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
Display software: ArchTracker © Malgosia Askanas, 2000-2005