The way the prosecutors tell it, he had a smirk on his face when he took the life of Officer Mark MacPhail in a Burger King parking lot on Aug. 19, 1989, in Savannah, Georgia. MacPhail, who was working as an off duty security guard, was coming to the aid of a homeless man who was pistol whipped by 2 men demanding beer when he was shot. 22 years later, his alleged killer, Troy Davis, is 24 hours away from death by lethal injection. Seems simple enough, right?
***WRONG***
Over the last 22 years, many doubts have been raised when it comes to Davis' guilt. 7 of the 9 witnesses that testified against him later recanted their testimony, there was no gun found at the crime scene, and of course, there was no DNA. With so much doubt still lingering, why is the death penalty even on the table? Even a fraction of doubt should be enough to stop the legal lynching of a potentially innocent man. I understand the embarassment it would cause on the justice system to have to admitt that an innocent man had his life stolen but is someone's life worth less than the flawed U.S. justice system?
For years, there have been appeals, requests, letters, petitions, and protests. Supports from all over the world have stepped up to speak up against this injustice. So far, nothing has made an impact on the reality of this situation. Right now, the reality is that as of 7pm on September 21, 2011, Davis may die by lethal injection at the hands of the very justice system that failed him. But, we have not given up the fight; neither has Davis. He refused his last meal and expressed that this fight is not over. He will fight until his last breath and so will we.
It's no secret that Georgia has sentenced more people to death than any other state in the U.S. Is it a coincidence that back in the day, Georgia was also the state with the highest number of lychings? You can form your own opinion but I don't believe in coincidences. History repeats itself and it will continue to do so unless WE do something about it. As I have said before, our country is long overdue for a revolution, and I wouldn't be surprised if the death of Troy Davis was the start of something that America isn't ready for. Do your research and educate yourself. Find something that you feel strongly about and stand up for it. We have to come together because when you're fighting a war this big, you can't accomplish anything alone.
Call to request that D.A. Chisholm withdraw the death warrant 912-652-7308
Call Judge Penny Freesemann, who signed Troy's death warrant, and urge her to retract the warrant: 912.652.7252
Sign some petitions:
www.naacp.org
www.change.org
www.iacenter.org
*~Writers Ink~*
Send your thoughts to writers_inkorporated@yahoo.com. Reach out to me on Twitter @ Writers_Ink or on Facebook @ Writers Inkorporated.
*Sidenote: All images are linked to the site that they were taken from, just click on them to proceed to those websites*
I have yet to meet a person who doesn't remember where they were or what they were doing when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers. It is one of those images that seem to be burned into our memories. Where was I? I was in high school; 2nd period science class, with Mr. Hagler. I remember the class being noisey as it always was; full of side coversations. When the second plane hit, it got silent, almost as if everyone in the classroom was thinking the same thing. I remember walking the hallway with my friend Dre while she was in a panic because she couldn't reach her mom who worked in downtown D.C. When my grandmother picked me up from school, we came home and watched the news coverage on tv for hours. I never really expressed any emotion until I watched people jumping from the windows before the towers fell. It's hard to imagine how desperate the situation is to take your own life before the crash of the building does. More importantly, I'll never forget watching the bravery of those emergency responsers trying to save as many people as they could; to this day, I applaud their bravery and sacrifice.
September 11, 2001 was a day to remember. Not just because of the tragic events that happened, but because it was an event that brought this nation together. Citizens of the United States were closer than they had ever been. It was the closest this country has ever been to UNITY. 9/11 never kept us down, it only helped build us up. It turned enemies into neighbors and it brought out the bravery in many who never knew they had it in them. So as we reflect on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, don't just think about how it affected you then, but think about what it means to you now. Never forget the brave souls who lost their lives saving others. Never forget the innocent lives lost. Never forget what it did to this country and for this country.
*~Writers Ink~*
Where were you on 9/11? Do you have a story about that experience you would like to share? I would love to know. Feel free to comment here, email me at writers_inkorporated@yahoo.com, or reach out to me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instant Messanger. I want to hear your stories.
*Side note* Photos were taken by me in New York at the "Tiles for America" display.
They carried us, they birthed us, they've fed us, they've changed diapers, they've wiped away tears, they've kiss boo-boos, they've spanked us, put us on punishment, and given us advice even when they knew we wouldn't take it. Most importantly, they have shown us the meaning of unconditional love.
Today is the day to celebrate all women named "MOM". We buy flowers for them, we give them cards, and we cater to them. There is no doubt that we should celebrate and cherish these women 365 days a year, not just one, but they have the pleasure of knowing that they have atleast ONE day on the calendar that is dedicated to them. They deserve it. They don't complain about the money they've spent on you or the things in life they missed out on having you. They don't complain about the scars or stretch marks. Even though they miss the way their bodies USED to look, they appreciate their figure now because at the end of the day, YOU made it worth everything. Their definition of sacrifice is unconditional LOVE.
I salute all women out there who are mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers. If no one has told you, or will tell you today, then let me be the first to say I APPRECIATE YOU. To all of my SINGLE DAD'S out there playing both roles, you guys are amazing & I appreciate you too.
Lastly, to my mother and grandmothers, I LOVE YOU LADIES & I APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. Everything you have done for me, given to me, and said to me, has molded me me into the person I am today. Without your love and support, I never would have made it and for that alone, I am grateful.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!
Almost anyone old enough to remember September 11, 2001 can probably tell you where they were when it happened, what they were doing, and how they felt. I would bet that almost 90% of otherwise emotionless people even shed a tear that day, or the days following the attacks on our country. I was in high school, 2nd period, glued to the television as the second plane struck the towers. I remember watching the smoke rise, the buildings crumble, and the people jump from various windows. It was devastating.
9/11 helped the United States gain a sense of unity and comradery. But when news reports showed videos and images of Iraqi's celebrating in the street by dancing, chanting, singing, and burning American flags, we became INFURIATED. We condemed the activity and we became blinded by anger and rage. It only fueled the fire to support our military flying over and bombing the entire country. Long after the attacks on 9/11, Middle Eastern, Indian, and African people all over the United States, citizen or not, suffered at the hands of our own anger and ignorance. The Muslim culture suddenly became the Devil's religion and anyone who practiced it were looked at like monsters.
On Sunday night, as President Obama announced to the world that an operation he authorized resulted in Osama Bin Laden's death, people poured into the streets all over the United States shouting and chanting in celebration. They participated in the same activity that was condemed by citizens of this country 10 years ago. Yes, we have a reason to feel some sort of relief and some sort of justice, but there is a time and a place for any celebration.
"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy." -- Martin Luther King, Jr
Yes, this entry is plain. It contains no pictures and no videos. My word is enough. Celebrating his death is the same as celebrating his life. His pictures are all over the internet and newspapers, his video tapes are being replayed on the news, and reminders of 9/11 are on repeat more now than any anniversary since. All of which, in turn, are keeping Bin Laden's "legacy" of terror alive; essentially making a martyr out of him. So no, I won't celebrate his death and I won't celebrate his life. Call it what you want but this doesn't mean this world is safe. It doesn't mean our troops are coming home and it doesn't bring Al-Qaeda to their knees. This was just a small victory in a much larger war, so tell me now, what's the celebration for?
*~Writer's Ink~*
I encourage anyone and everyone to share their thoughts. I need more insight and understanding. Please post your comments here or email them to writers_inkorporated@yahoo.com. I will share any and every opinion at http://writersinkorporated.tumblr.com
...in what seems to be a volume no louder than a whisper compared to the rest of the art scene. Music captures the numbers, visual artists capture the attention, and culinary artists feed the masses, but poetry?
Poetry is the voice!
In 1996, the Academy of American Poets deemed April National Poetry Month. This is a national celebration that is designed to bring this art from the underground to the mainstream. It focuses on the heritage, the poets, the books, and every other aspect of the art. According to The Academy of American Poets, there are several goals that are hoped to be achieved during this month long celebration. Among other things, it hopes to shine the spotlight on poets of the past and present, who's legacies have helped make poetry what it is today. It also encourages the incorporation of poetry in education and in the media.
So How Can You Celebrate?
There are many ways you can participate in this celebration. You can start by picking up some poetry books or researching poets online. Even if you don't consider yourself a poet, try putting pen to paper and writing something of your own. Use some of your favorite things (objects, people, music, colors, ect) to be the inspiration you need to create. Visit some of you local poetry spots like coffee shops, book stores, restaurants, or bars that have open mics or book readings. Perhaps you can even organize your own poetry slam or open mic if no where around you supports this movement. (Click Here for more ideas)
Try the "Writer's Ink Challenge"
This year, I have decided to try and get everyone I possibly could involved in this celebration. Therefore, I have taken a few ideas from people and turned them into a 30 Day Event. Do you think you can step up to the challenge?
Part One:
The Challenge
I encourage everyone to sit down for a few minutes at a time and try to write ONE poem a day, everyday, for the entire month of April. These poems don't have to be long, "deep," or complicated. It can be 2 lines, 10 lines, 30 lines, or what seems to be a never ending poem. It can be in the form of Haiku, a story, a song, or a mixture of the many forms of poetry. Just take the time to see what kind of art you can create using every day life as your inspiration. Sometimes, the end result won't seem pretty to you, but the truth is, poetry, in any form is beautiful. Just give it a try!
Part Two:
The Activity
This is your chance to show off your talent. I encourage you to submit one of the pieces you came up to writers_inkorporated@yahoo.com so that it can be posted on writersinkorporated.tumblr.com. Along with your poem or song, I would like for you to include your name (for full credit), your website, a picture (neither are required), and any other information of choice, to be posted on the site, -OR- you can submit your work anonymously. It is all completely up to you! I do recommend that you copyright you work before submission but it is not required. Writers Inkorporated will give full credit for any of the work submitted.
MY AIM
The purpose of this is to shine light on the talent in this country (or world depending on where you're from). I want to be able to showcase the different styles that people have, the different views and opinions on a wide range of topics, and the different forms of poetry that there are. Lastly, this is an attempt to get everyone involved in the celebration of this art. I would LOVE to be able to post ATLEAST ONE poem a day and I can promise that I WILL POST EVERY submission I receive; no one will be left out. Are you ready?!
Ready? Set? Write....
*~Writers Ink~*
-Submit any questions, comments, concerns and POEMS to writers_inkorporated@yahoo.com
-All submissions can be read at writersinkorporated.tumblr.com
NOTE: All pictures are linked to the site they were taken from and any highlighted areas are links that can be followed (by clicking on them) to where the information originated from.
