{PBJFlorida} FW: FADPUpdate: Thank You!

 

 

FADP Update

 

1,000 to 1   FADP is a true grassroots coalition. I am very proud to be a part of such a noble and necessary cause. I thank our coalition partners and each and every one of you who stood together, stepped up, and spoke out telling Gov. Scott to veto the Timely Justice Act. Yes, Gov. Scott refused to listen to concerned citizens and yes, he signed the Timely Justice Act. But YES! Your calls, emails, and letters brought about what must be the most overwhelming lopsided show of support for an action in the history of Florida politics.   The total number of calls, letters and emails to Gov. Scott's office for and against signing the Timely Justice Act were tabulated by the governor's office:   Veto the Bill – 15,006  Sign the Bill – 16 That's right. Almost a thousand to one.   Then, late Friday afternoon on June 14, Gov. Scott signed the Timely Justice Act and immediately ran and jumped on a jet to France. The timing prevented many news outlets from reporting it and made responsive, in-depth coverage or Q&A impossible. There was no signing ceremony or answering questions from the media. For more than a month, exonerated Florida Death Row survivor Seth Penalver had written, emailed, and called Gov. Scott's office asking to meet with the Governor to tell him his story and ask him to veto the Timely Justice Act. On May 30th, Seth and fellow exonerated Florida Death Row survivor Herman Lindsey traveled to Gov. Scott's office in the Capitol to ask for an appointment. The Governor's office refused. Said Penalver, "The Governor refuses to give me five minutes to meet with him after the state of Florida spent 18 years punishing me and sentencing me to death for a crime I did not commit. I want to tell him my story and ask him to veto the Timely Justice Act, which will increase the risk of executing innocent people."   Following a May 15th Miami News Conference with Seth and Herman, CNN reported, "Scott's office wouldn't say if he would be willing to meet with Penalver but it issued this statement, 'We want to hear from Floridians about the merits of this legislation, which our General Counsel's office is currently reviewing.'"   And hear they did! 15,006 for a veto vs. 16 for signing the bill. Almost a thousand to one.   Thank you one and all. The Governor asked. The people spoke. The Governor ignored us.   "First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win." ---Gandhi   This next phase has already begun: "We're not short on anti-death penalty zealots in Florida…" said Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, the House sponsor of the bill.   Prepare for the fight of our lives.   Shine the light, --Mark   PLEASE help the Florida statewide coalition to end the Death Penalty. We need YOUR help NOW more than ever.   Please "like" and share the FADP Facebook page.   Sent by: Mark Elliott Executive Director Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, fadp.org P.O. Box 82943 Tampa, FL 82943   Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty is a coalition of organizations and individuals united to abolish the Death Penalty in Florida.   FADP works to build a strong, diverse, statewide grassroots movement which: * Opposes executions * Supports reforms aimed at reducing the application of the Death Penalty until it is abolished * Protects the humanity of all persons impacted by the Death Penalty * Educates Floridians about the Death Penalty * Provides concrete action steps for individuals and groups

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