Tookie and Redemption

I sent the letter below to my governor and got a form letter back saying "Everyone has really strong feelings about the death penalty. Thanks for sharing yours. " This doesn't give me much hope that the governor read my letter, or anyone else's letters regarding this topic, but I thought I'd send it out into the world, just to get my name on the list of people who oppose the execution of Stan 'Tookie' Williams.

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

I have great faith in you and I pray that faith is well placed.

There is a man named Stan "Tookie" Williams who is scheduled for execution and I am praying you will grant him clemency.

I believe in forgiveness and redemption and I truly hope that you do, too.

Please spare the life of a man who is a valuable member of society - a man who committed crimes in the past but then changed his life to become a positive influence and a man of peace. Please do not take the life of one of God's children. Please use your power to promote life, peace and redemption. Please send a message to other kids in gangs that they CAN change, they CAN be redeemed, and that turning your life around is possible. Please spare Stan Williams, for his sake, and for the sake of all of those who are influenced positively by his work.

Thank you sincerely for hearing my voice -

Tamilu