I have a very special friend on the row in FL. I got a letter today thanking me for standing by him while knowing what he is going up against. In the letter today he also stated: "The Governor's Commission appointed to investigate the execution process in this state wrapped up it's meeting last week & submitted it's report to the governor, nothing will change. He'll probbly be signing death warrants before summer, this new governor here in Florida is a real Law & Order "Nut"."
Does anyone have any more information on this Commission's findings? If so please let me know and post here so we all know. I will look and see what I can come up with. It's heart breaking to say the least. I had heard that the new governor was very "anti-death row inmates" and the sooner he could start executions the happier he would be. I would hope that this isn't the case.

Here is an article that I just found by googling real fast. How disgusting.
The Governor's Commission on the Administration of Lethal Injection held their first meeting (http://lethal-injection-florida.blogspot.com/2007/02/governors-commission-on-administration.html)

Friends,

The Governor's Commission on the Administration of Lethal Injection held their first meeting on Monday. As you know, then-Gov. Bush issued Executive Order 06-260 creating this panel to investigate the botched execution of Angel Nieves Diaz and make recommendations as to how administration of the procedures and protocols can be revised. Ex-Gov. Bush purposely limited the scope of their duties to prevent discussion of the Death Penalty. The goal is apparently to provide a quick fix, legal protection, political cover and to restore medical respectability...then get back to business as usual...........

Typical. Just typical. One has to wonder how long it will be before the shadow of the Bush family no longer darkens this country.

I didn't read all of that because I don't have to, but just know that you and your friend are in my thoughts and prayers Patti! Love Ya!!

Tracy

(((((((((((((((((((Patti)))))))))))))))

I got 2 more letters today. I sent him a picture of a window with all the curtains and very decorative. I told him that when he looks at that window to remember I am on the other side. He has a "wall of hope" in his cell. He said he put it up there and knows that when he looks at it I am on the other side. Waiting to see when the governor starts the act he can't wait to get to is stressful to say the least. I do not believe in capital punishement under ANY circumstances and I honestly wish I had the magic powers to snap my fingers and change the hearts of all those that so strongly believe in it. I guess all we can do is pray that someday this horrid act will be abolished. Until then, hearts are continuously broken and lives shattered. How can execution be called "business"? ::shaking head::

i would hate to be THE GOVERNOR ON JUDGEMENT DAY.......!!!

damn, Patti. I do know the guys nickname is Chain Gang Charlie...hugs...Florida really bites. They lead the nation in exonerations and in projected growth of prisoner population and they just cannot seem to get out of their own way...sorry yr friend is stuck in it!

His letters have been pretty upbeat lately except for the one when he saw the CO's beating an inmate from general population. He can't really say much in his letters about it because they are doing an investigation and he is afraid that his letters are being read. They want to know so much and he doesn't want to have any part of it. It's sad when they have new staff coming in that are horrid to the guys. He pretty much keeps to himself, plays chess almost every day with a guy that is the second house down from his. He loves the yard time and playing basketball. He likes the fact that he can still get down with the guys that are younger than he is and play a good game of bb. He goes to the law library when they call him. One thing he seems to enjoy (not sure that is the right word) but that's spending more time out in the yard when they are doing shake downs. He knows that when they are out there what's going on inside and he doesn't like that but the extra fresh air. He is a very special part of my life and all I can do is pray that his sentence gets commuted. I will just keep writing letters, sending pictures and keeping him a part of my daily life. He does love the fact that when I write to him I imagine him sitting here drinking coffee with me. We share a very strong bond that nobody will ever break. Should the day come when the State of FL takes him from me then we will visit in my dreams.

Yes Patti Crist is a tough one. It worried me when he got in. I did not vote for him but with Bush backing him and we all know Florida can't count. It is sad. My fiancé was murdered September three years ago. It took two years to get it to court and the guy walked. Yes I said walked. It is hard to get into prison with money. Back to my point. Tommy would not have wished any evil on the guy so I try not too. I do not believe in cap punishment either but walking was a stinging slap in the face. Its not the law it is the Lawyers. Take good care of yourself. Embrace the fear.

Patti, I cried when I read your posts. Lots of love to you and your friend

krow, thank you for the well wishes. I know I am not the only one that has gone through this nor the only one that will go through it. It's very tough and those that are so much in love with their guy on the row it has to be even more difficult. I just pray that the time that we have together brings a smile to his face. I love writing to him because he is always so excited to get letters and he tells me how he floats around when receiving mail. The other day he got 4 cards and a letter all at once. He said that I am spoiling him. That's ok if it brings a smile to his face....then I just can't send enough. I want him to smile as much as possible. I want him to know that I am here through the thick and the thin. I know that his life there isn't easy and I want to try making up for all the days, months and years that he hasn't smiled. I know I have my work cut out for me but that's ok too. I don't mind. I will make it my full time job to bring a smile a day to him....if not more. :)

Yes Patti Crist is a tough one. It worried me when he got in. I did not vote for him but with Bush backing him and we all know Florida can't count. It is sad. My fiancé was murdered September three years ago. It took two years to get it to court and the guy walked. Yes I said walked. It is hard to get into prison with money. Back to my point. Tommy would not have wished any evil on the guy so I try not too. I do not believe in cap punishment either but walking was a stinging slap in the face. Its not the law it is the Lawyers. Take good care of yourself. Embrace the fear.

I am very sorry to hear about your fiance. I honestly respect your post and am thankful that you have stopped in here. Please know that you are welcome here and if you ever need any help here on PTO give me a holler!!! WELCOME TO PTO!!!

Patti

Thank you Patti, Just wanted you to know I started a new account today and in the main lobby was a picture on glass of your window.(Someone did a fine job) It ran through my mind. When you look through this window I am on the other side. Ya know that IS a comforting thought. I have seen so much injustice that it is hard at times to decipher the hurt from the anger. It is easy to get wrapped up in the moments and forget the big picture. That window brings the big picture back into focus. That is a very sweet thing you are doing. There are still a few left. Take good care of yourself...

I find comfort knowing that someone is on the other side of the window. When I have bad days I think about it and there are times I even feel my grandpa on the other side and he has been gone almost 30 years. I am happy that my statement brings comfort to you. I hope that it brings comfort to others as well.

Patti

Just for the record....I didn't vote for CRIST!

Just wanted y'all to know that. :)

tfine, I know you would never do such a thing. No way would we ever place the blame on you for such a "dishonorable" person doing what he does when in fact he does have the power to change things. Girl you are way too kind for that!! I mean hey....you brought an extremely special man into my life and I am forever indebted to you!!! He is certainly a keeper!!!

Not much to say except (((hugs))) to you, Patti.

Your man is blessed to have you in his life!
I hope you both have many, many years of friendship left to run.

I lost someone very special a few years ago and it is wonderful to have such precious memories to hold in my heart when I miss him.