April 2003 Case Update and News / Mark H Lankford Defense Project
Dear friends and supporters,
The decision we had hoped would come in February, from the Federal judge, has yet to come. This is not so unusual, for the dates are all tentative and not set in stone. However, the decision could come at any time, so I am ready, as I hope that you are. Here, things have a more positive spin on them. The bill/law that takes Death Row out of solitary and allows more visits has been passed signed by Governor Kempthorne. The actual application of the new Statute is not yet known, in regard to when some of us will be taken from solitary and placed in IMSI general population. No matter, after 20 years of isolation, this is a positive development. The one possible negative will be that I may lose my ability to paint the way I have over the years, for general population inmates are not allowed the same level of HOBBYCRAFT property as we were/are. This also remains to be seen, but it's a real possibility.
Also, one of the men here, George Porter, has had his death sentence overturned by a State District judge based on the RING decision (last year's US Supreme Court decision about juries doing the sentencing instead of judges). The judge stated that George had been sentenced to a crime for which he had not been convicted, which would also apply to almost all of us on Idaho's execution list! It is not certain whether the death mongers/Idaho prosecutors will appeal this decision, although we are certain they are unhappy. Their unhappiness/discomfort is a good thing!
I remain as I always have been, attempting to do my best while facing uncertain daily events and watching as the world gets more chaotic and insane. I would not have thought that an insane and imbecilic person could be President and lead people to die in a foreign country while loudly proclaiming that it is necessary for American freedom! The lies that Bush and his cadre of fools have told are legion, but the media cowards will not take them to task for fear of being called unpatriotic or un-American. They should realize that by not sharing the truth, by not contesting the Administration's propaganda, by not showing the reality of death in Iraq, by not doing their jobs, they are certainly un-American!
For a really good assessment of the invasion of Iraq and the way to stand up against the Bush liars, go to www.michaelmoore.com/articles/index! The more we fight these idiots, the better possibility there will not be a repeat of this ever again. The Dixie Chicks had it right, it's a shame that Bush is from Texas. The shame part is right, but Bush is not from Texas, the idiot was born in CONNECTICUT, which is a long way from my home state of Texas!
So, I hope that all of you have a fantastic Spring and that I will have good news by Summer. I need all of your prayers, help and support. Let me know if I can do anything for you and if you have any ideas for me. We need all the attention we can get on this horrendous case of human rights violations that Idaho has and continues to perpetrate against me! Stay strong and let me know how you are and any news you may have for me.
Namasté and love, Mark H Lankford
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