David Powell scheduled for execution tomorrow (June 15th)

I am of the belief that the execution of David Powell has lost its meaning somewhat after his 32 years on death row. Clearly, Texas's trusty parole board doesn't agree as they unanimously declined to commute his sentence. Powell's life now lies in the hands of Governor Rick Perry who can still grant a 30 day reprieve... The same Rick Perry who has allowed 220 executions in his state since he became governor....

Things aren't looking good.

Powell is now 59 and has been on death row for 32 years for the murder of police officer Ralph Ablanedo. The Austin Police Association has chartered a bus and booked a block of discounted hotel rooms because they want as many officers as possible to stand outside the prison walls at the execution.

A field trip to an old man's death. Makes you proud to be an American, huh? Why don't we just go back to public lynchings on the courthouse lawn while we're at it?

If you too feel that Powell, now a reformed and aging convict convicted of a crime which occured over 3 long decades ago (before most of those cops were even BORN), does not deserve to die, you can contact Governor Rick Perry urging him to grant a 30 day stay of execution on the following number:

(512) 463-1782

Or you can email him via the email form on his website: http://governor.state.tx.us/contact/

Appart from the killing of Ablanedo, undoubtedly a terrible but ancient crime, Powell does not have a history of violence. In his 32 years on death row, he has shown deep remorse for the crime, even apologizing to the family of the victim. He has managed to make something of his life since his incarceration, by helping so many others on death row, teaching and mentoring scores of people. You can find out more about the man at letdavidlive.org/

He does not the deserve the death penalty, and he certainly does not deserve the public spectacle that they are making of him.

But I'm perfectly happy to admit that I think Rick Perry is an immoral and undoubtedly stupid man. Whether he will see sense and have just a smidge of mercy, just this once, is highly debatable.

For now, all we can do is pray.