From: J. Hughes (jhughes@changesurfer.com)
Date: Fri Sep 22 2000 - 12:20:30 MDT
AN ALERT
We have received notice of an effort to persuade President Clinton to use
his power to grant clemency to and commute sentences of low level,
non-violent drug offenders. the appeal is being made in keeping with the
Jubilee year of 2000. Since the effort is in keeping with our goals and
purposes, we wanted you to have the opportunity to join this endeavor. A
letter to be sent to President Clinton is attached. If you are interested
in join in or signing on to the campaign, please email:
or write to:
The Coalition for Jubilee Clemency
c/o CJPF
1225 Eye St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
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Honorable William J. Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As faith leaders who cherish Divine justice and mercy for all persons, we
ask you to grant clemency to and to release on supervised parole those
Federal prisoners who have served at least five years for low-level,
nonviolent involvement in drug cases (as defined by the US Department of
Justice). Mr. President, scores of Americans are serving unconscionably
long sentences for drug offenses --in some cases twenty years or more
--which are grossly out of proportion to the nature and severity of their
crimes. These unduly severe sentences violate human rights and waste
scarce criminal justice resources. The continued incarceration of such
offenders does not serve any meaningful purpose.
The constitutional power to grant reprieves and pardons is a unique and
powerful tool to express the public's merciful spirit. As you know, the
public has a strong desire for justice and for forgiveness. By exercising
your executive power to forgive these men and women you help heal the
devastating effects of race and class disparities in our criminal justice
system. Commuting the sentences of low-level, non-violent drug offenders
will begin to restore much-needed public confidence in our criminal justice
system.
Many of these offenders are parents. Their children are being hurt by
these separations. Their children and their communities need them home.
Clemency is the last hope for justice for many of these offenders, as many
have exhausted all appeal options available to them. Mr. President, only
you have the power to return these men and women to their families, and to
let them become peaceful, productive citizens. We hope, trust and pray
that you will.
Sincerely.....
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_____________________________________________________
Religious Leaders for a More Just and Compassionate Drug Policy
237 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012-1017
(212) 253-2437/ Fax: (212) 253-2479
http://religiousleaders.home.mindspring.com
religiousleaders@juno.com
----------------------------------
Dr. J. Hughes
Changesurfer Radio
www.changesurfer.com
jhughes@changesurfer.com
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