Mueller Lake Park Outdoor Amphitheater
Eyes of World on Texas
RECEIVED Mon., Aug. 30, 2004
To the Editor:
I appreciated the well-researched and balanced articles by Jordan Smith on James Allridge III's request for clemency ["No Mercy," News, Aug. 20]. I also feel appalled that not one member of the Board of Pardons and Paroles supported James Allridge III's request for clemency. What more could a human being do to demonstrate that he is rehabilitated and no longer a threat to anyone? In denying mercy to someone like James, they are making it clear that there is no mercy for anyone on death row in Texas. The execution of a rehabilitated person like James is as much a crime as the murder he committed 19 years ago. I wish I knew what to say or do to persuade the powers that be to stop this crime from occurring [Ed.'s note: Allridge was executed Aug. 25]. I have written a second time to urge them to please reconsider their decision and intervene to save the life of a man who has truly repented, is no longer a threat, and who continues to make a strong, positive contribution to those with whom he is in contact.
Thanks to Amnesty International and the many worldwide supporters of Allridge's request for clemency, the eyes of the world are on Texas and its justice system. Now would be a good time to show that this state is capable of mercy as well as justice.
I appreciated the well-researched and balanced articles by Jordan Smith on James Allridge III's request for clemency ["No Mercy," News, Aug. 20]. I also feel appalled that not one member of the Board of Pardons and Paroles supported James Allridge III's request for clemency. What more could a human being do to demonstrate that he is rehabilitated and no longer a threat to anyone? In denying mercy to someone like James, they are making it clear that there is no mercy for anyone on death row in Texas. The execution of a rehabilitated person like James is as much a crime as the murder he committed 19 years ago. I wish I knew what to say or do to persuade the powers that be to stop this crime from occurring [Ed.'s note: Allridge was executed Aug. 25]. I have written a second time to urge them to please reconsider their decision and intervene to save the life of a man who has truly repented, is no longer a threat, and who continues to make a strong, positive contribution to those with whom he is in contact.
Thanks to Amnesty International and the many worldwide supporters of Allridge's request for clemency, the eyes of the world are on Texas and its justice system. Now would be a good time to show that this state is capable of mercy as well as justice.
Sincerely,
Ann Gelsheimer
Toronto, Ontario
Ann Gelsheimer
Toronto, Ontario
