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Could you support the execution of an innocent man, a man whose guilt had not been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt?
The state of Georgia seems intent on doing just that. Troy Anthony Davis was sentenced to death in 1991. Since then, he has had three execution dates, and once came within 90 minutes of execution. Each time, a stay was granted, largely as a result of public outcry.
Davis was convicted of murder based on witness testimony alone. There was no physical evidence, and a gun was never found.
Seven of the nine witnesses have recanted or changed their testimony, even though they faced prosecution for doing so. Of the two remaining witnesses, one has been implicated as the shooter. Troy is not asking for release. He is asking to have his case reopened.
This case has received international interest. Notable people, including Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu and the Pope, among many, have spoken out on his behalf. The support comes from people who normally support the death penalty, as well as abolitionists and human rights activists.
His family has worked ceaselessly all these years seeking a new trial. Even though his legal petitions have been denied, the judges who voted on his behalf have spoken out to say that his execution would be unconscionable as well as unconstitutional.
I am honored to be a friend of Troy Davis. He possesses grace that I have rarely encountered. He deserves to have his case reopened. He deserves to walk free.
Melanie Malovany
Dahlonega
Columnist helped shed light on agenda against women
To Joel Brinkley: Thanks for such a well written piece on the international plight women suffer. ("Worldwide, women have a long way to go," Monday).
There are even more cultures which inherently do harm to their women and children, but you only had so much space in your column. Most Westerners simply don't understand that the basic tenets of Islam foster such activity, yet we allow it to be called "religion of peace" in the media. Thank you for exposing the awful truths.
I'm sure you're aware of the inroads Islam is making in America today and that should cause us to lose sleep. The loss of a few rights for women might seem innocuous at first, but we stand to lose everything this country is based upon if we don't stop them now. Robert Spencer and Mark Steyn are notable authors I highly respect and follow. Perhaps your position at the NYT could be influential in helping expose the Islamic stealth jihad agenda.
Thanks again for using your column space to describe such brutalities in the name of "religion."
Linda Strawn
Clermont