My employers at the Innocence Project of Texas have been publishing short essays from staff and attorneys on their website on the topic of, "Why I do this work." Check them out. And if you're interested in supporting the group, go here to donate.
I was asked to write one which will go up soon, but the essays already published I thought were pretty darn compelling.
I donate to IP. Thank all you for your expert work and many need you everyday. Thank you
ReplyDeleteAlmost a dozen times I have offered to help by doing initial reviews of files relevant to new innocence claims. No one at IPOT has ever followed up on my offer to volunteer.
ReplyDelete1:22, Sorry to hear that. I work on the policy side and am not involved at all in the legal cases, but I do know that most of the jail mail vetting is done by law students at the various public-law school based legal clinics. That may be part of the disconnect.
ReplyDeleteIf perhaps the 13th time could be the charm, contact executive director Nick Vilbas (nick@ipoftexas.org). Maybe he can hook you up.
1:22 PM, the problem is that you are wishing to donate (non-attorney / non- billable) man hours vs. money. You are basically contacting students and scaring them by your perceived attempt to compete for their assigned duties.
ReplyDeleteYou should be commended for your endeavors and consider alternatives if your 13th through 30th attempts are in vain. If Mr. V. has no room for you at the 'Inn', spread your wings. Remember he is very busy, be patient. Thanks.
Grits, since a lot of people don't click on links anywhere / anytime, would you consider publishing a GFB Posting celebrating a few or a bunch of IPOT: Why I do this work stories? Some of them are flat out inspiring and awesome.
ReplyDeleteWho knows, it just might inspire a few idle hands to get on the - Do(ing) the right thing for the right reasons bandwagon. (The older version of the In-House motto of the Holmes stable derailed and was sold for scrap.) In the parting words of Professor David Protess of the CIP - Thanks for all that you do.
An open letter to the " innocence project "
ReplyDeleteThe protection of the citizen from the illegal persecution of the government was a cornerstone in the formation of this "free society" we call the United States. We the people have rights but if the buttons are not pushed in the right order then we have no rights.
Your project proclaims protection for those rights however of it is too complicated then you send a form letter and ignore and future plea for help.
In a case where the conviction is obviously wrong, medical evidence refutes testimony, sworn statements prove perjury, official documents prove prosecutorial misconduct, court records prove prejudice of the courts and an innocent victim is destroyed by allegations from a proven drug abuser who is proven a liar on testimony that contradicts itself you blow off the life of a person.
Why?
Too complicated? Not important enough to get the juice needed to get contributions? Politically incorrect and liable to create controversy from the Bar?
Why?
This case is full of illegal arrests, misconduct and malpractice by the bar, constitutional violations and the obvious benevolent protection of the fraternity of the elite.
Judges committing near criminal acts, the complainant , an addicted drug counselor who drugged the defendant illegally and admits it in evidence, who knows how to butter the bread and the defendant innocent by any standard you wish, counsel blatantly working to protect self from appeal and review of shoddy and negligent representation , cannot get review after five lawyers and over $150,000 in legal fees, broke, deprived of liberty, property and ability to support himself because of false conviction,driven out of the state of Texas by unending false accusations, and the Attorney General - in an open file evidence case backing the DA in hiding a Brady violation by declaring a open Records statues for evidence is just wacky.
It can only leave a few conclusions. None of which support the premise you solicit donations for.
One is not an important number. Unless it's you.
I challenge you to review facts in the case submitted in my name and give a logical explanation to the action of the authorities and a reason your organization can say it does not fit your stated purpose.
Theodore Levee