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Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader on Death Row

By Jeralyn, Section Death Penalty
Posted on Thu Aug 04, 2005 at 09:13:57 PM EST
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President Bush has sent a letter, accompanying an award, to the founder of the Crips gang who is on Death Row in California. The letter praises death row inmate Stanley "Tookie" Williams for demonstrating "the outstanding character of America."

The irony to me is that Stanley "Tookie" Williams deserves not only the award and letter, but to be granted clemency and taken off death row, and that Bush probably had no idea who Tookie is.

Come on, President Bush, do the right thing here. Pick up the phone, call Gov. Arnie, and tell him you think it would be the courageous and right thing to do to grant clemency to Tookie. You know, just one Republican friend talking to another. No pressure, just your friendly suggestion. If it doesn't feel quite right, maybe you could ask Karl Rove to make the call for you.

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    Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader on Death Row | 12 comments (12 topical)
    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#1)
    by John Mann on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    "Tookie" would do well to hope that Mr. Bush doesn't find out who he is. After all, Mr. Bush's record on clemency is not very encouraging.

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#2)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    This is going to be the spin:
    It was doubtful that the president, who oversaw 152 executions during his six years as Texas governor, knew that Williams had received a congratulatory letter bearing his signature.
    I know the WH doesn't support vets, but does it extend to not vetting anyone!? I just wonder if bush knows that Al Qaeda just threatened to attack in the US ... again. Remember August 2001 when he stayed on vacation after getting that same notice?

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#3)
    by Patrick on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    California death row is the equivalent of LWOP anyway. More people die of natural causes, accidents, or self inflicted injuries that are put to death in Calfornia. LWOP sentences are partially responsible for the increase violence in prison, IMO.

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#4)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    He is busy driving round his ranch with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe today. This Vacation photo speaks a thousand words. War on drugs, war on terror, he is just busy entertaining. I hope he does ot find out that Tookie got the award he may take it away, athough it would be great PR for him if he granted clemency. I think it rubs against his idea of natural selection to give anyone he deems inferior a break.

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    I don't think Bush can grant clemency in California, only the Governor can. The President can grant a pardon, but that would mean Tookie would walk free, and I'm not suggesting that, although it wouldn't bother me in the slightest. Clearly the man has been rehabilitated. I'm just trying to be practical. Gov. Schwarzenegger is holding the cards when it comes to whether Tookie Williams spends the rest of his life in prison or is killed by the state.

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#6)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Arnie does not seem like the type to do that. One less notch in whatever it is he notches.

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    I think Arnie would grant clemency in a heart beat, at least for this person. He is a business man and would anticipate federal favors. What does he have to loose?

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#8)
    by kdog on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Williams makes a good poster boy for rehabilitation and redemption, and I think he makes a fine candidate for a presidential pardon.

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#9)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Jesus. And you thought this was bad.
    MS. MORNIN: That's good, because I work three jobs and I feel like I contribute. THE PRESIDENT: You work three jobs? MS. MORNIN: Three jobs, yes. THE PRESIDENT: Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that. (Applause.) Get any sleep? (Laughter.)
    Uniquely American, or maybe Chinese. But anyway, I guess this pales in comparison to killing off the outstanding spirit of America.

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#10)
    by DawesFred60 on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:58 PM EST
    Bush is nut's and evil, but so are most people in the empire, would you ask bush to help me after i do my thing? and is tookie innocent or just black and is he really blameless or just a political guy for points?

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#11)
    by DawesFred60 on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:58 PM EST
    Oh Talkleft, i love you, but under the terror act bush can do his little clemency thing. jihad, not just one more act of terror but an act for the gods of the east. free all terrorists, free saddam he has a big heart. love love thats all you need. or how about see it for what it is.

    Re: Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader (none / 0) (#12)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:02:02 PM EST
    A spokesman for the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation said that neither the council nor Bush had any way of knowing that the person they were honoring was a condemned multiple murderer.
    Uhh, gee I don't know, try 'Google.';-)

    Bush Sends Commendation Letter to Gang Leader on Death Row | 12 comments (12 topical)