Virginia Execution #102

It was sobering to learn recently that Virginia is second only to Texas in number of executions. My state of choice has disappointed me in the past (read: "Marriage Amendment") but that doesn't mean we can't continue try to influence the powers-that-be to change.

Gov. Kaine had put a moratorium on state executions while the Supreme Court hashed out whether or not lethal injection was constitutional, but when they upheld it on April 16, the wheels began turning again. The next execution was Virginia's 100th.

A group called Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (VADP) holds candlelight vigils on the evenings of executions, and I've decided to coordinate one this Thursday, July 24 at 8:30 p.m. in the Radford Library parking lot. I have a permit from Radford City and will bring some candles to share, but feel free to bring your own as well as signs. The VADP site also has more details about Christopher Scott Emmett.

Other things you can do to help:

1. Contact Gov. Tim Kaine by telephone and/or fax and politely ask him to grant clemency (show mercy) by commuting Emmett's death sentence to life without the possibility of parole. If you live in Virginia, be sure to start by stating your name and where you live.
   Gov. Tim Kaine
   Phone: (804) 786-2211
   Fax: (804) 371-6351
2. Send this information to others who might join you in taking action. Calls may be made and faxes may be sent as late as 8 p.m.on the night of the execution.
3. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper calling for Virginia to stop executions and abolish the death penalty.
   

As always, please feel free to email me with any questions at anyslyenchanter(at)hotmail.com.

Gearing Up Again

Apologies to everyone for the silence. I've been trying to figure out how best to use this blog in conjunction with that other publication I put my blood and sweat into, NewRiverVoice.com.

Since the Voice went web-only back in April, we've had to adjust the scope of our mission a bit, and although I'll still publicize progressive events in the calendar and promote progressive ideas in my column, Compassionate Action, this blog will give me a bit more freedom to expound, as it were.

And there's going to be a lot to share! While MoveOn.org has been busy getting Obama nominated, I've become involved with a few other groups as well. This fall I'll be:

• co-advising the Young Democrats at Radford University;
• continuing to train GLBT allies for the RU Safe Zone;
• coordinating candlelight vigils for Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; and
• there's also an informal Social Justice group of Radford faculty and community members getting organized, with a core group focusing on surface mining (AKA mountaintop removal).

So I'll be reporting on the activities and growth of these groups, as well as those of MoveOn.org's Operation Democracy Council. Thanks for listening, and I look forward to keeping you posted on all the Progressive Actions happening in the NRV.

Penny Coleman has a Great Point

The widow of a Vietnam vet who killed himself after coming home writes a poignant op-ed about the rate of suicide among war vets--statistics more Americans should be forced to hear. She wrote a book about "that most secret death" called Flashback: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide and the Lessons of War and I'm thinking of picking it up... In just a couple of sentences at the conclusion of her article, she clarified some things about military service and pinpointed why the way we talk about suicide bombers has always troubled me. Read this article!

Honoring the Fallen

Veteran's Day was Monday, and I just discovered that the NY Times has created a multimedia presentation of photos of service members who have died in Iraq. Individual faces are made up of squares representing each of the others... and it's also searchable by name or hometown.

Also check out this Military Times database site that gives quite a bit more information about these brave men and women. The count they have now--as confirmed by U.S. Central Command is 4,307.

A bit of good post-election news

Although, the only person I voted for this year who actually won happened to be a Republican (don't ask), the Human Rights Campaign reported that Democrats have taken control of the Virginia Senate for the first time since 1997. Here are some more details.

I'm also thrilled that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Unfortunately this measure only protects folks based on sexual orientation (and not gender identity) but it's a HUGE start.

And we all needed a bit of good news, didn't we.

Increase the Visibility of Mountain Top Removal

CNN Heroes has nominated Larry Gibson, as one of 4 in the Defender of the Planet category. Gibson has been fiercely fighting mountain top removal from Kayford Mountain, West Virginia and you can watch the CNN clips from the original show here and here. Then you have until noon on Monday, October 8 to vote for him.

According to the rules, "the top vote-getter in each of the six CNN Hero categories will compete in an online vote starting Monday, November 12, with the winner honored at 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute'," which will take place Thursday, December 6. So assuming we spread the word and get him the win in this round, stay tuned for the next vote!

For more about Larry Gibson's work and to find out how to get involved, check out MountainKeeper.org.

Crafters with a Cause

I've always been into artsy things. I still sell recycled crafts like record clocks and marble jewelry and domino coasters at the local farmers market--and years ago I even started a webzine called Craftygal with some friends in Rochester, NY. But nothing warms my heart more than crafting with a message... so I was thrilled to hear about a project by the International Fabric Collaborative.

Jennifer Marsh, an MFA student at Syracuse University (and creator of the lawnmower cover above), is collecting 3 foot square fiber panels from crafters around the world who are concerned about our dependence on oil. And with them she plans to create what's essentially a giant cozy for an abandoned gas station. Yep, she thinks big.

The deadline to submit a panel is March 15, 2008 and I'm definitely going to participate. If anyone else would like to join me, and Courtney Weida who gave me the scoop, please contact me (Taryn Chase) and we'll try to set a time to get together and discuss!

UPDATE!
Jennifer Marsh will be giving a lecture here at Radford University at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 9 in 203 McGuffy Hall. Future fiber workshops (knitting, crocheting, quilting, etc.) to participate will also be discussed!