Week of 9/22/08: Katrina Survivors + Troy Davis Update

Hi everyone,

I hope the weekend was relaxing and enjoyable. We had a good time at the state conference in Macon on Saturday and picked up some new ideas.

This week we will be discussing the plight of Hurricane Katrina survivors within the framework of international human rights norms. It has been 3 years since the destructive storm pushed through Louisiana and the rest of the Gulf Coast; but recent storms, including Ike in Texas, have reminded us that powerful hurricanes and their consequences will continue to be a part of life in the southern United States. One of our members had an opportunity to volunteer in New Orleans after Katrina and will share her experience with us. Actions for the week will be directed to our senators, Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss.

Last Thursday, several members of our UGA group attended a march and prayer vigil for Troy Anthony Davis in downtown Atlanta. Despite the very somber nature of the event, it was well organized and received media attention. Just in the past week, Troy has received new support from former President Jimmy Carter, presumptive Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr, and Nicholas Sarkozy, President of France. President Sarkozy personally phoned Martina Correa, sister of Troy Davis, Friday afternoon. The Reverend Al Sharpton personally visited Troy Friday evening at the state prison in Jackson, Ga. We have received no other news about Troy's execution scheduled for tomorrow night.

Tomorrow night, following our general meeting, we will be participating in a vigil at the arch for Troy. Vigils are held at the arch on Tuesday nights when executions are scheduled in Georgia. They are attended by members of Jubilee Partners, Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, and others from the local community. If you cannot come to our meeting, do try and join us at the arch for the vigil at 6:30pm in the hope that Troy will NOT be executed. If you have not sent an email to the Board of Pardons and Parole in the past week, please do so by going to amnestyusa.org/troydavis.

Zach