File spoon-archives/anarchy-list.archive/anarchy-list_1999/anarchy-list.9907, message 368


Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 10:23:28 -0500 (EST)
From: danceswithcarp <dcombs-AT-bloomington.in.us>
Subject: Re: Questions




On Fri, 16 Jul 1999, Melchizedek Maquiso wrote:

> I'm just curious on how come he hasn't been executed yet?
> What's taking the "executioners" so long? I've read that he
> allegedly killed the cop in 1981. Is it because of these so-called
> "protests" that hinder the decision of the state of Penn. to execute
> him?


The protests have some slight effect on the political nature of the
Pennsylvania and U$ courts where Mumia has filed dozens of appeals.  But
more to the point it's the overall U$ judical system.  The average
execution takes 14 years from trial to death due to appeals--some are
"automatic." Here in Indiana if someone receives the death penalty, and it
one hell of a penalty, then the system goes on autopilot and evertying
about the trial is reheard by higher courts.

Since the republicans took over congress in 94 there has been a new law
designed to "streamline" this process and in some states the average is
dropping tremendously.   For the average to be 14 years, since some guys
go quick (2-3 years) other guys have to take 17-20.

Personally, and Chuck0 and I had this out a couple of years ago, I find
the personality-cult type thing among supporters of Mumia a dangerous
thing.  Since Mumia's rise to stardom due to mainly the liberal National
Public Radio corporation's refusal to run his commentaries after they
initially agreed to, 100+ people have died here by state-sanctioned
execution.  All of the energy put into Mumia's cause didn't help one of
them.  At one time the overall focus of the Mumia movement may have been
a general anti-death penalty push, but now it seems so individualized.

Meanwhile, not only is the death machinery running at full speed for
everyone else, but the entire U$ prison industry is exploding in growth
like some evil internet stock; the great majority of Mumia's supporters
seem baffled by this.

Sometimes it seems to me that people think they have a social obligation
to do something about something, so they pick one cause and think/act on
it.  In their minds this then alleviates the need to act in other arenas.



carp


   

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