NYADP IS EXPANDING
AND CHANGING ITS MISSION !
NYADP IS EXPANDING
AND CHANGING ITS MISSION !
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Did you see “The Exonerated?” Now you can get it on DVD and help NYADP.
The author of a new book wrongly served 2 decades in Texas’ notorious death house.
Please bear with us as we update our website to reflect our new name and expanded mission.
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A new name – but still NYADP! To learn more, please read the statement from David Kaczynski, excerpted below, or see full version.
Life After Death and The New NYADP
David Kacyznski, NYADP Executive Director
New York’s death row has been shut down; the execution chamber is dismantled. A majority of New Yorkers support life without parole over execution, and their opinion is reflected in the State Assembly, where a majority of members oppose reinstatement. Our current governor is a long-time abolitionist. Of course, things could change in a hurry with one terrible crime. But for the moment, at least, history seems to be going our way: we have effectively ended the death penalty in New York.
What are the next steps for NYADP? I believe there is much important work that still needs to be done . . . .
A Way Forward
In January, NYADP’s staff and Board of Directors have been busy re-visioning our organizational mission, building a bridge to the future. We asked two questions: What is the best way to secure abolition in New York? and How can we create a model for other states for post- abolition work?
We came to the conclusion that true abolition is more than the absence of the death penalty - it also involves a different paradigm of criminal justice. Abolition means that responses to violence are constructive, just and work toward the betterment of all members of society. Such outcomes do not automatically follow getting rid of the death penalty.
Thus, we will be working with five important groups. The mission is to unite victims, law enforcement, advocates for the mentally ill, restorative justice practitioners and families of the incarcerated around policies that address their real and immediate needs and reduce the likelihood of violent crime. This holistic approach can empower constituencies by bringing them together to create a stronger, united voice to advocate for their common goals . . . .
A New Name – But Still NYADP
At a Board/staff retreat in September, we outlined a plan to begin implementing the new vision. The Board also approved a name change to New Yorkers for Alternatives to the Death Penalty to reflect the organization’s expanded mission.
For Veterans Day
THE STORY OF ONE VETERAN
By Margaret Summers
Manny Babbitt was a Marine, a Vietnam War veteran whose demonstrated courage earned him a Purple Heart. Manny Babbitt was a survivor of the battle of Khe Sanh where 737 Americans died and more than 2500 soldiers were wounded. Manny was hit by rocket shrapnel that opened up his skull. He lost consciousness and was thought to be dead. He was loaded onto a pile of corpses by helicopter operators where he regained consciousness surrounded by severed limbs and bodies.
OTHER NEWS
Kaczynski speaks on Troy Davis case. 9.21.08
While State Court of Appeals holds death penalty unconstitutional, use of federal death penalty in state is growing. 3.19.08
Kaczynski to State Senate: Listen to your constituents. 1.18.08
With no death penalty in NY and NJ, what’s next? 12.23.07
Kaczynski hails abolition of death penalty in New Jersey. New York State achieved de facto abolition in October. 12.17.07
What New Yorkers say about reinstating death penalty. 10.07
New York is the national leader in this decade in DNA-based exonerations. 10.18.07
Additional stories on our News and Coming Events pages.
Also by David Kaczynski
On eighth exoneration in New York State in a year. 1.23.07
On New York’s shameful record as a national leader in wrongful convictions. 10.18.07
On renewed calls for State death penalty. 4.25.07
On Commission Call for Abolition in New Jersey. 1.2.07
On freeing of Peekskill inmate wrongly jailed for 17 years. 9.20.06
In Memorium. 9.6.06