If you hear approaching hoof beats in the night, you’re not crazy. That is, unless you suppose them to be gambolling donkeys in heat. Be alarmed, inquire and assure yourself of what is.
The reason I posted this petition in its entirety, is to raise awareness of the unwise position of allowing this monstrous republican autocracy to have power to further misuse the death penalty.
Though no cogent argument favours the death penalty, and we know that in the United States innocent persons have been intentionally executed by the state, certain recent behaviours done in our name ought to shock every citizen of conscience.
The United States Supreme Court found that some recent cases, met the definition of cruel and unusual punishment. When that happened, one would think that the governors who employed every legal manoeuvre to kill another human being, would reflect on the reasons they are so ardent in seeking those deaths. Not with governor Rick Scott of Florida. He went twice, appealing and fixing errors to carry on legally, his immoral and ghoulish mission. His peers in other states, did worse -deciding to just shoot the convict, saving themselves the trouble of appeals. But there’s a decent state attorney in Florida, Aramis Ayala, who will not join governor Rick Scott’s blood fest. Please, please lend your support to what is morally just.
BREAKING: Gov. Rick Scott might try to remove Florida’s first Black head prosecutor from office simply because she did the right thing–and we have to stop him. Will you sign the petition?
Aramis Ayala is part of the less than one percent of Black women who are head prosecutors in the country. Last week, she took a heroic step and pledged not to seek the death penalty, and Rick Scott wrongfully removed her from a key case–even though Ayala was supported by the victim’s family in her decision. Now, he might be trying to get her out of office permanently?!
This is an attack on democracy and Black political leadership. Aramis Ayala’s bold move is in direct response to the needs of the voters who put her in office. Yet, Gov. Scott is overstepping his authority and sending a scary and unfair message: the voters’ choice in who they elect to serve justice does not matter.
Demand Governor Rick Scott respect the people’s choice, reverse his decision and put State Attorney Aramis Ayala back on the case.
This is about more than just the death penalty. Black communities and our allies have built a movement over the last year to replace the worst prosecutors with leaders who want to change the system from the inside out–like Aramis Ayala and Kim Foxx in Chicago. Just like every other movement that has built power for Black people, this movement is being met with anti-Blackness, right wing resistance, and anti-democratic tactics intended to keep our communities trapped under the leadership of white conservatives.
We’ve seen it before. After the election of the first Black President, we saw a wave of voter suppression laws intended to constrain Black political power and right-wing politicians refusing to let President Obama conduct the most basic aspects of his duties like appointing a Supreme Court Justice. We have to send a clear signal that when it comes to real leaders like Aramis Ayala, we’ve got their backs.
Governor Rick Scott must let state attorney Aramis Ayala do her job. Tell him to reverse his decision NOW.
During his tenure, Governor Rick Scott has repeatedly failed to step up to other state attorneys when they did not serve justice. He shunned the family of Trayvon Martin. In 2012, when 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was killed by cop wannabe George Zimmerman, Governor Scott moved too slowly to pursue justice for the teenage boy and his family. It was only after urgent pleas from protesters and community members that Scott finally stepped up and appointed a special prosecutor. But who he appointed was damaging–Angela Corey–whom he knew would support his “Stand Your Ground” law where he saw fit. Instead of fighting for justice, Corey allowed Zimmerman to get off. Since then, the Governor hasn’t done a thing about the criminalization of Black folks or the laws that allow them to be killed in cold blood.
Yet, Governor Scott did not even wait a day to take State Attorney Aramis Ayala off this crucial case, diminishing and undermining her position as a prosecutor. He is sending a scary and unfair message — the voters’ choice in who they elect to serve real justice does not matter.
Local prosecutors are the most influential decision makers in the criminal justice system and their work has an enormous impact on the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Our communities cannot afford to have elected leaders put their own interests and power above the people. That is why Orange-Osceola County State Attorney Aramis Ayala–someone who will stay committed to making justice a reality for all people–is the kind of leader that we need. We cannot stand by and let someone like Governor Rick Scott silence her and the voters who elected her to fix our criminal justice system. Let’s show up for Ayala’s bravery and integrity.
Sign the petition.
Until Justice is real
Rashad, Arisha, Scott, Clarise, Anay, Enchanta, Malaya, and the rest of the Color of Change Team
References:
“State attorney likely to be booted, WFTV analysts predict,” Orlando Sentinel, 03.19.2017 http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv/tv-guy/os-et-state-attorney-likely-to-be-booted-20170319-story.html
“Gov. Scott appoints special prosecutor after Ayala says she won’t pursue death penalty, ” Orlando Sentinel, 03.16.2017. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-aramis-ayala-no-death-penalty-20170316-story,amp.html
“Father of Sade Dixon speaks out about prosecutor’s stance on death penalty, ” Fox 35, 03.16.2017.
http://www.fox35orlando.com/news/local-news/242166846-story
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