Sample Letters To
Governor Schwarzenegger

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

Please do not allow the execution of Stanley Tookie Williams. There are facts about his case that show that racial injustices have taken place. He is one ex-gang member that can reach the gang kids - or potential future gang kids - and help them turn their lives around. Don't lose him! The teens of today desperately need his kind of approach and knowledge in the reality of street gang life so they can make life-saving, better choices. Stanley Tookie Williams represents hope to these kids. Don't kill their hope.

I know you care about youth, Governor. Please support our youth by granting clemency to Mr. Williams.

{Your name and address}
__________________________________________________

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

I am writing to you with regards to Stanley Williams. As I understand it, you are his only hope. You should know that I am in favor of the death penalty (in the most reprehensible cases) and my politics are conservative -- I am by no means a do-gooder liberal. However, I believe in the case of Tookie Williams, that if there ever was a case that demanded clemency or mercy, his would be it. Regardless of his innocence or guilt of the crimes he has been convicted of, he has spent 26 1/2 years behind bars and has used that time not only to rehabilitate himself but also to influence others. Executing Mr Williams would be like executing Louis Pasteur or Florence Nightingale. This man has saved many thousands of our youth from self-destruction, not to mention their possible future victims.

I would challenge you to read his books and ask yourself that if this man can achieve all of this from a death row cell, what would he be able to achieve if he was allowed to live? How many lives could he save and inspire? And further: what message would you be sending to the people you represent should you execute Mr. Williams -- and what message would you send should you spare his life?

{Your name and address}