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Much obliged to all Sojourner's who answered the call to action on behalf of Troy Davis on May 19. While I am very appreciative of your participation, the fact that our collective voices may stir the heart and soul of Gov. Perdue to grant clemency to a man who may well be innocent. As I wrote to AfroSpear members:

But, let us not forget that Troy is not the only one on death row in the states or throughout the world. There are those who are in favor of the death penalty and those who are not. But, everyone will agree that no individual should be put to death for a crime that he or she did not commit. On that fact we can and must all agree.

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Amnesty International has just released plans for a Global Day of Action for Troy Davis. As I reported here, Troy's latest and last appeal for a new trial was denied and his stay of execution will expire on May 15, 2009. Amnesty International has designated May 19th for groups and individuals around the world to organize demonstrations, vigils, teach-ins or any other public event in an effort to show Georgia that the executing Troy Davis "would be an unacceptable travesty of justice." As such they are asking the assistance of all in agreement with to be both visible and as loud as possible.

In an effort to show Georgia that the whole world is watching, the Global Day of Action for Troy Davis will be marked by a rally on the Atlanta Capital Steps sponsored by Amnesty International and the NAACP. Other activities being organized throughout the globe include information tables, candlelight vigils, letter-writing campaigns, panel discussions, and public demonstrations. Suggested themes of this global initiative include: "Shout from the Rooftops" - emphasize your outrage at the injustice in this case; you could even hold a demonstration on a rooftop; and "We Are Troy Davis" – emphasize your solidarity with Troy.

I am inviting all Sojourners, who are so inclined, to participate in this Global Blogging Day of Action for Troy Davis by writing a post on May 19th. In doing so, include the graphic seen at the beginning of this post as a show of solidarity. This is an official event for the entire blogosphere which I have registered at Amnesty International. I hope you will decide to participate by leaving a comment on this blog. You can also sign-up on my Facebook page.

In the meantime, please you can urge Georgia Governor Perdue to exercise leadership on behalf of Troy Davis:

• Visiting GFADP to see what activists are doing in Georgia.
• Clergy and Religious Leaders: Add your name to our sign-on letter.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. It's quick and easy using the ACLU's website. Text "TROY" to 90999 to help spread the word with your cell phone.

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Just stopped by Automatic Preference, where I learnded about Troy Davis who is scheduled to be executed on September 23.

Below is more information on this case. I hope you are inclined to help stop this scheduled execution.

On Monday, March 17, 2008, the Georgia Supreme Court decided 4-3 to deny a new trial for Troy Anthony Davis, despite significant concerns regarding his innocence. This stunning decision by the Georgia Supreme Court to let Mr. Davis’ death sentence stand means that the state of Georgia might soon execute a man who may well be innocent. Please take action today to help save Troy's life!

Speak the Truth!

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.

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Is the State of Georgia set to put an innocent man to death? The answer to this question is YES, unless Georgia Governor Perdue intervenes.

Troy Anthony Davis has been held on Georgia's Death Row for nearly 2 decades. Convicted of the murder of murder of Police Officer Mark MacPhail. Despite the facts that there was no physical evidence tying him to the murder, no murder weapon was found, and 7 of the 9 witnesses have recanted or contradicted their own testimony appeals to the highest state and federal courts - including the US Supreme Court - have all refused to hear or denied requests for a new trial.

Most recently, the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles has voted to deny clemency even though the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Leah Ward Sears, in a scathing dissent wrote:

If recantation testimony, either alone or supported by other evidence, shows convincingly that prior trial testimony was false, it simply defies logic and morality to hold that it must be disregarded categorically. A judge should consider the new evidence.

...The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony...Many of these witnesses have stated that they were pressured or coerced by police. One of the two witnesses who has not recanted or contradicted testimony is Sylvester Coles, the principal alternative suspect. Nine individuals have signed affidavits implicating Sylvester Coles. Troy Davis has never had a hearing in federal court on the reliability of the witness testimony used against him.

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UPDATE: The US Supreme Court has refused to take up the case of a Georgia death-row inmate who says the courts have denied him an opportunity to prove his innocence even after seven of nine trial witnesses changed their testimony.

"The Supreme Court's decision is truly shocking, given that significant evidence of Davis' innocence will never have a chance to be examined. Faulty eyewitness identification is the leading cause of wrongful convictions, and the hallmark of Davis' case. This was an opportunity for the Court to clarify the constitutionality of putting the innocent to death –- and in Davis' case, his innocence could only be determined with a new hearing or trial." Larry Cox, executive director for Amnesty International.

The state of Georgia can still do the responsible thing and prevent the execution of Troy Davis:

• Write a letter to the editor calling on Georgia to stop the execution of Troy Davis!
• Call on the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to reconsider its previous decision and grant clemency to Troy Davis.
• Urge your friends and family to go to amnestyusa.org/troydavis or text TROY to 90999 to add their voices to the over 200,000 that have already taken action on this case.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! As many Sojourners are already aware, May 19 has been designated by Amnesty Intentional as a Global Day of Action for Troy Davis. Bloggers are encouraged to participate in this call to action by writing a post on the 19th to let the State of Georgia know that the whole world is now watching as Troy's stay of execution runs out on May 15th.

If you have not done so already, there is still time to join the growing list of bloggers planning to attend the Global Blogging Day of Action for Troy Davis. This is an official event for the entire blogosphere which has been registered at Amnesty International. I hope you will decide to participate by leaving a comment on this blog. You can also sign-up on my Facebook page.

Characterized by Amnesty International as an "unacceptable travesty of justice" if in fact Troy's execution proceeds is mild when compared to the scathing dissent of the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Leah Ward Sears:

If recantation testimony, either alone or supported by other evidence, shows convincingly that prior trial testimony was false, it simply defies logic and morality to hold that it must be disregarded categorically. A judge should consider the new evidence.

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Got some things, that I just feel like sharing, rambling, or ranting about. So here goes:

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Sojourners, I am sad to report to you that Troy Anthony Davis' appeal was rejected by the federal appeals court in Atlanta on Thursday of this week. In the 2 to 1 opinion, the court ruled that Troy was unable to establish by clear and convincing evidence that a new jury would not find him guilty. Now Troy gets another 30 day-stay of execution to pursue appeals.

I am very confused. It was my impression that the issue was whether or not there was enough new evidence to warrant a new trial - not whether or not a new jury would find Troy guilty. Perhaps, I do not understand the judicial system as well as I should. But this ruling, simply makes no sense to me. And it appears that it makes no sense to the lone dissenter, Judge Rosemary Barkett, who said:

To execute Davis, in the face of a significant amount of proferred evidence that
may establish his actual innocence, is unconscionable and unconstitutional.

Unfortunately, her dissent fell on death ears of Judges Joel Dubina and Stanley Marcus who agreed that:

Davis has not presented us with a showing of innocence so compelling that we
would be obligated to act today.

Yesterday's decision leaves Troy with one more avenue for appeal to the US Supreme Court. The only problem is that they declined to even hear the appeal last year in October. Yet, the family of Troy Anthony Davis has vowed to continue to fight for a new trial.

Troy was convicted of killing off-duty Savannah Police Officer Mark Allen MacPhail. The 27-year-old former Army Ranger was shot three times before he could draw his weapon. Davis’ innocence claims have attracted international attention. They rely largely on the recantations of key prosecution witnesses who testified at trial and on statements by others who say another man told them he was the actual killer.

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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After the Supreme Court refused to hear the Troy Davis appeal for a new trial, Georgia scheduled a new date for his execution - Monday, October 27. However, this morning the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of execution. Many Sojourners have been following this story, writing letters, and signing petitions urging that Troy's execution be stayed. Right now, I have no additional details on this developing story.

All I can say is God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform and that God is Good All the Time and All the Time God is Good!

UPDATE:
@ 12:58P, 10/24/08

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a 25-day stay so Davis' legal team can file a new habeas corpus brief with a lower court. Davis' attorneys will argue that his execution would be a violation of the 8th Amendment. The amendment reads, "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

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Just in from CNN, the Supreme Court orders a stay of execution for Troy Anthony Davis. Davis was to be executed tonight at 7P.

The U.S. Supreme Court granted a last-minute reprieve to a Georgia man fewer than two hours before he was to be executed for the 1989 slaying of an off-duty police officer.

Troy Anthony Davis, 39, has his execution stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Troy Anthony Davis learned that his execution had been stayed when he saw it on television, he told CNN via telephone in his first interview after the stay was announced.

He said he was "thankful to God" for the news that came during an emergency session the U.S. Supreme Court convened.

Davis said "everyone should pray" for the slain officer's family.
The 39-year-old also said that he is "very grateful for everything that everyone is doing" for him and that he would "accept" whatever decision the Supreme Court rendered in the coming days about his
case.

Much obliged to all Sojourners who joined in this effort! This time we were successful!

Speak the Truth!

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.

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The federal appeals court in Atlanta will hear arguments Dec. 9 on whether death row inmate Troy Anthony Davis can continue to challenge his conviction in the killing of a Savannah police officer, a state official said Wednesday.

Russ Willard, spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office, said a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on whether Davis can file a second federal challenge to his conviction.

Related (new):

11th Circuit Raises Big Questions by Delving Into Death Row Case

Our system owes Troy Davis another day in court

Burnt Hills vs. Nyack

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Sojourners! This is a reminder that Tuesday, May 19th has been designated by Amenesty International as a Global Day of Action for Troy Davis. As such, a Global Blogging Day of Action has been organized and registered with Amnesty International as an official event. To date, many of you have indicated that you will participate. In addition to the Blogging Day of Action, hundreds more are also planning to participate in the Facebook Global Day of Action.

When your post is prepared, please drop by here or on Facebook and leave your link. Let us do all that we can to let the State of Georgia know that we are watching - that the world is watching!

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Black News Junkie ~ ~ Technorati ~ ~ Del.iciou.us ~ ~ Digg This! ~ ~ StumbleUpon ~ ~ Twitter ~ ~ My Good Towels ~ ~ FeedBlitz ~ ~ Email SjP
> > >SjP's truth continues

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Automatic Preference informs us that the Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles denied the clemency petition of Troy Anthony Davis. Davis is scheduled to be executed by the to be executed by the state of Georgia on September 23, even though his serious claims of innocence have never been heard in court.

Please urge the board to reconsider its decision now.

Speak the Truth!

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.

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Got some things, that I just feel like sharing, rambling, or ranting about. So here goes:

1. Don't have to tell you that these are pretty rough economic times. But, if your able, PLEASE buy some stocks. Like the POTUS said a few weeks ago, now is the time while you can still get into the market relatively cheap. I'm not talking about thousands of dollars - just a couple of hundred. Trust me, you'll be very glad you did.

2. I know that close only counts when playing horse shoes, but hey - that Korean missile came a little bit too close for comfort. Look, Il has been telling us for the last 7 years that he had a missile aimed right at our back yard. At what point in time do we take him seriously? Do we have to wait until he's knocking on the door? Help me understand why we and the UN just don't take him out!

3. Columbine, Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, Pittsburgh, Binghamton and the countless other violent killings that we don't see on national news were all committed by deranged people with guns. Yet, any real discussion regarding gun control in this Country always seem to end with the cliche"Guns don't kill people. People kill people". Although a true statement, it should be amended to "people kill people with guns". And the fact of the matter is that all too often the gun in the hand of some deranged person is the reason why innocent people are killed. This is a sad commentary for our Country when the right to bear arms is overshadowed by the right to live. None of these victims did anything to cause their deaths - but, the right of the assailants to bear arms was certainly the result.

4. The Grim Sleeper: I learned a few weeks ago from my blogging sister, Ms Lady Deborah, about a serial killer that has been murdering Black women in the Los Angeles area for nearly 25 years. Many bloggers in the Afrosphere voiced their outrage over the fact that a killer has been running rapid but under the radar of mainstream media. The rants and rumblings must have paid off as CNN now has dedicated an entire site to this case. They are requesting assistance in helping to solve the case of the Grim Sleeper. I know...I know..., but now at least the information is out there and lets all pray that this maniac is caught before someone else dies.

5. Damn! What you want from the man? He got a trillion dollars to help jump start the world economy - what more you want? Personally, I wondering what else he might have accomplished if he'd been at the top of his game. He reminded me of that game Michael played when he had the flu and only scored 38!

6. C'mon now! Let Madonna adopt the child. What's the big deal? Am I missing something here?

7. Troy Anthony$ Davis is still waiting to hear about his fate; the Scott Sisters got life sentences for allegedly stealing $11; and Chioma Gray and Adjir Desar are still missing. And that's all I got to say about that!

Well, that's all for now...ya'll have a wonderful and blessed week!

Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Black News Junkie ~ ~ Technorati ~ ~ Del.iciou.us ~ ~ Digg This! ~ ~ StumbleUpon ~ ~ Twitter ~ ~ My Good Towels ~ ~ FeedBlitz ~ ~ Email SjP
> > >SjP's truth continues

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