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From the left, Amy Jo Smith, coordinator of Gainesville Citizens for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, SueZann Bosler, Board Member of the Journey of Hope ...From Violence to Healing and member of Murder Victim's Families for Reconciliation (click here for bio), and Abe Bonowitz, Director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (click here for bio).
Ms. Smith goes to TallahasseeAmy Jo sent the following e-mail letter to friends and family.Dear Family and Friends, Yes, I am Ms. Smith, and I went to our state capital not as an elected lawmaker but as an activist for the abolition of the death penalty and ready to be put in jail for making a point. While enjoying Thanksgiving with Ron and Martha in West Palm Beach, I received an e-mail from Abe Bonowitz head of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP) inviting me to go with him to the FL State Capital which is beginning a special session on the budget. He indicated that there's a possibility that we might be arrested. After much consideration I decided to go. At 2:30 AM today Abe and SueZann arrived at my house. They grabbed a couple hours of sleep and the three of us headed to Tallahassee at 6:30 AM. SueZann is the daughter of a Mennonite minister who was stabbed to death. She also was almost killed in the attack. She chose to seek life in prison for her assailant rather than the death penalty and is part of the "Journey of Hope...From Violence to healing..." On the way to Tallahassee Abe briefed me on the planned action and its possible consequences. We would unfurl a banner in the visitors' gallery overlooking the Florida House of Representatives and disrupt the session by informing them that they could save at least $51,000,000 annually by abolishing the death penalty. Currently our legislature is contemplating severely reducing the amount spent on education and programs to help the poor of Florida. Abe had prepared a press release that pointed out other important facts about the Florida death penalty, such as the 23 death row inmates who were wrongly convicted. Abe instructed me in what I would need to take with me, such as $100 in cash for bail, my driver's license and cell phone. I would carry the sign in my briefcase and surround it with other papers hoping that it would go unnoticed. We didn't need to worry. At the two security checkpoints the guards were more interested in my Palm Pilot and cell phone. I had to turn them on so that they could determine that they were not explosive devices. SueZann and I went in separately from Abe since he was afraid he might be recognized and not allowed in but he had no problem. We found choice seats in the first row of the balcony and directly across from the TV cameras. As soon as we were settled a 20 minute recess was called. Abe headed to the media area to pass out the press release. When the session resumed we were ready. It was apparent that the House would soon be dismissed for the day so Abe and I stood with the banner and Abe started shouting out in a loud voice how abolishing the death penalty would save money which could be used for various programs. I stood at one end of the banner, Abe at the other. SueZann who chose not to put herself in a position to be arrested took pictures of our action. Soon the Sergeant at Arms told Abe in a polite but firm voice that this was not allowed and that he had to stop. Of course, Abe went right on shouting. The Speaker of the House declared the session adjourned. Soon another officer appeared and informed Abe that he had to leave the chambers. Abe immediately agreed and we put away our sign and headed to the hallway where we were greeted by a dozen newspeople and photographers who interviewed Abe. I was amazed that no one was telling us to leave. When the questions were all answered the three of us went outside. For at least an hour we talked to reporters who came by. Eventually three police officers came out and demanded Abe's driver's license and told him that he was "banned" from the Capital for the rest of the special session which ends on Friday. Abe was fine with that. It was all very pleasant and professional. Over all our efforts seemed worthwhile. We raised the level of awareness of the issue. Tonight I watched us on the evening news in Gainesville. I continue to be amazed at how respectful and gentle everyone was with us. Even though I held the sign with Abe no one seemed interested in "banning" me from the Capital. It seems that only verbal disruption is a problem. You are probably puzzled why I would ever take part in such an action. I do believe that the death penalty is immoral and unjust and that we need to end it, not only in Florida but in the US. I am free to be involved in such an action since I don't work and am not responsible for caring for the needs others. Stan always said that he would like to go to jail for a good cause. I figured that this was a good cause and that it wouldn't hurt me to go to jail. Stan would have approved. However, I am very grateful that an arrest did not follow our action. Perhaps sometime in the future I will make it to jail. : ) Love to you all and thank you for supporting me and accepting my activism, Amy Jo "I have yet to see a death case among the dozens coming to the Supreme Court on eve-of-execution (reprieve) applications in which the defendant was well represented at trial." Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death
Penalty PMB 335
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