebraska want to get in the business of spending years in court and millions of tax-payer dollars on an already-broken government program?
We are encouraging all our supporters to send a letter to the Editor of your local paper!
Now is the time to remind our fellow Nebraskans and all our elected officials that no new method of execution can do nothing to solve the many problems with our state's death penalty system. Additionally, it has set our state on a path towards years of legal challenges—spending untold sums of taxpayers money, causing additional pain and anguish to murder victims' families, and doing nothing to eliminate the very real possibility of executing an innocent person.
Take a minute to write a letter to the editor of your local paper, expressing your concern. Click here to find talking points that you can use when writing your letter.
You're most likely to have an impact if you keep it short and positive—typically, this means 150-250 words. Be sure to include your address and phone number. This personal information won't be published in the newspaper. It’s just so the newspaper can verify the letter's authenticity. The following website has links to online editions of many Nebraska newspapers: www.usnpl.com/nenews.php.
If you have any questions or need help finding out where to send your letter, please contact our office at jill@nadp.net or call 402.477.7787.
NADP NEWS: Legislative Update & Sr. Helen Returns to NE | January 2010
Greetings,
The new year is off to an exciting start here at NADP, and we want to thank everyone who has already been a part of our ongoing efforts to end the death penalty in Nebraska!
Hopefully most of you have kicked off 2010 with a call or email to your State Senator asking him/her to support Senator Council's ongoing efforts to repeal Nebraska's death penalty. For those of you who have not yet contacted your Senator there is still time. Senator Council has also introduced a bill that would authorize the State Auditor to investigate the true costs of the death penalty. As our state continues to face tough financial decisions, we must ask our Legislators to do the responsible thing—find out how much the death penalty is costing Nebraska's taxpayers! Read more about what is happening in the Legislature below.
One of the most recognizable and important faces in the movement to end the death penalty, Sister Helen Prejean, will be returning to Nebraska! In an event co-sponsored by NADP, Sr. Helen will present "Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues" on Monday, February 8th at Creighton University. Read more about this exciting event below!
Earlier this month, the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty held its annual conference in Louisville, KY. With more than 350 in attendance, including 3 dedicated abolitionists from Nebraska, it was a great chance to hear about all the progress being made around the country. Read more about the conference below.
Without the support of individuals like you, we are not able to continue this important work. Please take a minute right now to make a tax-deductible donation to NADP Foundation. You can also send a check donation to 941 'O' Street, Suite 725, Lincoln, NE 68508.
As always, we hope you find this edition of NADP NEWS both helpful and informative. We are always interested in hearing what you think. Send any questions or comments to me at jill@nadp.net.
Onward to justice,
Jill
Your voice is needed in the halls of the Capitol
Senators introduce a bill to reveal the costs of the death penalty in Nebraska
As Nebraska continues to face tough economic times, our State Legislators are looking to eliminate wasteful and unnecessary spending wherever possible. Our representatives in Lincoln face some very difficult decisions, and it is likely that we will see even deeper budget cuts this year. We are pleased to see that Senators Brenda Council, Brad Ashford, Danielle Conrad, and Steve Lathrop have again brought attention to the death penalty as one of the states most expensive and inefficient programs. LB1105 would " require an audit comparing the costs of administering death penalty and non-death-penalty sentences resulting from murder in the first degree convictions." You can read the bill in entirety its here.
As we have seen in state after state, the death penalty costs 2, 5, 10, and even 16 times as much as having a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. It is time for Nebraskans to know the true cost of the death penalty!
When Senator Council first brought this issue to the Legislature as an amendment to LB306, there were many death penalty supporters who said that it does not matter how much the death penalty costs; however, as we continue to face difficult budget decisions, it is irresponsible of our Legislature to prevent an investigation into the costs of a system that has proven to be both wasteful and inefficient in state after state. Tax payers in Nebraska deserve to have a clear picture of how and where our money is being spent, and your Senator needs to hear from you again on this issue.
Please take a minute today to contact your State Senator and ask him/her to support LB1105 to shine a light on the costs of the death penalty in Nebraska! For more information on how to contact your Senator please visit www.nadp.net.
Sister Helen Prejean - "Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues"
Anti-Death Penalty Advocate & Award-Winning Author to Speak at Creighton University
Anti-Death Penalty Advocate & Award-Winning Author
Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ will present: "Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues"
Date & Time: Monday, February 8, 2010 at 7pm
Location: Harper Center Hixson-Lied Auditorium at Creighton Univiersity 2500 California Plaza, Omaha
Book Sale and Signing to Follow! This event is free and open to the public!
To learn more about Sr. Helen Prejean please visit www.prejean.org. For more information about the event, contact jill@nadp.net.
This event is sponsored by: Creighton University Committee on Lectures, Films, and Concerts, Creighton University School of Law, Creighton University Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Creighton University Justice and Peace Studies Program, Creighton Center for Service and Justice, Cortina Community, Creighton Prep, and Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty.
Find Sister Helen Prejean- Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues on Facebook.
NCADP 2010 Annual Conference - Building Bridges to Wider Audiences
NADP participates in an action packed weekend of training workshops!
This year the NCADP's Annual Conference brought together hundreds of the movement's most valuable assets—abolitionists, leaders, and activists. This year’s theme, Training for the Long Run—Building Bridges to Wider Audiences, focused on broadening our base of support for ending capital punishment. The three day event was jam packed with presentations by individuals who have lost loved ones to violent crime, death row exonorees, policy experts, faith leaders, and legislators.
Two of NADP's most dedicated activists, Miriam Thimm Kelle and Kurt Mesner, were in attendance as part of the community of murder victims family members from across the state of Nebraska and around the country. Kurt reported this after returning from the Conference, “I left with a very good impression after going to the Sunday morning Praise and Healing Ceremony; An Interfaith Celebration. It was very calming and relaxing and let me know that all religions can come together on a common goal of abolishing the death penalty.” Both Mimi and Kurt were mentioned in an article about the Conference in the local paper- read the article here.
One of the most interesting panel discussions of the event included a presentation by Senator Roy Brown, from the Montana State Legislature. Senator Brown is a long time leader of Montana's Republican party and was the Republican nominee for Governor in Montana in 2008. He was also a sponsor of the death penalty repeal bill in Montana in 2009. The panel discussed the perspectives of political and religious conservatives opposed to the death penalty. Senator Brown appeared in this article following the Conference—Anti-Death Penalty Movement Wooing Conservatives. We hope this important dialogue will grow as we continue our work here in Nebraska!
NADP NEWS: Hearings, reports, and retreats... OH MY! | November 2009
Welcome to NADP News!
Hello Friends,
It is that time again--welcome to Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty's monthly e-newsletter! We hope everyone's holiday season got off to a great start and that everyone was able to spend time with friends and family!
We know many of you were able to weigh in during the public comment period on Nebraska's proposed lethal injection protocols. We want to say a big thank you to those who appeared at the public hearing in Lincoln on November 16th and to everyone who submitted written comments to the Department of Correctional Services. It is important that we all continue to raise our voices in opposition to the death penalty in Nebraska! Read more about the hearing below.
The Nebraska Legislature has wrapped up a special session where Senators were forced to cut Nebraska's budget to fill in a $335.5 million budget gap. Meanwhile, the state continues to move full steam ahead with one of the state's most expensive and ineffective programs--the death penalty. Last month the Death Penalty Information Center release a survey of police chiefs nationwide showing just how ineffective the death penalty really is. Read more about the new "Smart on Crime" report below.
Is the death penalty "retreating"? Three NADP activists recently participated in a very successful training retreat with our national partner, Equal Justice USA. Read more about this exciting event below!
Without the support of individuals like you, we are not able to continue this important work. Please take a minute right now to make a tax-deductible donation to NADP Foundation. You can also send a check donation to 941 'O' Street, Suite 725, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Again, we hope you enjoy this edition of NADP NEWS, and we look forward to talking to you soon! Please send any questions or comments to me at jill@nadp.net.
Onward to justice,
Jill
Nebraskans speak out against the death penalty and lethal injection
Hearing on proposed lethal injection protocols generates much interest
NADP is grateful to everyone who made their voices heard in opposition to Nebraska's death penalty and the proposed lethal injection protocols. We were pleased to see the number of individuals from around the state who submitted written testimony and those who brought their powerful voices to the public hearing.
Just days before the Department of Correctional Services was set to hear public comments on Nebraska's proposed lethal injection protocol calling for the use of a 3 drug cocktail, the state of Ohio announced that it would be changing to a never-before used one-drug protocol. Corrections officials in Ohio made this change after the state had three botched executions in as many years. However, officials here, including the Attorney General, have indicate that Nebraska will continue to stick to the proposed 3 drug protocol, all but guaranteeing years of costly litigation. This situation continuities to highlight just how broken the death penalty system is. Read more about the hearing and the announcement from Ohio here.
Additionally, it is clear that no method of execution is ever going to fix the fundamental flaws with the death penalty--the risk of executing an innocent person, the staggering cost, the lack of fairness in sentencing... the list goes on and on. The proposal now being considered by the Department of Correctional Services only guarantees more years of delay and additional costs to tax payers, at a time where state and local budgets are tighter than ever. No matter what method of execution Nebraska's officials opt for, the death penalty is dying, and Nebraskans are ready to see it go!
Can Nebraska Afford to Keep the Death Penalty?
New study shows high cost of the death penalty in a time of economic crisis in Nebraska
We featured this report in our last e-newsletter, but it is so powerful we feel it deserves a second look! "Smart on Crime: Reconsidering the Death Penalty in a Time of Economic Crisis" is the most recent report from the Death Penalty Information Center. The report contains an analysis of the costs of the death penalty along with dramatic results from a national poll of police chiefs. In a survey of more than 500 police chiefs nationwide, the results clearly show that those charged with keeping our communities safe consistently put capital punishment at the bottom of their law enforcement priorities.
The study concludes that states are wasting hundreds of millions of dollars on the death penalty, draining state budgets during the economic crisis, and diverting funds from more effective anti-violence programs. If you have not done it already please take a minute to read the study here.
Lincoln's own Captain James Davidsaver is featured in the report. On multiple occasions Captain Davidsaver has offered testimony to the Nebraska Unicameral on the high cost of the death penalty.
From the report:
"During my career, which includes 10-plus years as a certified crime scene technician, I have experienced countless violent crime scenes where the perpetrators inflicted horrific injury, pain and suffering on their victims. Of the accused murderers my fellow officers and I have brought to justice, I do not believe any of them was deterred in the least by Nebraska’s death penalty.
One facet of the issue that is rarely mentioned is the economic cost of capital punishment . . . [these] cases are the most expensive cases by far. . . with a cost as high as $7 million. . . . Removing the death penalty variable from the justice equation should reduce the overall cost."
-Jim Davidsaver, 20-Year Police Veteran, Lincoln, Nebraska (this quote originally appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star on March 25, 2007)
We will continue to call on our leaders to make good decisions when it comes to the state's tax dollars, and the death penalty simply does not make "cents"!
The death peanlty is "retreating"
NADP participates in an action packed training workshop!
Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty was one of seven states invited to particpate in a recent national training retreat held in Connecticut. The event was sponsored by Equal Justice USA and was focused on bringing more stakeholders to the table in our campaign to end the death peanlty, no matter where they fall on the policital spectrum. Additionally, the retreat focused on reaching out to murder victims' family memebers and individuals from the law enforcement community.
During the four day workshop we gained specific tools that will help us break down boundaries and make our movement more powerful than ever! After all, we all want a criminal justice system that helps victims heal, keeps the public safe, and uses public resources effectively.
You can read more about the full retreat experience here!
NADP would like to thank Shari Silberstien, Executive Director of EJUSA, our amazing "cruise director" Sarah Craft, and all of the amazing EJUSA staff for including Nebraska in this amazing experience.
If you are interested in working with us in our efforts to repeal the death peanlty in Nebraska we have a place for you! Please contact us at involved@nadp.net for more information on how you can get involved!
Photo Credit: EJUSA
EJUSA Staff (top row): Eunice, Laura, Colleen, Shari, Sarah, Mona, Rebecca, and Emma
NADPers (bottom row): Erica, Jill, and Nic
NADP NEWS: Make your voice heard! | October 2009
Welcome to NADP News!
Hello Friends,
This is the third edition of Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty's monthly e-newsletter! We see this resource as a great way for us to stay connected to our supporters and to keep everyone informed of the work that we are doing. We will try to focus on the most important and current events and stories from Nebraska and around the country, and we welcome your input and feedback as we develop this important outreach tool.
Do you have Monday, November 16th marked in your calender as the day to raise your voice in opposition to the the death penalty and Nebraska's proposed lethal injection protocols? I hope so! Public comment is being taken on these new protocols, both at a hearing on the 16th and with written comments as well. Read more about making your voice heard below.
Most of you have likely seen the recent news that Nebraska is facing a $335.5 million budget shortfall and that our state senators are being called back to Lincoln for a special session to address this major issue. A new resource is now available showing that states could save millions of needed dollars by repealing extremely expensive and ineffective death penalty systems. Read more about the new "Smart on Crime" report from the Death Penalty Information Center and how you can take action regarding the budget crisis in Nebraska below.
NADP recently participated in a very successful training workshop with Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation. Read more about this exciting event below!
Without the support of individuals like you, we are not able to continue this important work. Please take a minute right now to make a tax-deductible donation to NADP Foundation. You can also send a check donation to 941 'O' Street, Suite 725, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Again, we hope you enjoy this edition of NADP NEWS and we look forward to talking to you soon! Please send any questions or comments to me at jill@nadp.net.
Onward to Justice,
Jill
SAVE THE DATE: Lethal Injection Hearing | Monday, November 16
Make your voice heard! Lethal injection and the death penalty are bad for Nebraska
There is one final opportunity for you to make your voice heard in opposition to the death penalty in 2009. Monday, November 16th at 9:00 am, public comment will be taken on the proposed new method of execution--lethal injection. And "public comment" means just that--anyone, young or old, expert voice or first time citizen lobbyist, is encouraged to join us to make it clear that Nebraska does not need a new flawed method of killing people.
Stay tuned next week, as we will be sending out action alerts to help you prepare for the hearing--information about how to submit written comments on the proposed lethal injection protocol, tips on preparing to speak about your oposition to lethal injection, and NADP's plans for the day of the hearing.
For now, SAVE THE DATE!
WHAT: Hearing on Nebraska's proposed lethal injection protocol
WHEN: Monday, November 16th at 9:00am
WHERE: Nebraska State Office Building, Lower Level Conference Room F, 501 South 14th Street in Lincoln
For more information please contact Jill Francke at jill@nadp.net or (402) 477-7787.
Can Nebraska Afford to Keep the Death Penalty?
New study shows high cost of the death penalty in a time of economic crisis in Nebraska
The Death Penalty Information Center has released its latest report, "Smart on Crime: Reconsidering the Death Penalty in a Time of Economic Crisis." The report combines an analysis of the costs of the death penalty with
a newly released national poll of police chiefs who put capital
punishment at the bottom of their law enforcement priorities. Read the study here. The study concludes that states are wasting hundreds of millions of dollars on the death penalty, draining state budgets during the economic crisis and diverting funds from more effective anti-violence programs.
Also included in the report are the results of a nationwide poll of police chiefs which found that they ranked the death
penalty last among their priorities for crime-fighting, do not believe the death penalty deters murder, and rate it as the least efficient use of limited taxpayer dollars.
From the report's executive summary:
The death penalty in the U.S. is an enormously expensive and wasteful program with no clear benefits. All of the studies on the cost of capital punishment conclude it is much more expensive than a system with life sentences as the maximum penalty. In a time of painful budget cutbacks, states are pouring money into a system that results in a declining number of death sentences and executions that are almost exclusively carried out in just one area of the country. As many states face further deficits, it is an appropriate time to consider whether maintaining the costly death penalty system is being smart on crime.
This report was released at the same time that Nebraska Governor Dave Heinemann announced that the state of Nebraska is facing a $335.5 million budget shortfall. Governor Heinemann has stated that, "we should reduce government expenditures,"and that the state's decision makers, "will develop a targeted and responsible budget proposal." State legislators are being called back to Lincoln for a special session to deal with the budget crisis on November 4th. We must continue to call for an end to a program that is both inefficient and ineffective--the death penalty.
A new website (www.nebraskabudget.com) has been developed to allow Nebraskan's to voice their opinions on the budget crisis to the Appropriations Committee. We encourage you to visit nebraskabudget.com and tell our leaders to get smart on crime, and with our money, and end the death penalty in Nebraska!
Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation Training a Success
Bringing Victim's Voices to the Forefront in Nebraska
Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty was honored to have national board members from Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation in Omaha to conduct a training and workshop for victim's families in Nebraska. The training was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Downtown Omaha and brought together 13 MVFR staff and board members from around the country with a group of local victim's family members and NADP organizers.
During the day-long workshop there were trainings on Making and Sustaining Connections with Family Members, Telling You Story Effectively, Working with the Media, and Legislative and Policy Work. Each of the interactive sessions offered an opportunity for the individuals in attendance to hear the extraordinary stories of pain and courage from other victims' families and to develop some of the skills that they hope to put to use in the ongoing efforts to end the death penalty in Nebraska.
NADP would like to thank Beth Wood, Acting Executive Director at MVFR, all of the amazing MVFR board members, and everyone who attended from Nebraska for making this event a success.
If you have lost a member of your family to murder and you would like to connect with MVFR and other victims families in Nebraska please contact jill@nadp.net or bwood@mvfr.org for more information.
NADP NEWS: What a difference a month makes! | September 2009
Welcome to Nebraska News!
Welcome to Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty's second monthly e-newsletter! It is our hope that this publication will be a informative and easy way for you to stay connected to NADP and the work that we are doing. We will try to focus on the most important and current events and stories from Nebraska and around the country, and we welcome your input and feedback as we develop this important outreach tool.
So much has happened since we sent our our first newsletter just one short month ago!
Yesterday afternoon, corrections officials here in Nebraska released their proposed protocols for lethal injection. This despite the fact that earlier this month, an execution by lethal injection in OH had to be stopped after the execution team struggled for more than two hours to find a usable vein. According to Richard Dieter at the Death Penalty Information Center, this is the first time an execution by lethal injection in the United States has failed and then been rescheduled. This failed execution is raising new questions and renewing many concerns about lethal injection in Ohio and around the country. Read more below .
Trial by Fire, an explosive article from the New Yorker Magazine, revealed what many opponents of the death penalty have long feared--an innocent man has been executed. The article, by David Grann, documents the case against Cameron Todd Willingham, who was convicted and executed for starting a fire in his home that killed his three young children. Five years after Mr. Willingham's execution, this article shows that this tragic fire needlessly took the life of four innocent individuals--the three children who died in the fire on December 23, 1991, and their father, wrongfully executed by the state of Texas in 2004. Read more about this incredible story below .
As we travel around Nebraska educating citizens and legislators about the problems with the death penalty we are often asked, "what can I do to help you get the word out in my community?" The 2009 Nebraska Student Organizing Conference can help you answer that question. The conference is being held on Saturday, October 10 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and we encourage all our supporters to attend! Find out more below .
Without the support of individuals like you we are not able to continue this important work. Please take a minute right now to make a tax-deductible donation to NADP Foundation. You can also send a check donation to 941 'O' Street, Suite 725, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Again, we hope you enjoy this edition of NADP NEWS and we look forward to talking to you soon! Please send any questions or comments to me at jill@nadp.net.
Onward to justice,
Jill
Problems with lethal injection result in delayed execution
Ohio Governor calls off execution after more than two hours of failed attempts
For the first time in the modern era of the death penalty, an execution by lethal injection was called off and Romell Broom was returned to death row in Ohio. Ohio's Governor Ted Strickland stepped in and postponed the execution after the execution team struggled for more than two hours to find a usable vein to administer the lethal drugs. View the timeline for the failed execution here.
The questions that this case has raised will likely have an impact far beyond Broom's case and the state of Ohio. According to a recent Newsweek article entitled Dying in Vein:
During the attempted execution, Broom was pricked more than 18 times to find usable veins on both arms and one leg. Some of those injections hit bone or muscle. "The pain, suffering and distress to which Broom was subjected on Sept. 15, 2009, went well beyond that which is tolerated by the United States and Ohio Constitution," Tim Sweeney (Broom's defense attorney) stated in court documents filed with the Ohio Supreme Court. "It was a form of torture that exposed Broom to the prospect of a slow, lingering death, not the quick and painless one he was promised and to which he is constitutionally entitled if he is going to be executed by the State."
Broom's execution remains on hold pending a November 30th hearing regarding the failed execution attempt. More information and media coverage of the case can be found here.
Despite the mounting questions about lethal injection officials in Nebraska have released their proposal for moving the state towards a new method of execution. This proposal does nothing to address the underlying problems with the death penalty nor does it address any of the grave concerns being raised by the recent situation in Ohio. Instead it set Nebraska on a path towards years of costly appeals and extended pain and trauma for the families of those who have lost their loved ones. You can read more about the protocol release here. Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty will be asking you to speak out about this new proposal, stay tuned for more information about these regulations as it becomes available.
Shouting from the Rooftops!
It is too late for Todd Willingham, but don't let his story die
The New Yorker report on the case of Cameron Todd Willingham is hard to believe. The story of an innocent person being executed is something everyone should know about. If you have not yet read the article please take the time to do so today. It is long but it is important. In 2006, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia asserted that there has not been “a single case—not one—in which it is clear that a person was executed for a crime he did not commit. If such an event had occurred in recent years, we would not have to hunt for it; the innocent’s name would be shouted from the rooftops.” We are now asking you to join us in shouting from the rooftops!
Once you have read the New Yorker article pass it on to your friends, family, co-workers--pass it on to everyone you know! "How do I pass it on?" you ask... thanks to our friends at Equal Justice USA, simply follow this link, and they will do the hard work for you.
There is more you can do! Visit the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty's new Shouting from the Rooftops webpage where you will find 7 things you can do to make sure that Cameron Todd Willingham's story and death does not go unnoticed in Nebraska. The risk of executing an innocent person has long be viewed as merely hypothetical by those who support the death penalty. It is up to us to make it known that the United States of America has executed an innocent man!
Nebraska Student Organizing Conference 2009
Organizing for Better Tomorrows!
The Nebraska Student Organizing Conference (NSOC): "Organizing for Better Tomorrows" will take place Saturday, October 10 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Nebraska City Union.
This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about becoming an organizer in the movement to end the death penalty! Jill Francke, Director of Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, will be presenting a workshop on Grassroots Lobbying, and NADP will have an information table at the event.
The conference is open to anyone—it is not limited to Nebraska residents, students, or young people. The conference begins at 8am and ends by 6:30pm. Breakfast, lunch, and a light snack will be provided. All attendees will participate in five hands-on workshops to expand their knowledge and skills to organize in their communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with local organizations, community leaders, and fellow activists as they sharpen their skills and build toward a more unified progressive movement.
The cost to attend the conference will be $5 for advance registration and $10 for registration after Saturday, October 3. Spaces are limited, so register in advance! Learn more about the conference agenda and reserve your spot today at http://www.unl.edu/psc/conference.html.
For those coming in from out of town, travel stipends and over-night accommodations are available!
Find Nebraska Student Organizing Conference 2009 on Facebook.
Link to other NADP events at our website.
NADP NEWS: Innocence Matters | August 2009
Welcome to Nebraska News!
I would like to welcome you to Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty's first monthly e-newsletter! It is our hope that this publication will be a informative and easy way for you to stay connected to NADP and the work that we are doing. We will try to focus on the most important events and stories from Nebraska and around the country and we welcome your input and feedback as we develop this important outreach tool.
Our first newsletter is focused on the issue of innocence and the death penalty. Hopefully many of you are planning to attend the upcoming NADP Annual Dinner. We are happy to be co-hosting this event with the Nebraska Innocence Project and we are excited to have death row exonoree Randy Stidel in town to share his powerful message. Please read more about it below and send in your reservation today!
Many of you have been following the exonerations of the "Beatrice 6" and you will be happy to hear that the NE Innocence Project is holding a fundraiser on their behalf. You can find more information about the planned poker run and benefit concert below.
Finally, we are bringing you some very good news in the case of Troy Anthony Davis! The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered a hearing to address the issue of Troy's long standing claim that he did not commit the crime for which he has been convicted. This is a major achievement and we will keep you posted when there are further developments.
Without the support of individuals like you we are not able to continue this important work. Please take a minute right now to make a tax-deductible doation to NADP. You can also send us a check at 941 'O' Street, Suite 725, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Again, we hope you enjoy the first edition of NADP NEWS and we look forward to talking to you soon! Please send any questions or comments to me at jill@nadp.net.
Onward to justice,
Jill
2009 NADP Annual Dinner with the Nebraska Innocence Project
Can you imagine spending 12 years on death row for a crime you didn't commit?
This past year, the Nebraska Innocence Project has played an integral part in the anti-death penalty movement. In light of the Beatrice 6 exonerations, Nebraskans have learned even more about the dangers of capital punishment, especially when it is used as a tool to coerce confessions. We have chosen to partner with the Nebraska Innocence Project because united we can form an even stronger coalition to educate all citizens of Nebraska. Our goal to abolish capital punishment in Nebraska remains an uphill battle, but together our organizations are armed with information to inform, engage and educate. With great pride we join together to present our 2009 Annual Dinner and honor those who have worked so diligently to end capital punishment in Nebraska. We hope you will join us for this year's event, celebrate our accomplishments, and reaffirm your belief in justice.
The keynote address will be delivered by Randy Steidl, who spent more than 12 years on death row in Illinois for a crime he did not commit. When Randy was questioned about the 1986 murders of newlyweds Dyke and Karen Rhoads he dismissed it as an attempt by police to question a number of people in the area. Randy did not know either of the victims and and provided a corroborated alibi for the night of the murders. To his surprise, he and his friend were later arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to death within 90 days.
There was no DNA evidence against Randy, however he had poor representation, multiple witnesses fabricated testimony against him, and there was clear evidence of misconduct by local police and prosecutors. Consequently, Randy was convicted, sentenced to death and spent 12 years on death row trying to prove his innocence.
On May 28, 2004, after a total of 17 years, three months and three weeks of wrongful imprisonment, Randy was freed. Randy now travels the country talking about his experience with the death penalty system.
We hope you will join us for this important event!
Sincerely,
Amy Miller, Board Chair of NADP
Rebecca Murray, President of the Nebraska Innocence Project
Friday, September 18, 2009
Social Hour & Silent Auction 6:30 PM
Dinner & Program 7:30 PM
Georgetowne Club | 2440 South 141st Circle, Omaha, NE
Proceeds from the dinner will benefit both Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty and the Nebraska Innocence Project
For more info call 402.477.7787
Please RSVP by September 8, 2009
Click here to view the invitation
To RSVP cut out and mail in the bottom portion of the invitation or email jill@nadp.net
Randy Steidl testifying before the Judiciary Committee in Nebraska
For more information on Randy visit http://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/speaker_bio_steidl.html.
Ridin’ & Rockin’ 4 Justice
Poker Run and Benefit Concert for the “Beatrice 6”
The Nebraska Innocence Project will be in Omaha again on Saturday, September 19th to host a fundraiser for the "Beatrice 6." This case served as a wake up call to many Nebraskans after DNA evidence exonerated six individuals in a 1986 murder case. Collectively these individuals spent more than 70 years in prison before being pardoned by the Governor and Attorney General earlier this year. This case is a chilling example of what can go wrong in the Nebraska justice system, many of these individuals were persuaded to provide false confessions in order to save themselves from the electric chair. NADP encourages you to come out for this meaningful day of entertainment!
Ridin’ & Rockin’ 4 Justice
Poker Run and Benefit Concert for the “Beatrice 6”
Saturday, September 19th 2009
Poker Run- $15 per hand (includes ride and concert admission)
Registration: 10:30 am-12:00 pm at Dillon Bros. Harley Davidson,17402 W Maple Rd
Last Card Draw: 5:00 pm at Anchor Inn, 2499 Freedom Park Rd
Benefit Concert- $5 admission
5pm at the Anchor Inn, 2499 Freedom Park Rd
Featuring: Rival Element, Midtown Method, and the Conspiracy Theory
* 50/50 Drawings * Raffle Prizes * T-shirts * FUN
If you have any questions about the fundraisers, information on the Beatrice 6, or the Nebraska Innocence Project, please feel free to contact Rebecca Murray, President, at 332-3755 or Traci Janousek, Interim Executive Director at 968-1904 or by email at nebraskainnocence@gmail.com
All proceeds of this event benefit the “Beatrice 6”
U.S. Supreme Court Orders Evidenciary Hearing for Troy Anthony Davis
Rare Decision Could Result in New Trial
In a long-awaited decision on the case of Georgia death row inmate Anthony Davis the U.S. Supreme Court has ordered a Federal Judge to "receive testimony and make findings of fact as to whether evidence that could not have been obtained at trial clearly establishes petitioner's innocence." Troy has always maintained his innocence and this case has become a rallying point for death penalty opponents around the world.
In the original trial witnesses said that then 19 year old Davis shot and killed off duty police officer Mark MacPhail. However, since his 1991 conviction, seven of the nine witnesses against him have recanted and there remains no physical evidence linking Davis to the crime.
Many figures including the Pope, former President Jimmy Carter and former Archbishop Desmond Tutu have asked Georgia to grant Davis a new trial. Other supporters include celebrities Susan Sarandon, Harry Belafonte and the Indigo Girls and conservative political leader Bob Barr.
NADP will be hosting an event during National Teach-In Week for Troy Davis (September 21-27). Stay tuned for more details!
For more information on the Troy Davis case and to hear from his family link to this Democracy Now video.
The photo is from the NAACP's IAMTROY.com campaign.
THE ABOLITIONIST | Summer 2009
Status of Lethal Injection in Nebraska
By Amy Miller, NADP Board Chair
"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up
every time we fail." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The disappointment we felt with the passage of the bill to implement lethal injection as Nebraska's new and sole means of execution reminds us that perseverance is necessary. The lethal injection bill was singed into law by Governor Dave Heineman on May 28, 2009 and will take effect on August 30th. This does not mean our work is over--not right now, and not for the long haul.
Right now, we need you to do a small thing. We need you to thank the Senators who stood against the injustice of LB 36. If your Senator voted in favor of this flawed and barbaric bill, please email, write or call your Senator to express your disappointment. Below you will find a breakdown of which Senators need to be thanked and which need to hear that you feel let down.
And down the road, we will need you to do a big thing. We will need you to help us, because we're not giving up. We will work through the summer and fall to conduct more public education forums across the state, bringing more and more voters together to oppose the death penalty. When the legislature starts up in January 2010, we'll be right back there pushing for abolition again. So the big thing we are asking you to do is stay with us, despite this set back. We know we're on the side of history--after all, just in the last year, New Mexico abolished the death penalty and many other states teeter on the brink of restoring justice too.
NADP will continue to rise up-every time-with your help, until the battle is won. Thank you all for keeping this movement moving forward!
Below you will find a break down of how the 49 Senators voted. We ask that you call or email a note of appreciation to the Senators who stood with us, even if they are not from your district.
Bill to enact lethal injection- LB 36 (click to send an email)
Voting yes (34): Adams, Ashford, Campbell, Carlson, Christensen, Cornett, Fischer, Flood, Friend, Fulton, Gay, Giese, Gloor, Hadley, Hansen, Harms, Heidemann, Janssen, Karpisek, Lautenbaugh, Louden, McCoy, Nelson, Pahls, Pankonin, Pirsch, Price, Rogert, Schilz, Stuthman, Sullivan, Utter, White, Wightman
Voting no (12): Coash, Cook, Council, Dierks, Dubas, Howard, Lathrop, McGill, Mello, Nantkes, Nordquist, Wallman
Present not voting (1): Avery
Amendment that would have repealed the death penalty - AM1452
Voting yes (13): Ashford, Avery, Coash, Cook, Council, Dierks, Haar, Lathrop, McGill, Mello, Nantkes, Nordquist, Rogert
Voting no (33): Adams, Campbell, Carlson, Christensen, Cornett, Fischer, Flood, Friend, Fulton, Gay, Giese, Gloor, Hadley, Hansen, Harms, Heidemann, Howard, Janssen, Karpisek, Lautenbaugh, Louden, McCoy, Nelson, Pahls, Pankonin, Pirsch, Price, Schilz, Stuthman, Sullivan, Utter, White, Wightman
Present not voting (1): Wallman
Reaching Out to You: Statewide Coordinator’s Report
By: Jill L Francke, NADP Statewide Coordinator
I wanted to take a moment now that the dust has settled to fill you all in on the ongoing work here at Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty!
First, I want to say how awesome it is to be part of a movement that is in such an exciting place both here in our state and on the national level. I am so encouraged by the huge gains being made in CO, KS, MD, CT, MT, MO and of course NM! It has bolstered our movement here in Nebraska and I am sure that we have only seen the beginning of these success stories!
The staff and Board of Directors here at NADP were very disappointed by the passage of the bill to implement lethal injection as our new and only means of execution on the second to last day of the 2009 legislative session. However, at the beginning of the session this legislation was viewed as a "slam-dunk" so the fact that we held them off as long as we did was very encouraging. Additionally, we picked up some new supporters of abolition and saw the emergence of two floor leaders during this years debate. While we did not have the votes needed for repeal this year we can certainly feel the shift that has taken place in this debate and even one of our staunch opponents in the Legislature declared that he can see the end of the death penalty in Nebraska coming in the near future. So our work must continue!
I want to thank all the individuals and organizations here in Nebraska and around the country that took part in the various calls to action during this session. There is no doubt that the presence of a true movement in support of repeal was felt in the halls of the capitol this year!
We have already seen the first in what will be a litany of challenges to lethal injection in Nebraska. The law does not even take effect until September and already it has been challenged in our state Supreme Court. It was very clear from the testimony heard before the Judiciary Committee and from the debate on the floor that this poorly crafted legislation will soon be seen as the "Nebraska Lawyers Stimulus Package of 2009" and we will be working to ensure that the state takes responsibility for passing this wasteful and inefficient legislation.
I also want to take some time to let you all know about the ongoing work that is underway at NADP. We have recently begun to collaborate with Murder Victims for Reconciliation (MVFR), a national organization that works with murder victim family member, (“mvfms”) in an effort to expand our outreach to mvfms here in Nebraska and we are happy that MVFR will be holding their upcoming board meeting in Omaha. While here, MVFR will be conducting a training for our local mvfms and other activists working in that community. We are extremely lucky to have some amazing mvfm who are already a critical part of our campaign and look forward to learning more about the needs of murder victim family members in Nebraska and how death penalty affects those needs.
Additionally, we are working to expand our efforts in the area of innocence and the death penalty. Greg Wilhoit will be delivering our Annual Dinner address this year and we are planning to do a mini tour in the state with some of our local exonorees and mvfms to get our the message that Nebraska faces the same problems that plague the death penalty in other states. We have learned so much from the work of the Journey of Hope and Witness to Innocence and it is our hope that these personal messages from our state will be very effective in continuing to reframe the debate about capitol punishment.
I always like to hear from our supporters and I appreciate any feedback from you on the work we are doing. If you know of a location that we could host an event in your area or are willing to help us organize such an event please give me a call or send me an email.
I look forward to working with and learning from all of you as we look down the road to abolition of the death penalty in our state and around the country!
Murder Victim’s Families for Reconciliation Coming to Nebraska
Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation (MVFR) recently selected Omaha as the site for their national board meeting and training session. Founded in 1976 MVFR is a national organization of family members of victims of both homicide and executions who oppose the death penalty in all cases. From October 22-25, MVFR will hold a two day board meeting along with a one day training session for family members of victims of homicide and executions. For more information on MVFR, you can view their website at www.mvfr.org.
“I am beyond thrilled that Nebraska was selected as the site for the MVFR board meeting. Recently, NADP has begun work to bring together murder victims’ family members and I think that this training session is crucial to that integral part of NADP. No one can put a voice to homicide or execution like a family member can,” stated Megan Moslander, NADP Office Manager and Events Coordinator.
NADP is also pleased to work with People Uniting, Lending Support and Encouragement (P.U.L.S.E) of Omaha to make the training session a success.
NADP strongly encourages any individuals who are interested in the training session to please contact Megan or Jill at 402.477.7787. This training session will provide an excellent opportunity to meet with others who have experienced similar experiences a victim of homicide or execution in Nebraska.
Losing a Fellow Abolitionist: Kathleen Hawk Norman
NADP’s friend, supporter and keynote speaker from last year’s annual dinner Kathleen Hawk Norman passed away April 16th, peacefully dying in her sleep at home in New Orleans.
As founder of "Jurors for Justice," an abolitionist support group for jurors on murder cases as secondary trauma victims of the death penalty, Kathleen had become a unique voice for abolition. She spoke so eloquently about how she was called for jury duty in Louisiana and tried to live up to her ideals as an American in agreeing to serve as jury foreperson. The trial resulted in a death sentence for Dan Bright because the only evidence presented clearly seemed to indicate his guilt. But when Bright's new appeal attorneys came to Kathleen to ask her for just an affidavit stating "If I'd known this other evidence existed, I would have paused before passing sentence," she didn't agree to just sign the affidavit: she became mobilized into a tremendous advocate for Bright. She attended every hearing, pursued the matter in the press, and refused to rest until Bright was finally exonerated and set free.
Even that was not enough for Kathleen. She went on to help found the Louisiana Innocence Project, became chair of the ACLU of Louisiana Board of Directors and pushed herself to travel nationwide, speaking out about the need to abolish the death penalty. Her public speaking was immensely powerful though it required her to re-live the experience of sending an innocent man to death row. She described how she felt traumatized even when she thought Bright was guilty, and how guilty she felt when she had proof he was an innocent man. "I kept telling Dan's attorneys how guilty I felt and they would pooh pooh me, saying it wasn't my fault, it was just the system. But it was my fault, and it is the fault of any citizen called for jury duty--that's why we have GOT to get rid of this abomination called the death penalty," she told NADP at our last annual banquet as our keynote speaker.
And if you knew Kathleen personally, as we here in Nebraska came to, you know that she was an absolute firebrand. She wouldn't make plans to do something: she did it. She didn't let others get discouraged or overwhelmed: she would blink at you behind her gorgeous funky eyeglasses and tell you to get out there and kick up the traces. We're grieving here in her home-away-from-home state, but as one NADP board members said, "Kathleen wouldn't want us to be flattened by her loss--she would want us to be feisty that she didn't get to see the death of capital punishment, so we need to just work harder."
In addition to a large family of siblings and her mother here in Nebraska, Kathleen is survived by her son in New Orleans. At the family’s request, memorials can be sent to NCADP, to Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty, or to the Innocence Project.
Connect With NADP
As the world of online activism continues to grow, NADP is working to stay connected to our supporters on the World Wide Web. We are currently utilizing various social networking sites and other forms of online communication to keep you up to date with our work and activities. We hope that you will take a minute today to visit our website www.nadp.net. We work very hard to keep the website up to date and informative so check back often to see what we are up to. When you visit the website please sign up to receive our email updates. This is the quickest and most cost effective way for us to keep you informed about the events taking place in your area and the many ways that you can take action.
You can also become a fan of NADP on Facebook by visiting www.fbook.me/nadp and clicking on Become a Fan. Additionally, you can follow NADP on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/N_A_D_P.
If you have questions about our online outreach or if you would like to receive email updates, please send an email to jill.francke@gmail.com.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty would like to offer a special thank you to "Nebraska's Cartoonist" Paul Fell for his coverage of the death penalty in the 2009 Legislative session. Through out this newsletter you have seen various FellToons, all pointing out major flaws with the death penalty and lethal injection here in Nebraska. Paul was very gracious in allowing NADP to use his cartoons in our outreach and education efforts surrounding LB 36 and for that we are very thankful.
In addition to allowing us to distribute these cartoons to our supporters Paul has also donated the original print of the cartoon that appears on the front page of this newsletter to our Annual Dinner Silent Auction. This is guaranteed to be a hot item so I hope that you are all able to come and place a bid on this wonderful piece of political art!
As a way of saying thank you to Paul we hope that you sign up to receive his Daily FellToon via email. It is a great way to start your morning and you never know when a poignant death penalty cartoon may appear! To sign up please visit www.paulfellcartoons.com and click on the Daily FellToon.
