March 6th has now come and gone, thankfully without an execution. Yet again, the state’s attempt to take a life in our name was thwarted by an appeal. This cycle drags victims families through painful recounts of their loved one’s murder and is a strain on limited tax-payer resources. It needs to end by replacing death sentences with life without parole. Beyond questions about obtaining execution drugs, Nebraska citizens and our state legislators have reservations about the continuation of spending our limited resources on this failed policy. Numerous budget problems and the lack of adequate funds for law enforcement to solve cold cases and prevent violent crime beg the question: why are we spending money on pursuing an execution?
So, what can you do?
– Contact your State Senator and tell him or her that Nebraska elected officials have more pressing matters to attend to that effect every Nebraskan!
–Attend and bring a friend to a concert benefiting NADP on April 6th in Lincoln. RSVP on Facebook and invite others there!
–Write a letter to the editor to help debunk some commonly-believed myths, like the myth that it costs more to house a prisoner for life than to pursue execution, or that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to murder. Then encourage your fellow citizens to become active in expressing their opposition to the death penalty. If you need factoids to include in your letter, see our fact sheets on our website or contact me at stacy@nadp.net.
–Join the Action committee. This group meets during critical times to develop and implement plans of action. Our next meeting will be April 12. Email me at stacy@nadp.net if you are interested.
–Host an educational event in your community. Invite us to come speak to your book club, community group, or faith gathering. We can tailor the presentation based on the type of gathering. We have found that this is one of the best ways to get people thinking and to identify new NADP supporters. If you are interested, please email me.
–Donate to NADP. We are working hard to make contacts and set up educational events all over the state so every key district is impacted toward abolition, but we can’t do it without your support! Every amount helps us print materials, fill our cars with gas and get much-needed technology!