Michigan Votes

2007 House Bill 4262 (Revise prison time off for good behavior )

[Comments on this legislation] [Text and Analysis] [Add to Watch List]
[Previous] [Next]

  • Introduced by Rep. George Cushingberry on February 13, 2007, to revise provisions giving prisoners good behavior “credits” that are considered at parole hearings, and recalculate the release and parole eligibility dates accordingly. This would allow earlier releases for some prisoners, within the context of Michigan's "truth in sentencing" laws.
    • Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on February 13, 2007, where the bill remains. In other words, there has been no further action on the bill since it was referred to this committee. Whether a committee takes up a bill is at the discretion of the committee chair, in this case Rep. Paul Condino, D-Southfield.

Line

Comments

Introduced by Rep. George Cushingberry on February 13, 2007. New Comment

1) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on August 21, 2008]
Hey I see nothing has changed here. I will check back later to see if our Legislators are back from vacation and ready to get to work seriously on the Mi. ecocnomy.
Reply New Comment

Line

2) G-Ma? [by Anonymous Citizen on August 23, 2008]
How is your Grandson doing? I pray all is well.
Reply New Comment

Line

3) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on August 29, 2008]
He is doing great. I am having a nice summer too. How is yours Sandie?
Reply New Comment

Line

4) jenny [by Anonymous Citizen on August 23, 2008]
Where in the hell is our governor??? When are we going to be blown away????? Way to go Michigan, She is a complete loser!!!!
Reply New Comment

Line

5) Let Em All Out [by Anonymous Citizen on August 13, 2008]
They are only there because of decisions they made because they weren't supervised enough. When the nannies get control over everything there won't be any crime and we can save all that money we waste on jails. Why can't you people see that the mean capitalists and freedom lovers are truly the evil ones?
Reply New Comment

Line

6) Please Spare Us [by Anonymous Citizen on August 4, 2008]

The histrionics about your having been "murdered" by the person who raped you 21 years ago.

You were raped, which is a nasty crime. But you survived.

You weren't murdered. That is a simple fact.

Otherwise, you would not be around to whine about your victimhood 21 years after the crime that victimized you.

Yes, you were left psychologically scarred by your traumatic experience. That's a shame.

If your assailant has been arrested, tried, convicted and properly sentenced for the crime, you have been given the satisfaction you are due for it in our justice system. You are going to have to be satisfied with that, and get on with your life.





Reply New Comment

Line

7) Concern Person [by Anonymous Citizen on July 30, 2008]
In Michigan it's only going to get worse than better because the great loss of jobs and homes. Michigan law-makers need to really sit down and re-think their stratgies. Michigan prisons are getting larger and larger with out a solution to solving some of theses men and women issues. There needs to be some type of programs to help them prepare for the out-side world. Michigan is known across the world, when it comes to their prison systems. There need to be a change and quickly. The good time for time serve, is a good program only if the prisoner has taken the steps to complete the necessary programs to become a real citizen. The prisons basically know who would make a change coming out into the real world. You law-makers need to sit-down and ponder what is a good solution. If this don't happen soon then Michigan will be in a bad state. This is happening now. Michigan needs a change and the only way it's going to happen is to just do it.
Reply New Comment

Line

8) What do you think of state prison system? [by sandie_221 on July 14, 2008]
It's one of the biggest in the country, and there is a fight underway on how to bring the prison system in line with a shrinking state budget.



We would like to hear from you about what you think should or could be done.

Should the system be shrunk to save money?
Do you feel safer with more than 50,000 locked up, or is crime still a concern?
What can be done to curb crime?
Do you feel safe?

Also, is prison funding too much of a political hot potato or is not enough being done to keep people safe?

Your thoughts on the state's prison system:

With the state in financial trouble and concern about criminal behavior, what should Michigan's leaders do with the Department of Corrections?

Coppy and paste the website below into your address bar to give your thoughts.

http://204.176.34.90/edit/prisonparole.asp



Reply New Comment

Line

9) Michigan's costly prison system [by sandie_221 on July 13, 2008]
Is Michigan's no-nonsense approach to law and order coming at the expense of taxpayers during already tough economic times?



Many are asking this question while belts get tightened in a state that has been rocked by unemployment, a plummeting housing market and a crumbling automotive industry.

Critics of programs that would allow early releases from prison point to the possibility of increased crime rates, which could spark emotional and fiscal costs on the law-abiding public.

Proponents, however, argue that the longer sentences of nonviolent offenders and technical parole violators are unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money.

It's a issue that carries the burdensome weight of balancing fiscal responsibility with making sure criminals are properly punished.

Here is the link in todays Oakland Press:

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/071308/loc_20080713315.shtml



Reply New Comment

Line

10) Take Action! [by sandie_221 on June 29, 2008]
Want to change mandatory sentencing laws? Here's how. The FAMM action center helps you communicate with your elected lawmakers in Congress (the federal level) and in your state. Elected lawmakers have the power to reform harsh mandatory sentencing laws, but they must have the support of you - their constituent - to do so.

It's so easy to do! Just use the links below to look up your lawmakers and start building a relationship with them by responding to FAMM e-alerts, writing letters and making telephone calls about your concerns. When possible, a handwritten or typed letter is always best, but you can also use e-mail to get your point across.

Fair and proportionate sentencing laws can be achieved if we work together to inform lawmakers. Take action today!

http://capwiz.com/famm/home/

Reply New Comment

Line

11) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 29, 2008]
Thanks Sandie will do. Have a nice week.
Reply New Comment

Line

12) Concern Person [by pricetag on June 27, 2008]
Do anyone know what is going on with the law 4262? When will this law be addressed.
Reply New Comment

Line

13) Support [by sandie_221 on June 28, 2008]
Once again this bill has been ignored but I am sure it will be reintroduced soon as it has the past three years.When it comes back we must contact EVERYONE we know who supports it and have them contact there legislation.
Reply New Comment

Line

14) fyi [by Anonymous Citizen on June 25, 2008]
Missed Votes
Date range: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 to Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008


Senators:

Legislator Total Missed Votes*
Sen. Jason Allen (R) 0
Sen. Glenn Anderson (D) 9
Sen. Jim Barcia (D) 36
Sen. Ray Basham (D) 13
Sen. Patricia Birkholz (R) 24
Sen. Mike Bishop (R) 1
Sen. Liz Brater (D) 58
Sen. Cameron Brown (R) 1
Sen. Nancy Cassis (R) 7
Sen. Deborah Cherry (D) 14
Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman (D) 47
Sen. Hansen Clarke (D) 15
Sen. Alan L. Cropsey (R) 21
Sen. Valde Garcia (R) 169
Sen. Tom George (R) 6
Sen. Jud Gilbert (R) 3
Sen. John Gleason (D) 40
Sen. Bill Hardiman (R) 22
Sen. Tupac Hunter (D) 75
Sen. Gilda Jacobs (D) 20
Sen. Mark Jansen (R) 20
Sen. Ron Jelinek (R) 24
Sen. Roger Kahn (R) 4
Sen. Wayne Kuipers (R) 32
Sen. Michelle McManus (R) 19
Sen. Dennis Olshove (D) 14
Sen. John Pappageorge (R) 25
Sen. Bruce Patterson (R) 46
Sen. Michael Prusi (D) 4
Sen. Randy Richardville (R) 0
Sen. Alan Sanborn (R) 58
Sen. Mark Schauer (D) 22
Sen. Martha G. Scott (D) 74
Sen. Tony Stamas (R) 26
Sen. Michael Switalski (D) 16
Sen. Samuel B. Thomas, III (D) 98
Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom (R) 1
Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D) 9


Representatives:

Legislator Total Missed Votes*
Rep. Frank Accavitti, Jr. (D) 41
Rep. Daniel Acciavatti (R) 61
Rep. David Agema (R) 77
Rep. Fran Amos (R) 75
Rep. Kathy Angerer (D) 5
Rep. Richard J. Ball (R) 112
Rep. Joan Bauer (D) 1
Rep. Doug Bennett (D) 40
Rep. Steve Bieda (D) 8
Rep. Darwin Booher (R) 3
Rep. Jack Brandenburg (R) 76
Rep. Terry Brown (D) 1
Rep. Pam Byrnes (D) 3
Rep. Barb Byrum (D) 63
Rep. Brian Calley (R) 18
Rep. Tom Casperson (R) 20
Rep. Bruce Caswell (R) 21
Rep. Bill Caul (R) 61
Rep. Marsha Cheeks (D) 147
Rep. Brenda Clack (D) 57
Rep. Ed Clemente (D) 16
Rep. Paul Condino (D) 21
Rep. Bob Constan (D) 0
Rep. Marc Corriveau (D) 0
Rep. Andy Coulouris (D) 0
Rep. George Cushingberry (D) 144
Rep. Robert Dean (D) 5
Rep. Craig DeRoche (R) 137
Rep. Andy Dillon (D) 56
Rep. Marie Donigan (D) 12
Rep. Kate Ebli (D) 20
Rep. Kevin A. Elsenheimer (R) 15
Rep. Judy Emmons (R) 46
Rep. John Espinoza (D) 47
Rep. Barbara Farrah (D) 51
Rep. Edward Gaffney (R) 23
Rep. John Garfield (R) 170
Rep. Matthew Gillard (D) 93
Rep. Lee Gonzales (D) 33
Rep. Kevin Green (R) 56
Rep. Martin Griffin (D) 64
Rep. Richard Hammel (D) 17
Rep. Ted Hammon (D) 0
Rep. Goeff Hansen (R) 9
Rep. Dave Hildenbrand (R) 2
Rep. Morris Hood, III (D) 18
Rep. Jacob Hoogendyk, Jr. (R) 35
Rep. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D) 20
Rep. Kenneth Horn (R) 6
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R) 89
Rep. Joe Hune (R) 0
Rep. Shanelle Jackson (D) 44
Rep. Bert Johnson (D) 9
Rep. Rick Jones (R) 0
Rep. Robert Jones (D) 9
Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R) 14
Rep. Michael Lahti (D) 8
Rep. Philip LaJoy (R) 19
Rep. David Law (R) 19
Rep. Kathleen Law (D) 116
Rep. Richard LeBlanc (D) 0
Rep. Gabe Leland (D) 4
Rep. LaMar Lemmons, Jr. (D) 101
Rep. Steven Lindberg (D) 1
Rep. Jim Marleau (R) 13
Rep. Jeff Mayes (D) 1
Rep. Gary McDowell (D) 2
Rep. Mark Meadows (D) 50
Rep. Arlan Meekhof (R) 18
Rep. Andy Meisner (D) 21
Rep. Tim Melton (D) 21
Rep. Kimberly Meltzer (R) 14
Rep. Fred Miller (D) 0
Rep. John Moolenaar (R) 11
Rep. Tim Moore (R) 8
Rep. Chuck Moss (R) 9
Rep. Neal Nitz (R) 9
Rep. Mike Nofs (R) 29
Rep. Paul Opsommer (R) 27
Rep. Brian Palmer (R) 82
Rep. David Palsrok (R) 1
Rep. John Pastor (R) 53
Rep. Phil Pavlov (R) 3
Rep. Tom Pearce (R) 21
Rep. Gino Polidori (D) 7
Rep. John Proos, IV (R) 2
Rep. David Robertson (R) 7
Rep. Tory Rocca (R) 0
Rep. Michael Sak (D) 0
Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker (R) 10
Rep. Bettie Scott (D) 110
Rep. Rick Shaffer (R) 4
Rep. Fulton Sheen (R) 94
Rep. Joel Sheltrown (D) 1
Rep. Mike Simpson (D) 2
Rep. Alma Smith (D) 19
Rep. Virgil Smith, Jr. (D) 62
Rep. Dudley Spade (D) 8
Rep. John Stahl (R) 38
Rep. John Stakoe (R) 48
Rep. Glenn Steil, Jr. (R) 92
Rep. Steve Tobocman (D) 27
Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi (D) 80
Rep. Mary Valentine (D) 6
Rep. Howard Walker (R) 0
Rep. Chris Ward (R) 268
Rep. Rebekah Warren (D) 46
Rep. Lorence Wenke (R) 91
Rep. Lisa Wojno (D) 48
Rep. Coleman Young (D) 15



*Missed votes include all roll calls on which a legislator did not vote, regardless of whether the legislator was present or absent.


Reply New Comment

Line

15) SAD! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 28, 2008]
This is pretty sad info!
Reply New Comment

Line

16) Peacefull! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 23, 2008]
So....What happened to the trolls? I'll bet someone finally exposed who thet really were!
Reply New Comment

Line

17) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 24, 2008]
SHHHH! I think they finally decided they were not getting anywhere so they moved on.. To troll someone else.
Reply New Comment

Line

18) G-Ma? [by sandie_221 on June 22, 2008]
How is your grandson doing?
Reply New Comment

Line

19) I was thinking the same thing.... [by Anonymous Citizen on June 25, 2008]
They must have given up. It's about time!!

G-Ma: Glad to hear your grandson is doing good now that he's gotten out. Tell him to stay strong!
Reply New Comment

Line

20) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 25, 2008]
Thank you. What can we do right now to make sure this bill is put in place as soon as possible, at least by the end of the year?
Reply New Comment

Line

21) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 22, 2008]
He is doing great. He has a job working with a tree service. It's hard and long hours but he loves it. A girl that he grew up with has moved back to Michigan after being gone 5 years and they are togather when he is not working ,she is very good for him.
Reply New Comment

Line

22) Awesome! [by sandie_221 on June 22, 2008]
That is great news! I am very glad to hear that he is doing well for himself!
Reply New Comment

Line

23) Concern Person [by pricetag on June 22, 2008]
Correction, not desire a second chance, but deserves second chance. Have a Bless Day.
Reply New Comment

Line

24) Concern Person [by pricetag on June 22, 2008]
Yes, I would like to see anyone to have a second chance. Everyday, there is a crime being committed be it known or unknown. God's word said, he who without sin please cast the first stone. Many have done something they have regreted and wish for a second chance. Did you receive it or not. No one will know but you. However, people have so much bitterness in their hearts. Everyone needs to look first at your self before you make a state should some receive a second chance. See if you can focus first on that beam in your eye before you can pull the molt out of somebody else eye. Yes, these men need to have an program to help them get back into society to live a normal life. Will you be that good stewart and help them find a job when he or she get out to move to the next level, or will you be that person who will always be standing by the side waiting to criticize that person. The only person who can make a change for the good is the prisoners. If they are willing to change their life style for the good. Then yes, they desire a second chance. Just remember there is a lot of crooked people in the world and lyers who has not been caught yet. Bu, God gives them another chance to get it right.
Reply New Comment

Line

25) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 22, 2008]
Yes I agree. Those who critizes the most need to check the skeletons in their own closets first before critizing others. Second chances are good for everyone even those who do not get caught the first time.
Reply New Comment

Line

26) bompa marv [by Anonymous Citizen on August 11, 2008]
Oh how I pray that someone, somewhere will help me to understand how my Grandson, who at 18 was sentenced to 3 to 5 years in level one prison for missing a probation oficers meeting. He was given 18 months probation for a few flakes of MJ going into jail (contraband). The Judge had said when he was sentenced to the 18 months that If he (my grandson) ever appeared before him again "for anything" he would "send him down the river" . My Grandson is bipolar, this was never serviously considered in the PSI. There must be some kind of justice. I paid good $$$ for an appeal which did not get a decent look. Anybody have any guiding signs???
Reply New Comment

Line

27) Get an understanding of the 4262 Bill [by Anonymous Citizen on June 20, 2008]
Go to: www.prisontalk.com, become a member (its free to join) and it has ALL kinds of stuff there to help you understand what these inmates and there families go through on daily basis and then ask yourself; "Am I being selfish or what?" "Should we really give these prisoners a second chance?"
Reply New Comment

Line

28) To Concernd Person [by Anonymous Citizen on June 20, 2008]
I have to agree with you. This Bill for the good time had originally came out in 2005 and was being discussed then left on a desk, picked back up in 2007 and again discussed and dropped on the desk to be left lay until they are ready to talk about it again. We have other bills that are less important to talk about so yes, WHY cant they bring it back up and get it passed for those who regret for doing wrong and give them a that second chance in life to "PROVE" themselves that they can be good this time. Look at it this way, WHAT would we do IF God said, "oh you were bad so now I am going to let you sit and rot in prison" , not likely, GOD would give them a second chance and so should we, just have a little bit more tighter rules or put them on a tether IF they are worried so much about them reoffending again.
Reply New Comment

Line

29) Get Rid Of The Women! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 20, 2008]
Now WHY would you want to get rid of the women who work just as hard as the men do IF not harder. There are men who DO NOT do crap in those prisons as guards. I have actually seen it in action as I was going through the level 5 salle ports into the building of a prison to visit a friend. Now, women signed a bill back in the day for the women's liberal status and YOU WANT to delete women all together in being able to work in a Male prison? PLEASE, give me a break; What garbage can did you learn this from?
Reply New Comment

Line

30) Concern Person [by pricetag on June 20, 2008]
When will this law be address by the state law makers, because it's been over a year for response? Everyone is getting tried of waiting and all the sarcastic remarks from those who don't believe in second chances.
Reply New Comment

Line

31) A Student Speaking his mind [by Anonymous Citizen on June 15, 2008]
I don't think you should release prisoners early just because of good behavior. If someone is sentenced to prison for whatever reason, they should serve their entire sentence. This new bill gives prisoners a chance to cheat their terms and get out early without paying their debt to society. By the way, ever hear of "acting"? I hear that people get rich in Hollywood for it.Here's a crazy theory for you: Any prisoner with half a brain, and a little bit of knowledge of how to use it, can pretend to be good and "rehabilitated", behave well, get released early, then go on to do more of what landed him in prison in the first place. This will NOT work!!!
Reply New Comment

Line

32) wow [by Anonymous Citizen on July 2, 2008]
you are really the most ignorant person i have ever encountered. please do some research and put your self in someone elese's situation before speaking your mind next time.
Reply New Comment

Line

33) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 15, 2008]
So we just keep all of them there and our taxes go higher and higher. As a student you do the samething you work hard, earn good grades and you are given credits towards graduation, and when you get out of school and apply for a job they look at your records in school to see how you have done, to determine if you can be hired. this bill lets inmates work and earn good time credits and the parole board checks to see how they have done and may deduct time off their sentence for good behavior. Sam principle.
Reply New Comment

Line

34) SO what's your point? Students [by Anonymous Citizen on June 16, 2008]
don't have their overall graduation requirements reduced for meeting a few of them. By your logic, wouldn't it be cheaper for us all if NO ONE got incarcerated?
Reply New Comment

Line

35) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 16, 2008]
It's not just your grades in school that employers and even colleges look at.Its your performance in sports, leadership, involvement in school activities, your behavior, too. It is what you earn as an all around student that they look at. Yes inmates have made mistakes and it would be cheaper for all if they had not, but why can they not have a chance at changing their lifes around and earn credits to get out a little early? If you fail the ACT'S the first time do you not get a second chance some even get a third?
Reply New Comment

Line

36) sandie_221 Safe [by Anonymous Citizen on June 15, 2008]
I pray that everyone who visits this website is safe tonight!
Reply New Comment

Line

37) How about time off for getting the LEAD out of your body? [by Anonymous Citizen on June 8, 2008]
While in prison. Screen for it. Pay
for medical attention necessary while
it prison. Do it, like, yesterday.
Ignoring the problem leaches money
from the taxpayer longterm.

Reply New Comment

Line

38) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 8, 2008]
What does this mean?
Reply New Comment

Line

39) g-MA [by Anonymous Citizen on June 6, 2008]
Has anyone heard when this bill might be reintroduced?
Reply New Comment

Line

40) HB 4262 update [by Anonymous Citizen on June 18, 2008]
I am in contact with various represenitives.Alma Smith has said that it is very unlikely that this bill will be looked at further until after the elections, sometime in the last two months of the year.
Reply New Comment

Line

41) G-MA? [by sandie_221 on June 7, 2008]
I emailed and also called Rep. George Cushingberry but have not heard back yet.
Reply New Comment

Line

42) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 9, 2008]
Sandie sent a e-mail out today also. Let me know if you hear anything and I will do the same. Have a good week!
Reply New Comment

Line

43) Sign in [by Anonymous Citizen on June 15, 2008]
I did not sign in but this is Sandie. I just got power back tonight.I will responed in the morning.
Reply New Comment

Line

44) Get rid of the women! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 4, 2008]
I hear there are so many females working in the prisons that the prisoners spend most of their nights masturbating while females work. Get rid of the female guards and toughen up the prisons.
Reply New Comment

Line

45) A Student Speaking his mind [by Anonymous Citizen on June 15, 2008]
I totally agree with "Get rid of the women!" Women, I think, don't fit the bill for acting as security guards in prison, especially death row convicts and rapists. Leave the dirty work to the men.
Reply New Comment

Line

46) actually some of these [by Anonymous Citizen on June 25, 2008]
women are harder than the men on the prisoners. Some of the male guards look only TOO HAPPY to strip search
Reply New Comment

Line

47) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 25, 2008]
This is so true..
Reply New Comment

Line

48) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 15, 2008]
I do not know who you are but I have my suspicions. Your way of thinking went out along time ago. Women are just as capable as men. I will say maybe women in the women's prison and men in the men's prison that would work.
Reply New Comment

Line

49) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 6, 2008]
WHO posted this???????????????????
Reply New Comment

Line

50) Someone with a sick mind! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 6, 2008]
Who doesn't understand anything about the prison system.
Reply New Comment

Line

51) CHAT ROOM? [by Anonymous Citizen on June 3, 2008]
Is this a chat room? Some people seem to think so.........
Reply New Comment

Line

52) Ignorance!!!!! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
Way to go G-Ma! I have not been on here in over two weeks and just got through reading what you have been going through with theses jerks! When the word "nigger" came out I pretty much knew we had been right all along about them! Its been so long since I heard ANYONE use that term I was shocked!
Reply New Comment

Line

53) why are you [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
shocked? because somebody used the word NIGGER? or because g-ma has disregarded everyone else's rights?

now, how many AFRICAN-AMERICANS has g-ma told to SHUT UP in her life?

all the AFRICAN-AMERICANS on this site.

all the POLISH-AMERICANS on this site.

all the AMERICANS on this site.

everybody but you, the troll, and herself.

king, queen, and dutchess of communism.

ruling from on high...

the MOST EQUAL OF THE EQUALS.

nice try, though.
Reply New Comment

Line

54) g-ma has disregarded everyone else's rights? [by Anonymous Citizen on June 3, 2008]
YOU are the one who has disregarded everyone else's rights!Name calling and judging other posters because they dont see it like you do. Its a matter of opinion and yours is not the only one here! So....what do you do for a living when you are not on the internet bothering people? You sure dont leave much time for work! And if you say you are at work I sure would not want you to work for me because you cant be doing a good job if you are here all the time following other posters around!

Reply New Comment

Line

55) Waste of time! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 3, 2008]
With all your dumb statements I have come to understand that you like to hear yourself talk! You must come here several times a day to reread what you post.And if someone does not agree with you than it must be G-Ma posting. I am NOT G-Ma and I think you are one of the BIGGEST JERKS I have seen post here! Go back and look at your posting....Its the same ranting over and over. Sorry for your boring life!
Reply New Comment

Line

56) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 5, 2008]
HI. I haven't been around for a few days and I see the boys from the internet cafe haven't had much to say. That's good because they never have much of value to say anyways. Has anyone heard when this bill maybe reintroduced? Sandie my grandson did come home. He's doing great,and is already got some part time work lined up. I will keep you posted.Enjoy this hot weather they say we are going to get, I am right in my pool.
Reply New Comment

Line

57) Goodmorning! [by sandie_221 on June 6, 2008]
GREAT NEWS! I am so happy he is home! Its a wonderful feeling isnt it? Please tell him there is alot of support out there and to try to get into school and get a trade ASAP.My godson is doing well also and really enjoys the classes he is taking. He is taking culinary arts, hotel and restaurant management and a one year certificate in baking.You enjoy this hot weather also...I wish I had a pool!

Reply New Comment

Line

58) I agree... [by Anonymous Citizen on June 5, 2008]
I think Crazycajun, uber-liberal, and the so-called "internet cafe" group have nothing better to do with their lives than come on here everyday, all day and pick fights with anyone who disagrees with their point of view. They think they are all-knowing and are the experts. I find it hard to believe they even have jobs for the amount of time they spend attacking people on this forum and all the others.
Reply New Comment

Line

59) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 5, 2008]
I think that is their job to annoy us.
Reply New Comment

Line

60) so? [by Anonymous Citizen on June 3, 2008]
i'm supposed to be impressed by you?

i keep posting because you are still wrong.

get it RIGHT and i'll stop.

Reply New Comment

Line

61) SO? [by Anonymous Citizen on June 4, 2008]
YOU keep posting because you have nothing better to do! I cant imagine having a life so boring that I would need to get on the internet and follow others around and TRY to pick a arguement!

Cant you find a place to volunteer?
Reply New Comment

Line

62) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
I have not heard it in along time either. Welcome back..
Reply New Comment

Line

63) i hear it all [by crazycajun on June 2, 2008]
the time. every time i walk through the jails and prisons of this state.

it's a term used by inmates.

if you haven't heard it, you haven't been truly listening to your loved ones.

if you are shocked, you have been living a SHELTERED LIFE.

but the poster is right, you HAVE been telling an awful lot of people to JUST SHUT UP.

that means that you don't care about their freedom of speech, only your own.

that means that THEIR rights are LESS IMPORTANT than YOUR RIGHTS.

once again... you have been PROVEN WRONG.
Reply New Comment

Line

64) WHAT???? [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
Are you talking about now????

Once again...just trying to put people down and trying to prove them wrong with YOUR opinions!

And AGAIN you have me mixed up with another poster!
Reply New Comment

Line

65) that's okay... [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
you do it all the time.

but it's okay for YOU to do it, but NOT for anybody to do it to you...

isn't that how liberalism works?
Reply New Comment

Line

66) Again [by Anonymous Citizen on June 3, 2008]
Another unimportant statement put here to TRY to bother other posters!
Reply New Comment

Line

67) Forgot to include the following! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
ignorance:The condition of being uninformed or uneducated. Lacking knowledge or information.
Reply New Comment

Line

68) What do you think? [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Jennifer Granholm proposed changes Friday in the way Michigan punishes nonviolent criminals, saying the state is spending too much on prisons and not enough on schools.

Granholm called for "safe but cost-effective" criminal justice reforms in a speech during the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual Mackinac Policy Conference.

She also asked her audience of roughly 1,700 business and government leaders to support her initiatives for reducing the dropout rate and attracting alternative energy companies.

Appearing vigorous and cracking jokes in her first public appearance since undergoing abdominal surgery for a blocked intestine April 29, Granholm acknowledged the state's economy remains anemic. She noted announcements this week that Ford Motor Co. plans layoffs of salaried employees while American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. is cutting more than half of its U.S. hourly work force.

Michigan has lost 330,000 manufacturing jobs since June 2000, more than any other state.

"We cannot sugarcoat it," Granholm said. "The question is, what do we do about it?"

The Democratic governor said the prison system is taking up an increasingly large share of the state budget. Michigan's prison population has increased 60 percent since 1990. Three of every 10 state employees work for the Department of Corrections, and Michigan imprisons its citizens at the highest rate of any Midwestern state.

Granholm made no specific recommendations for sentencing reforms, but spokeswoman Liz Boyd said officials were working with the Council of State Governments on a plan that could include releasing some nonviolent inmates and stepped-up use of alternative punishments.

Aware of the political sensitivity of appearing soft on crime, Granholm touted her credentials as a former state attorney general and federal prosecutor.

"I am not interested and will not allow violent criminals to be released into our communities, period," she said. "However, there are people who are in the prison system now who could be released safely."

Granholm did not say how much money criminal justice reforms could save, but said it could be used to put more police on the streets, reduce the Michigan Business Tax and invest in higher education.

"The best (crime) prevention policy is giving kids a good education," she said.

Republican legislative leaders voiced skepticism about sentencing revisions during a panel discussion Thursday, saying the problem wasn't the number of Michigan inmates but the cost of running the prisons - including wages and benefits for employees.

"If we're going to make reforms, we want to make real reforms," Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop said.

Sen. Buzz Thomas, the minority floor leader, said Granholm's approach made sense but might be a tough sell during an election year.

"Nearly half of the prison population suffers from mental illness," said Thomas, a Detroit Democrat. "Many of these people are in there on nonviolent crimes. They would be more humanely served and more cost-effectively served in a mental health treatment facility or some sort of program that gives them an opportunity to manage their illness."

A more skilled and better educated work force is also essential for the state economy, Granholm said. While more Michigan students are attending college than ever, too many still believe they can earn a good living without a degree or even a high school diploma, she said.

She is pushing for a state fund to establish high schools with smaller student bodies and curricula that would prepare students to fill jobs in growing sectors of the economy.

"We have got to attack, declare war, on the dropout problem," Granholm said.
Reply New Comment

Line

69) it's really bad [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
when your own press release doesn't say what the governor plans, because she doesn't know WHAT TO PLAN.

it DOES mention APPEARING SOFT ON CRIME as a MAJOR CONCERN.

i'll bet she PUNTS and let's the next governor figure this one out.


Reply New Comment

Line

70) I See That [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
the Poster Boy For The Let's Rehabilitate The Criminal Has Been Busted For Drugs This Weekend.......Way To Go Nate
Reply New Comment

Line

71) I See That [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
WXYZ) -- A Detroit police officer could face drunk driving charges after he hit a Macomb County Sheriff's deputy while off duty.

The crash happened around 2 a.m. Sunday. The deputy received minor injuries.
Reply New Comment

Line

72) that should be fun to watch [by crazycajun on June 2, 2008]
i wonder if the DASH CAMERA tapes have been released yet?

should be fun to watch play out in the courts, though.

i'll bet the two departments are at each other's throats.
Reply New Comment

Line

73) Good time bill [by Anonymous Citizen on June 1, 2008]
Why is this bill still setting in congress? I have lost faith in our system, because there is no real concern for mankind. If or when a inmate is release from prison, this system will not give them a fair change when looking for work, once they learn of there background they do not have a change. Congress should pass the bill, so each inmate can start all over with life, everyone on earth has made serious mistakes. Thank GOD real life is not in the hands of mankind.
Reply New Comment

Line

74) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
On Friday Govenor Granholm called for " safe but cost-effective criminal justice reforms".She proposed changes in the way Michigan punishes NONVIOLENT criminals saying we are spending far to much on prisons and not enough on schools. Spokeswoman Liz Boyd said officials were working with the Council of State Governments on a plan that could include releasing some NONVIOLENT inmates and step-up the use of alternatives. Noe is our time to act. Write, email, call our reps. and Granholm.
Reply New Comment

Line

75) yep, she called for it... [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
but she can't call this bill out of committee.

it's stuck there, dead.

i wonder what JENNIE'S solution will be?
Reply New Comment

Line

76) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
It can be rewritten, and reintroduced.
Reply New Comment

Line

77) but it HASN'T been... [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
the author, and you for supporting it, doesn't care if NON-VIOLENT INMATES GET GOOD TIME AND VIOLENT INMATES DON'T.

it says ALL inmates now... and even though it's DEAD IN COMMITTEE, you haven't stopped supporting it AS IS.


Reply New Comment

Line

78) Yes! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
And I have been told that it will.
Reply New Comment

Line

79) you have been LIED [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
TO.

simple as that. if you can't READ THE BILL instead of READING THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BILL, then you will accept what anyone on the left says is the truth.

now, WHERE DOES IT SAY IN THE BILL THAT ONLY NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS CAN EARN GOOD TIME?

truth is, it doesn't.
Reply New Comment

Line

80) Simple? [by Anonymous Citizen on June 3, 2008]
It will be reintroduced.You think you know it all! It does not state nonviolent/violent, now will you please STOP asking the sane question so you can prove others wrong. You have your answer. NEXT? I am sure you will find something!
Reply New Comment

Line

81) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
Noe=now..
Reply New Comment

Line

82) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 1, 2008]
Letting NONVIOLENT inmates earn good time credits towards early release is one way to achieve this along with other reforms that have been mentioned before such as reforming our broad base of catagories that are considered felonies. Using alternatives to prison such as drug courts, treatment programs for substance abuse and mental illness, etc. Programs to help when they reenter the community, which will help them not to recommit.
Reply New Comment

Line

83) hey, g-ma. [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
where in this bill does it DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN VIOLENT AND NON-VIOLENT INMATES?

the truth is, IT DOESN'T.

Reply New Comment

Line

84) It doesnt [by Anonymous Citizen on June 3, 2008]
Now you have your answer.Stop asking!
Reply New Comment

Line

85) The truth is [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
They will be able to earn goodtime credits by going with the program and not breaking rules while in prison.It will give them something to work on and look forward to- many who have no family or friends or outside support.
Reply New Comment

Line

86) Real Debate? [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
No!
There doesn't seem to be anything on here to read about from the postings. They all seem to be a few people who want to argue with each other and not discuss the topic.

Geeze, get a life!
Reply New Comment

Line

87) I AGREE! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
Its all about a arguement here!
Reply New Comment

Line

88) aidrmq xktcid [by Anonymous Citizen on June 1, 2008]
mudpvjfo rnqlub gwzabhlt umavctkw rmibednz pbwrjksah emos
Reply New Comment

Line

89) you have to go back [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
a long way. this bill has been discussed almost to death. speaking of death, it's dead in committee anyway. the democrat in charge of the committee it's sitting won't even CONSIDER it.
Reply New Comment

Line

90) Wrongful executions [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
Wrongful executions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Mike Radelet , Some Twentieth Century Erroneous Executions

(From Michael L. Radelet, Hugo Adam Bedau, and Constance Putnam, In Spite of Innocence: Erroneous Convictions in Capital Cases. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1992, and Bedau and Radelet, "Miscarriages of Justice in Potentially Capital Cases." Stanford Law Review 40 (1987): 21-179)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Adams, James (black). 1974. Florida. Adams was convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to death, and executed in 1984. Witnesses located Adams' car at the time of the crime at the home of the victim, a white rancher. Some of the victim's jewelry was found in the car trunk. Adams maintained his innocence, claiming that he had loaned the car to his girlfriend. A witness identified Adams as driving the car away from the victim's home shortly after the crime. This witness, however, was driving a large truck in the direction opposite to that of Adams' car, and probably could not have had a good look at the driver. It was later discovered that this witness was angry with Adams for allegedly dating his wife. A second witness heard a voice inside the victim's home at the time of the crime and saw someone fleeing. He stated this voice was a woman's; the day after the crime he stated that the fleeing person was positively not Adams. More importantly, a hair sample found clutched in the victim's hand, which in all likelihood had come from the assailant, did not mach Adams' hair. Much of this exculpatory information was not discovered until the case was examined by a skilled investigator a month before Adams' execution. Governor Graham, however, refused to grant even a short stay so that these questions could be resolved.



Anderson, William Henry (black). 1945. Florida. Anderson was convicted of the rape of a white woman, sentenced to death, and executed in 1945 without an appeal having been made. The execution took place only five months after Anderson's arrest, perhaps in part because the sheriff wrote to the governor, "I would appreciate special attention in this case before some sym- pathizing organization gets hold of it." The victim had not resisted, screamed, or used an available pistol to resist Anderson's advances. Anderson's sister and one of his co-workers presented affidavits to the governor claiming that Anderson and the victim had been consensually intimate for several months before rape charges were filed. Anderson's attorney also wrote to the governor that "There exists well founded belief . . . that William Henry Anderson and the prosecutrix were intimate since August 1944. This belief is widespread among Negroes, but white people have been heard to express opinions likewise."



Appelgate, Everett (white). 1936. New York. Appelgate was convicted, with Frances Q. Creighton, of the murder of Appelgate's wife; both were sentenced to death in 1936. The conviction was affirmed on appeal. Creighton had been tried and acquitted on two separate occasions for similar murders a dozen years before she met Appelgate. In this case, she testified that she killed the victim (by arsenic poisoning) at Appelgate's instigation. During the investigation of the case, she also confessed to one of the previous murders. "Virtually no evidence against Appelgate existed beyond Mrs. Creighton's unsupported word." Appelgate had no previous criminal record, and Creighton's version of the crime changed somewhat during the investigation. Appelgate admitted having had sexual relations with Creighton's 15-year-old daughter; that fact did not earn him any sympathy from the jury. Governor Herbert Lehman, who had doubts about Appelgate's guilt, requested the prosecutor's support for clemency for Appelgate; it was not forthcoming, and clemency was denied. Appelgate was executed (as was Creighton) in 1936. A few weeks after the execution all investigation of Appelgate's innocence ended.



Bambrick, Thomas (white). 1915. New York. Bambrick was convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. The conviction was affirmed on appeal. Evidence was later discovered that convinced Warden Thomas Mott Osborne and the prison chaplain that another man had committed the crime. Osborne knew who that man was. Although Bambrick also knew the man's identity, he refused to "squeal" on him. Osborne commented, "It is almost as certain that Bambrick is innocent as that the sun will rise tomorrow." Bambrick was executed in 1916.



Becker, Charles, and Frank ("Dago") Cirofici (both white). 1912. New York. Becker and Cirofici were convicted of murder; Cirofici was executed in 1914 and Becker in 1915. The victim, Rosenthal, was a gambling-house owner. Shortly before the homicide, Rosenthal had implicated Becker, a police lieutenant, in

gambling activities. Becker had earlier made the gambling world angry because of his vigorous work in suppressing their activities. He was convicted largely on the testimony of gamblers and ex-convicts in the glare of extensive newspaper publicity about police corruption. These witnesses, allegedly middlemen hired by

Becker, were given immunity for their testimony by an ambitious district attorney. The alleged motive was graft, although no evidence was produced to support the theory. Less is known about Cirofici, one of four gunmen put to death for the crime. The then warden of Sing Sing prison, James Clancy, allegedly believed that two of the executed gunmen were innocent. Another former Sing Sing warden, Thomas Mott Osborne, who knew the closest friends of the gunmen, stated that these friends all agreed Cirofici had nothing to do with the murder and was not even present when it occurred. Warden Osborne also believed that Becker was not guilty.



Collins, Roosevelt (black). 1937. Alabama. Collins was convicted of rape, sentenced to death, and executed in 1937. The conviction was affirmed on appeal. Collins testified that the "victim" (white) had consented, which caused a near-riot in the courtroom and led the woman's husband to pull out a gun and fire it at Collins. Collins was almost lynched and received only a perfunctory defense. The all-white jury deliberated for only four minutes. Subsequent interviews with several jurors revealed that although they believed the act was consensual, they also thought that Wilson deserved death simply for "messin' around" with a white woman. Even the judge, off the record, admitted his belief that Collins was telling the truth. "An innocent man went to his death."



Dawson, Sie (black). 1960. Florida. Dawson was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The victim was the two-year-old son of a white woman for whom Dawson worked. (Although the boy's mother was also murdered, Dawson was not tried for that offense.) The conviction by an all-white male jury was based on a confession obtained from Dawson after he had spent more than a week in custody without the assistance of counsel and on an accusation by the victim's husband. Dawson had an I.Q. of 64. At trial, Dawson repudiated his confession, claiming it was given only because "the white officers told him to say he killed Mrs. Clayton or they'd give him to 'the mob' outside." On appeal, the conviction was affirmed on a 4-3 vote. Dawson was executed in 1964. Years later, newspaper stories revived doubts that had surrounded the conviction from the beginning. Dawson had claimed that the victim's husband had committed the murders. There were no eyewitnesses and the circumstantial evidence was slight and inconclusive.



Garner, Vance, and Will Johnson (both black). 1905. Alabama. With Jack Hunter, Garner and Johnson were convicted of murder and sentenced to death, despite their claims of innocence. No appeals were undertaken. In 1905, Garner and Hunter were hanged. From the gallows Garner maintained his complete innocence, while Hunter admitted his own guilt and absolved both Garner and Johnson. In 1906, Johnson's sentence was commuted to life. A fourth man, Bunk Richardson, who was charged with perjuring himself in Garner's behalf, was lynched three nights after Johnson's death sentence was commuted.



Grzechowiak, Stephen, and Max Rybarczyk (both white). 1929. New York. Grzechowiak and Rybarczyk were both convicted of felony murder and sentenced to death. Co-defendant Alexander Bogdanoff insisted that neither Grzechowiak nor Rybarczyk had been involved in the crime, and that each had been mistakenly identified by the eyewitnesses. He refused, however, to reveal the names of his true accomplices. Grzechowiak and Rybarczyk executed in 1930, after their convictions were affirmed on appeal. In their final words, they

maintained their innocence, and Bogdanoff again declared that the two were innocent.



Hauptmann, Bruno Richard (white). 1935. New Jersey. Hauptmann was convicted of felony-murder-burglary, sentenced to death, and executed in 1936. He was infamous as the ransom- kidnapper of the Lindbergh baby. Hauptmann's is a classic case of conviction based on an intricate web of circumstantial evidence, perjury, prosecutorial suppression of evidence, a grossly incompetent defense attorney, and a trial in an atmosphere of near-hysteria. The trial followed a 2-year nationwide hunt for the kidnappers of the baby boy of "Lindy," the nation's favorite hero, whose wife was the daughter of the wealthy and socially prominent Morrow family. Hauptmann was the victim of over-zealous prosecutors, intent on solving the most notorious crime of the decade. Although Governor Hoffman believed that Hauptmann was framed, he chose not to halt the execution. There is no doubt that the conviction rested in part on corrupt prosecutorial practices, suppression of evidence, intimidation of witnesses, perjured testimony, and Hauptmann's prior record. In 1986, his aging widow brought suit against the prosecuting attorney and a dozen other defendants in a civil action.



Hill, Joe (originally known as Joseph Hillstrom) (white). 1915. Utah. Hill was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of two storekeepers. The prosecution was based on sketchy circumstantial evidence and was in part the result of collusion between the prosecution and the trial judge in an atmosphere of anti-union hostility. Despite several appeals from President Woodrow Wilson to the Utah authorities for a reprieve, Hill was denied a new trial. He was also denied executive clemency. His appeal to the Utah Supreme Court was unsuccessful and he was executed in 1915. Hill appears to have been an innocent victim of "politics, finance and organized religion, . . . a powerful trinity"; his conviction and death are "one of the worst traves- ties of justice in American labor history."



Lamble, Harold (alias George Brandon) (white). 1920. New Jersey. Lamble was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Testimony of an alleged accomplice and Lamble's admission on the witness stand of his previous convictions led to his conviction, which was affirmed on appeal. Lamble consistently asserted his innocence, but he was executed in 1921. After the execution, Governor Edward Edwards refused requests to appoint a special counsel to investigate the case, despite what the New York Times called a "rather widespread fear that perhaps" Lamble was innocent. Lamble's attorney was disbarred for mishandling the defense.



Mays, Maurice F. (black). 1919. Tennessee. Mays was convicted of murder in the killing of a white woman and sentenced to death. A white lynch mob terrorized the entire black community in Knoxville, and several blacks were killed by white rioters; the National Guard had to be called out. Mays's conviction rested on the testimony of a police officer who had disliked him for years and on the testimony of an eyewitness who never got a clear look at the killer. On appeal, the conviction was reversed because the judge, rather than the jury, had fixed the penalty at death. Mays was retried, reconvicted, and resentenced to death, and this conviction and sentence were affirmed on appeal. In 1922, Mays was executed, still maintaining his innocence. In 1926, the real killer confessed in a written statement that revealed she was a white woman who had dressed up as a black man to kill the woman with whom her husband was having an affair. The authorities, however, never accepted this confession, no doubt because they had already executed Mays for the crime. Accepting the confession would have meant admitting an erroneous execution. Mays had been previously convicted in 1903 for killing a black man, but was pardoned for that crime.



McGee, Willie (black). 1945. Mississippi. McGee was convicted of the rape of a white woman and sentenced to death by an all-white jury that deliberated for only two and a half minutes. The conviction was reversed on appeal because a request to change venue was not granted. After a change of venue, McGee was retried, reconvicted, and resentenced to death by another all-white jury (this jury deliberated for eleven minutes). This conviction was also reversed because of the exclusion of blacks from juries in the indicting county. In 1948, McGee was reindicted, retried, reconvicted, and again resentenced to death; three blacks were on the jury but there was no change of venue. On appeal the conviction was affirmed, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene. The chief evidence against McGee was a coerced confession that he gave after being held incommunicado for thirty-two days after his arrest; the victim's husband and her two children, asleep in the next room, never heard any commotion from the alleged attack. Investigation by journalist Carl Rowan revealed that the victim had been consorting with McGee for four years and was angry at his efforts to terminate their relationship. Nonetheless, local blacks were too intimidated to give this evidence in court, and local whites felt the woman's consent was impossible or irrelevant. An attempt to win a retrial on the basis of newly discovered evidence failed, and McGee was executed in 1951.



Sacco, Nicola, and Bartolomeo Vanzetti (both white). 1921. Massachusetts. Sacco and Vanzetti were convicted of murder in the course of armed robbery, sentenced to death, and executed in 1927. Their case is probably themost controversial death penalty case in this century. They were arrested and tried in an atmosphere dominated by "the Red Scare" of the early 1920s; the defendants---described as "anarchist bastards" in an-off-the bench comment during the trial by the judge--were on death row for six years. In 1925, another man also under thedeath sentence in Massachusetts confessed to the crime. Extensive investigation of the confession convinced many that he was, indeed, telling the truth. In 1926, the trial judge denied motions for a retrial based on theconfession, and his decision was sustained on appeal. In 1977, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the executions, Governor Dukakis signed a carefully worded proclamation intended to remove "any stigma and disgrace" from their names, declaring, in part, that their "trial and execution ...should serve to remind all civilized people of the constant need to guard against our susceptibility to prejudice, our intolerance of unorthodox ideas, and our failure to defend the rights of persons who are looked upon as strangers in our

midst...."



Sanders, Albert (black). 1917. Alabama. Sanders was convicted, with Fisher Brooks, of murder, and sentenced to death. The conviction was affirmed on appeal. Though he had nothing to gain by helping Sanders, Brooks testified at Sanders's trial that Sanders was innocent. Another fellow prisoner testified that he had heard Sanders confess, however, and both Brooks and Sanders were executed in 1918. In a statement from the scaffold, Brooks again insisted on Sanders's innocence, as did Sanders himself before he was hanged.



Sberna, Charles (white). 1938. New York. Sberna was convicted of first-degree murder of a police officer and was sentenced to death. His conviction was affirmed on appeal. Sberna's codefendant, Salvatore Gati, testified at the trial that Sberna was innocent, and in prison, both Gati and Sberna convinced Isidore Zimmerman (see Chapter 2) that Sberna was innocent. Gati also said the head of the New York Homicide Bureau (Jacob Rosenblum) had told him that he knew Sberna was innocent, and would clear his name if Gati would reveal the name of his real accomplices. Gati refused to do this. Later it turned out this police official had also been involved in wrongfully convicting Zimmerman. Sberna and Gati were both executed in 1938. The prison chaplain said of Sberna, "This is the first time I've ever been positive that an innocent man was going to the chair, and there is nothing I can do about it. If only people would make sure they know what they are talking about before they swear a man's life away."



Shumway, R. Mead (white). 1907. Nebraska. Shumway was convicted of the first-degree murder of his employer's wife on circumstantial evidence and sentenced to death. One juror, the only one to hold out against the death penalty for Shumway, told his friends he "had not slept well any night since the trial." He later left a note in which he expressed "great worry at the trial," and he then killed himself. Shumway was executed in 1909. His last words were: "I am an innocent victim. May God forgive everyone who has said anything against me." In 1910, the victim's husband confessed on his deathbed that he had murdered his wife.



Tucker, Charles Louis (white). 1905. Massachusetts. Tucker was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The conviction, based on circumstantial evidence, was affirmed on appeal. More than 100,000 Massachusetts residents signed petitions on behalf of clemency. Among those convinced of his innocence was the county medical examiner (who lost his job because of his stand) and a clergyman who said a witness had told him she perjured herself at the original trial. Tucker was nonetheless executed in 1906.



Wing, George Chew (Asian). 1937. New York. Wing was convicted of first-degree murder (after a 30-minute trial) and sentenced to death. His conviction was affirmed on appeal. A participant in the killing testified against Wing and was sentenced to 20 years. While he was in prison awaiting execution, Wing convinced several observers that he had been falsely identified by eyewitnesses and that perjured testimony had been used against him. Warden Lewis Lawes also questioned his guilt, but Wing was nonetheless executed in 1937.

Reply New Comment

Line

91) once again... [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
Sberna, Charles (white). 1938. New York. Sberna was convicted of first-degree murder of a police officer and was sentenced to death. His conviction was affirmed on appeal. Sberna's codefendant, Salvatore Gati, testified at the trial that Sberna was innocent, and in prison, both Gati and Sberna convinced Isidore Zimmerman (see Chapter 2) that Sberna was innocent. Gati also said the head of the New York Homicide Bureau (Jacob Rosenblum) had told him that he knew Sberna was innocent, and would clear his name if Gati would reveal the name of his real accomplices. Gati refused to do this. Later it turned out this police official had also been involved in wrongfully convicting Zimmerman. Sberna and Gati were both executed in 1938. The prison chaplain said of Sberna, "This is the first time I've ever been positive that an innocent man was going to the chair, and there is nothing I can do about it. If only people would make sure they know what they are talking about before they swear a man's life away."


one jail inmate says one thing... another says another... then... no one is saying anything that will help the condemned man who is about to be executed.

could it be that they are LYING?

no.... that couldn't be it. could it?

of course not.
Reply New Comment

Line

92) i think you all [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
get the point. read the court documents, read the supreme court decisions. decide for yourself.


Reply New Comment

Line

93) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
Read all the differant views and than you be the jury,
Reply New Comment

Line

94) this warden osborne [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
fellow sure let a lot of innocent people die in his jail...

perhaps HE should be looked at for murder.

Becker, Charles, and Frank ("Dago") Cirofici (both white). 1912. New York. Becker and Cirofici were convicted of murder; Cirofici was executed in 1914 and Becker in 1915. The victim, Rosenthal, was a gambling-house owner. Shortly before the homicide, Rosenthal had implicated Becker, a police lieutenant, in

gambling activities. Becker had earlier made the gambling world angry because of his vigorous work in suppressing their activities. He was convicted largely on the testimony of gamblers and ex-convicts in the glare of extensive newspaper publicity about police corruption. These witnesses, allegedly middlemen hired by

Becker, were given immunity for their testimony by an ambitious district attorney. The alleged motive was graft, although no evidence was produced to support the theory. Less is known about Cirofici, one of four gunmen put to death for the crime. The then warden of Sing Sing prison, James Clancy, allegedly believed that two of the executed gunmen were innocent. Another former Sing Sing warden, Thomas Mott Osborne, who knew the closest friends of the gunmen, stated that these friends all agreed Cirofici had nothing to do with the murder and was not even present when it occurred. Warden Osborne also believed that Becker was not guilty.

for a warden, he sure has a lot of information (from criminals) that makes him believe that other criminals are not guilty. what a sap.
Reply New Comment

Line

95) next... [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
Bambrick, Thomas (white). 1915. New York. Bambrick was convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. The conviction was affirmed on appeal. Evidence was later discovered that convinced Warden Thomas Mott Osborne and the prison chaplain that another man had committed the crime. Osborne knew who that man was. Although Bambrick also knew the man's identity, he refused to "squeal" on him. Osborne commented, "It is almost as certain that Bambrick is innocent as that the sun will rise tomorrow." Bambrick was executed in 1916.

now, why would that man REFUSE TO 'SQUEAL' ON HIM? honor among murderers? if the MURDERER won't even help himself, why should we bother? he has ADMITTED that he did it by refusing to 'squeal' on another. but that's just not good enough for you, is it? of course not.
Reply New Comment

Line

96) by the way, [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
why didn't the WARDEN stop the execution?

he could have. but he DIDN'T. go figure.
Reply New Comment

Line

97) third... [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
Appelgate, Everett (white). 1936. New York. Appelgate was convicted, with Frances Q. Creighton, of the murder of Appelgate's wife; both were sentenced to death in 1936. The conviction was affirmed on appeal. Creighton had been tried and acquitted on two separate occasions for similar murders a dozen years before she met Appelgate. In this case, she testified that she killed the victim (by arsenic poisoning) at Appelgate's instigation. During the investigation of the case, she also confessed to one of the previous murders. "Virtually no evidence against Appelgate existed beyond Mrs. Creighton's unsupported word." Appelgate had no previous criminal record, and Creighton's version of the crime changed somewhat during the investigation. Appelgate admitted having had sexual relations with Creighton's 15-year-old daughter; that fact did not earn him any sympathy from the jury. Governor Herbert Lehman, who had doubts about Appelgate's guilt, requested the prosecutor's support for clemency for Appelgate; it was not forthcoming, and clemency was denied. Appelgate was executed (as was Creighton) in 1936. A few weeks after the execution all investigation of Appelgate's innocence ended.


when ONE murderer fingers another murderer right before being executed, the courts figure that must be an HONEST CONFESSION. and they took it that way.

by the way, do you think that man boinking this murderer's fifteen year old makes him INNOCENT? do you think that this man HIRING the murderer makes him INNOCENT? OF COURSE YOU DO.


Reply New Comment

Line

98) second... [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
Anderson, William Henry (black). 1945. Florida. Anderson was convicted of the rape of a white woman, sentenced to death, and executed in 1945 without an appeal having been made. The execution took place only five months after Anderson's arrest, perhaps in part because the sheriff wrote to the governor, "I would appreciate special attention in this case before some sym- pathizing organization gets hold of it." The victim had not resisted, screamed, or used an available pistol to resist Anderson's advances. Anderson's sister and one of his co-workers presented affidavits to the governor claiming that Anderson and the victim had been consensually intimate for several months before rape charges were filed. Anderson's attorney also wrote to the governor that "There exists well founded belief . . . that William Henry Anderson and the prosecutrix were intimate since August 1944. This belief is widespread among Negroes, but white people have been heard to express opinions likewise."

now, the ONE THING you forgot to mention was the VICTIM, who said she was raped.

was she lying?

that would cast doubt on ALL rape convictions, wouldn't it?

no woman would LIE about being raped, would she?

nice try, try again.

Reply New Comment

Line

99) first off... [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
Adams, James (black). 1974. Florida. Adams was convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to death, and executed in 1984.

[after being through two trials and one set of appeals, seven in all, leading up to the supreme court. do you believe that ALL OF THOSE TRIALS AND JUDGES ARE WRONG? of course you do.]

Witnesses located Adams' car at the time of the crime at the home of the victim, a white rancher. Some of the victim's jewelry was found in the car trunk.

[so, let's see.. adams was IN POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY. that shoots his INNOCENCE plea in the ass.]

Adams maintained his innocence, claiming that he had loaned the car to his girlfriend.

[but his girlfriend's prints weren't in it. only his. another lie proven false by forensic evidence.]

A witness identified Adams as driving the car away from the victim's home shortly after the crime. This witness, however, was driving a large truck in the direction opposite to that of Adams' car, and probably could not have had a good look at the driver.

[so, an ONCOMING DRIVER couldn't get a look at the driver of an oncoming car? hmmmm... why not?]

It was later discovered that this witness was angry with Adams for allegedly dating his wife.
A second witness heard a voice inside the victim's home at the time of the crime and saw someone fleeing. He stated this voice was a woman's; the day after the crime he stated that the fleeing person was positively not Adams. More importantly, a hair sample found clutched in the victim's hand, which in all likelihood

{???]

had come from the assailant, did not mach Adams' hair. Much of this exculpatory information was not discovered until the case was examined by a skilled investigator a month before Adams' execution.

[so, you are saying that NONE of the investigators in florida are SKILLED? you are also saying that none of the defense attorneys in florida are skilled? you are ALSO saying that ALL OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS in florida are SO SKILLED that they can get an innocent man through the supreme court's gaze and STILL get him to the chair? that's some stretch.]

Governor Graham, however, refused to grant even a short stay so that these questions could be resolved.

[he must have believed, based on the facts of the case, that the man was GUILTY. imagine that.]

you haven't given us ONE FACT that would PROVE THIS MAN FACTUALLY INNOCENT. all you have done is provide us with two contrasting witness reports, which were dealt with in court and proven to be false. you are also ASSUMING that the jury is fixed in every capital murder case. a bad assumption. so, where is your proof that this man is factually innocent? there is none. try again.]
Reply New Comment

Line

100) and you [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]

have not given us ONE FACT to refute the guy's factual innocence.

lots of argument. no facts.

typical.
Reply New Comment

Line

101) yes i can. [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
seven courts, including the supreme court, upheld the conviction.

you haven't shown where ANY of them have been wrong, much less ALL of them.

the EVIDENCE shows them to be guilty, all you have done is brought up minor inconsistencies in witness testimony. obviously, these didn't introduce enough REASONABLE DOUBT to sway a jury and seven panels of judges.

now, bring up some REASONABLE DOUBT, and we'll talk. till then, only bring up FACTUALLY INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO WERE EXECUTED.


Reply New Comment

Line

102) argument [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]

just for the sake of argument
Reply New Comment

Line

103) no, it's called [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
showing where your facts are wrong.

get it right, and we won't have anything to argue about.
Reply New Comment

Line

104) no [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]

it's few if any facts

but lots of

windy argument

for the sake of argument

that's the TROLLway





Reply New Comment

Line

105) so, if anyone doesn't [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
agree with your politics, they are a troll?

if any trolls post on this site, they are told to shut up?

didn't you do the same thing to niggers?


Reply New Comment

Line

106) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
I notice all the cases listed above have something in common, look where all the blacks come from then look where all the whites come from.
Reply New Comment

Line

107) so, what difference [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
does that make?
Reply New Comment

Line

108) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
????????????????????
Reply New Comment

Line

109) once again, g-ma is [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
totally stumped by a question for which she has no rhetorical answer.

how professional of you, g-ma.

how profound your lack of thought.

how inundating your ignorance.

how all consuming your hatred for facts.


Reply New Comment

Line

110) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
No you did. They are African- Americans not niggers.
Reply New Comment

Line

111) no, [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
they are still treated like niggers.

no rights. no voice. no place in society other than to work at jobs 'whitey' won't do.

the only thing missing is the shackles and the 'ownership' papers.
Reply New Comment

Line

112) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
Maybe that's the way you treat them but i do not....
Reply New Comment

Line

113) it's the way YOUR [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
PARTY treats him.

then, to add insult to injury, they give him a HANDOUT and TEACH HIM TO LIVE ONLY FOR THAT HANDOUT.
Reply New Comment

Line

114) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
I know as many black professionals as I do white, and I know as many whites that get handouts as I do blacks. Alot depends on how they were taught as they were raised.
Reply New Comment

Line

115) how many blacks [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
are in your family tree?

none.
Reply New Comment

Line

116) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 1, 2008]
Changing subject.
Reply New Comment

Line

117) every one of them [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
was taught in a MICHIGAN SCHOOL.

does that tell you something?

no, of course not.
Reply New Comment

Line

118) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 1, 2008]
And your point??????????????
Reply New Comment

Line

119) a little history lesson for [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
you, g-ma.

the city i come from, new orleans, for the entire time of slavery, over two hundred years, had the highest population of FREE BLACKS and FREED BLACKS in the COUNTRY.

all the UNION CITIES, read that NORTHERN CITIES mandated that slaves stay slaves. we even had a free black governor BEFORE the civil war.

the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD wasn't designed to ferry slaves FROM THE SOUTH TO THE NORTH, instead, it was designed to ferry slaves THROUGH THE NORTH. remember, the northerners would RETURN SLAVES TO THEIR OWNERS for a FEE.

all of the founding presidents owned slaves.

in fact, every president up till andrew jackson owned slaves.

now, as the YANKEES who wrote the constitution didn't give slaves citizenship till well after reconstruction, i'm sure you are going to give me a 'revisionist' lecture on how terrible the south was for slaves.

well, if it was so bad for slaves, why are most of the relatives of slaves STILL THERE? because it's not as bad as you have been lead to believe.

now, as YOUR government has done more to take their rights away than all the SOUTHERN governments combined, i don't think i'd be getting too very HIGH AND MIGHTY with your racial rhetoric.

by the way, it was SOUTHERN REPUBLICANS who WROTE AND PASSED THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT. NORTHERN DEMOCRATS OPPOSED IT, AND STILL DO.

just so's ya know.


Reply New Comment

Line

120) wow [by Anonymous Citizen on July 14, 2008]
what you need to do is take a quick african american history class! While your info may be true about slavery in the north as well, it was much harsher in the south, conditions and racism for blacks still is. While slavery did exist and was put up with in both area's I would argue that the south was not a good place for blacks during slavery PERIOD I don't care how you try to spin it. This is why many of the family members I have that are older and were born in the south left AS SOON AS THEY COULD and don't return. If you want to see how this hatred of blacks continues there go on down and be a mixed couple as my husband and myself were and listen and look. One sees really quicky just how tolerant the south really is.
Reply New Comment

Line

121) Give It Up [by Anonymous Citizen on July 14, 2008]
it's ancient history.
Reply New Comment

Line

122) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
This is a very slanted tale. You've gone on the defense already. I have worked with many African- Americans over the the years and have always treated them the same way I like to be treated. All the ones I worked with are professionals. My kids and grandkids all have friends that are African- Americans and treat them no different than their other friends. Racism is taught. And there is alot of it in the south.
Reply New Comment

Line

123) how do you know [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
g-ma?

have you ever BEEN in the south?

no.

but you've HEARD ALL ABOUT IT.

i'm from the south, and it's the DEEP SOUTH. you've never been there, but you know all about it. i've been here three years and i've learned more about prejudice and racisim than i learned over most of my life.

how many AFRICAN-AMERICANS live on your street?

how many AFRICAN-AMERICAN relatives do you have?

none.

i have several.

now, g-ma, seeing as since your communications skills are third rate at best, i doubt your professionalism. professionals choose their words carefully.

you use the words SHUT UP a lot.

a sure sign of frustration at being on the losing side of a discussion.


Reply New Comment

Line

124) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
I visit the south alot.
Reply New Comment

Line

125) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 1, 2008]
Katrina and Republicans are a sore subject.
Reply New Comment

Line

126) why are katrina and [by crazycajun on June 2, 2008]
republicans a sore subject?

i survived katrina. i have no problem with what republicans did for new orleans.

i have a REAL problem with what the DEMOCRATS did for new orleans.

it was a democrat, c. ray nagin, who let people back in TOO SOON after the storm, which got them ALL KILLED.

he KNEW there were 22 foot waves bouncing around in the lake, but he let people back in anyway.

it was a democrat, c. ray nagin, who told the police department to confiscate legally owned weapons out of law abiding people's houses.

it was a demcocrat, c. ray nagin, who STILL hasn't given them back.

it was a democrat, who could have authorized the use of city busses, and parish owned school busses to RE-EVACUATE THE CITY, but didn't.

now, i don't know why you are so tender about katrina, it didn't effect you in the least. you aren't paying one dime extra in taxes because of it, you haven't lost your job over it, and you weren't inconvenienced in the least by it.

you weren't out of lights.

you weren't under twenty feet of water.

you weren't even damp.

you just watched it on the news.

by the way, you MIGHT have made a collection for 'HURRICANE RELIEF', and we appreciate it, but you didn't get off your ass and come down to help us rebuild.

you didn't even come down for mardi gras.

i know a lot of people from up here who DID come with me to help rebuild, but you weren't among us. and i didn't see you there.

now, as for the republicans making you nervous, you're on your own.

but you can rest your little head more easily, knowing that new orleans is in good hands now and rebuilding is coming along at a good pace.
Reply New Comment

Line

127) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
Do you know me? Do you know what I look like? How do you know I wasn't down there?
Reply New Comment

Line

128) yes, g-ma... [by crazycajun on June 2, 2008]
i DO know you, and i'd be able to pick you out of a crowd.

we had two hundred fifty people go south with us the last three trips we made. you weren't there.

you were up here, dry and comfortable.


Reply New Comment

Line

129) what does hurricane katrina [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]

have to do with a michigan legislative bill to restore a system of good time credits for people serving time in the state's prisons?

can't anyone stay on topic here?
Reply New Comment

Line

130) no, g-ma keeps [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
changing the subject as soon as she figures out she's losing again.

crazycajun just keeps answering HER questions and waiting for her to answer his.

so far, it ain't happenin'.
Reply New Comment

Line

131) Yeah [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
G. W. and Dick Cheney caused the hurricane. I really love it how they hid all those school busses so they couldn't be used to evacuate. It's really really cool how they decided to go take the guns away from honest citizens. The best part was blowing up the levees, pure genius.
How they managed to make nagin look so incompetent was another great move. When they sent all those looters into the city I was really impressed. Don't even get me started on how they convinced everybody to stay put and don't try to help themselves when they knew this storm was coming for a week.

You People Are Delusional.
Reply New Comment

Line

132) we knew A STORM [by crazycajun on June 2, 2008]
was coming, but we didn't know THAT THIS POWERFUL of a storm was coming. it picked up two 'CATEGORIES' of wind speed overnight.

when we went to bed saturday night, it was a category three, sunday morning, it was a category five.

that's what made most people stick around till the last minute.

a category three storm hitting can be 'ridden out', where a category five storm hitting should not.

other than that... you make some GREAT points.


Reply New Comment

Line

133) oh really??? [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
so, your two week soujurns into 'the south' qualify you as an expert?

so, is racism rampant in disneyworld these days?

i have friends who moved to detroit to get 'better jobs' as promised by UNION SCALPERS, but have yet to get them. what they did get was being shuffled off into a 'low rent' neighborhood with the 'other darkies'.

their words, not mine.

that's THEIR experience, coming from the south makes them OUTSIDERS, which gets you treated like scum. coming to take advantage of promised better jobs makes them the people who are "stealing our jobs".

some have moved back down south, taking some of the michiganders with them.

by the way, the BIGGEST auto manufacturer in the WORLD has two plants DOWN SOUTH, but NONE UP NORTH. i wonder why that is???
Reply New Comment

Line

134) tell that to the [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
african-americans you tell to shut up daily.


Reply New Comment

Line

135) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
If their with you then I proably do, it's not because they are black, it's because they are with you.
Reply New Comment

Line

136) so, practicing [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
'guilt by association', are we?

okay. you don't associate with any blacks other than at work. so, that makes YOU a racist.

i associate with anyone, anytime. i may not agree with their politics, but i don't tell them to shut up. i'm not their master.

you seem to think that YOU STILL ARE.

oh, by the way, did you know that the NORTHERN SLAVE OWNERS demanded reparations from the government to pay them back for the slaves that they had to release?

why is it that the biggest UNION STATE in the nation also has the highest rate of illegal aliens working here? where is your concern for THOSE workers? if they join the union, are they then LEGAL aliens?


Reply New Comment

Line

137) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
Cajun I will not argue with you about racism. My family has nothing against blacks. Do you? I just refuse to call them niggers like you. But I will say is most of the friends my grandson had in prison were black, and they helped him alot. The end of this discussion.
Reply New Comment

Line

138) so, why do you vote [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
for a party that treats them like second class citizens, IF they treat them like citizens at all?

are all those SOCIAL PROGRAMS you democrats are so proud of because the recipients are INCAPABLE OF CONFORMING TO THE NORMS OF SOCIETY?

or just UNWILLING.

we're not arguing about race, we are discussing your lack of concern for the rights of others.

and it is FAR from over.

you are just tired of being on the losing side.
Reply New Comment

Line

139) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
The democrats have a black man running for president.????????????
Reply New Comment

Line

140) yes, they do... [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
a black MUSLIM man, pretending to be christian. associating with known hate mongers of three faiths.

they also have a woman running for president, who's husband has been accused of everything from sodomy to murder, and has been PROVEN to be a liar.

she has been accused of theft, graft, and corruption, and PROVEN to be a liar herself, BUT YOU WILL VOTE FOR ONE OR THE OTHER NO MATTER WHAT.


Reply New Comment

Line

141) no [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]

piss-ant

you are a TROLL

you only come here to argue

and to belittle

to take away

and never contribute

that is why

you are such easy pickings

for my piss-ant TROLL trawler

have a good day

flopping around in the bilge



Reply New Comment

Line

142) so, trolls don't [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
have freedom of speech, but YOU DO?


Reply New Comment

Line

143) so, which one of these [by crazycajun on May 29, 2008]
fine fellows you list is FACTUALLY INNOCENT?

even adams and bedeau say that NONE OF THEM ARE.

which do YOU say is FACTUALLY INNOCENT?

AND WHY?

by the way, you gotta choose a better ANTI-DEATH PENALTY WEBSITE, they are using INCORRECT INFORMATION AND OUTDATED RHETORIC.

all of these got proven to be bogus earlier in this thread. old news, read the posts. hell, even G-MA has covered these already.

catch up, will ya.
Reply New Comment

Line

144) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
People read all the websites each are slanted either for or against then decide if there was reasonable doubt.
Reply New Comment

Line

145) adams and bedeau [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
were proven WRONG in every case.

a team of law students did it for a third year legal project in new york.

so, you STILL don't have any FACTUALLY INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO WERE EXECUTED.

nice try, though.

try again.
Reply New Comment

Line

146) Its been fun [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
but I have to go now President Bush and his Cabinet are coming over for a BBQ and coffee.And we will sit around and talk about you!

HA!HA!HA!HA!
Reply New Comment

Line

147) you wouldn't be [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
within shouting distance of a great man like him.

you would be too scared of him.
Reply New Comment

Line

148) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
GOODBYE... Maybe he will get lost and not find his way back. That's bad isn't it??
Reply New Comment

Line

149) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
If I was talking to a supporter I am sorry, but one of you I still meant what I said.
Reply New Comment

Line

150) its O.K. [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
I was just making fun of the way he brags about himself so much!
Reply New Comment

Line

151) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 29, 2008]
He does do that for sure.
Reply New Comment

Line

152) that's no way to [by crazycajun on May 29, 2008]
talk about a fellow liberal, g-ma.

you should be ASHAMED... but you CAN'T.

YOU HAVE NO SHAME.
Reply New Comment

Line

153) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
I am not ashame to apoligize to a friend. And I am not afraid to tell someone I disagree with my opinion, That's my right.
Reply New Comment

Line

154) please g-ma... [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
g-ma wrote this...

"I am not ashame to apoligize to a friend. And I am not afraid to tell someone I disagree with my opinion, That's my right."

let's look at that again...

"I am not ashame[d] to apoligize to a friend. And I am not afraid to tell someone I disagree with my opinion, That's my right.

okay, g-ma. TELL ME YOU DISAGREE WITH YOUR OPINION, PLEASE...

do YOU even know what you mean?

this one is NOT EVEN CLOSE.

give us a break... there are teachers here snapping chalk every time you do this kind of thing. they feel RESPONSIBLE for your lack of knowledge.

they know they shouldn't, but they do.

you could at least TRY.
Reply New Comment

Line

155) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 30, 2008]
I meant ashame not ashamed just as I wrote it.
Reply New Comment

Line

156) i'm glad you chose [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
your words as CAREFULLY as you did, g-ma, because ASHAMED would have MADE SENSE, but ASHAME doesn't.

just wanted to be sure.

do you even know the difference between the two words?

probably not if you can't use it properly in a sentence.

once again, i wonder, how many patients have died because of your ignorance?
Reply New Comment

Line

157) G-Ma` [by Anonymous Citizen on June 1, 2008]
You are the ignorant one with your slanderous statements.
Reply New Comment

Line

158) what is [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
ASHAME?

you can feel shame, which is the same as BEING ASHAMED.

did you mean to say SHAME ON YOU?

or do you have any clue what you are talking about?


Reply New Comment

Line

159) way to use that [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
transient third person verb instead of the past participle.

your english teacher must by just GYRATING.


Reply New Comment

Line

160) G-Ma [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
None of you have nothing better to do than correcting spellings. You need to check your own spellings, capitalization, and punctuation, and use of slang that is not even listed in the dictionary or shut your mouth.




























Reply New Comment

Line

161) once again, [by crazycajun on May 31, 2008]
g-ma reduces the rights of free speech by telling others with differing opinions to SHUT UP.

either you agree with g-ma, or you are marginalized and called names. either you toe the liberal party line, or your freedom of speech is 'yanked' from you.

after g-ma's empassioned speech about unions, i wonder if she could survive without one.

no, g-ma. i'm not a UNION BUSTER. i let the union facts speak for themselves.

once all the facts are clearly stated, unions don't look like such a good idea after all.

look at what unions are doing for the auto industry today. they are forcing the big three to keep open factories that no longer produce a product that america wants to buy.

they will not allow the automakers to ADOPT TO CHANGE, only to keep factories open whether or not they produce any salable product.

that means that all those workers will only be employed till the profits run out, then will be fired anyway. will the unions give them money?

no.

will the unions pay them unemployment benefits?

no.

so, other than to destroy an industry from the inside, what good are the unions doing today?

none.

so much for your vaunted unions. i'd say their days are numbered, as are the days of the BIG THREE.