No Space For Mercy in Tennessee

A screenshot of coverage of a Tennessee execution.

Where is the space for mercy in Tennessee?

Earlier this afternoon, Governor Lee denied clemency for Nick Sutton. There is an appeal before the US Supreme Court, so a small bit of hope remains. Unless the courts intervene, Sutton will be killed in the Tennessee electric chair at 7pm CST tomorrow (2/20/2020).

Indeed, where is the space for mercy? When corrections officials ask for it? When the victim’s families ask for it? When it simply makes sense?

If redemption is not recognized in a prisoner such as Nick Sutton, what hope does anyone have?

We simply must end the power of government to carry out executions. If the gloves were not off before, they are now!

Here’s how YOU can HELP MAKE THE DIFFERENCE:

1. Send Governor Lee another e-mail at bill.lee@tn.gov. Ask him: Where is the space for mercy and redemption in Tennessee? Ask Gov. Lee to go pray with the prisoners on death row. Ask him to stop all executions. Include your postal address and request a reply.
2. Order the postcards for you and your community to send to Gov. Lee. We’ve had many orders in the past weeks and a new set will be printed once we get past this execution.
3. Make a donation to help cover Death Penalty Action’s costs of supporting this effort.
4. Spread the word! Share this sample social media post:

Asking @GovBillLee: If #NickSutton’s clear redemption is not enough; If pleas of victim families & corrections officials are not enough; Is there space for #Mercy in #Tennessee? In your mind, what’s the bar that must be met? #EndTheDeathPenalty #StopExecutions @DeathPenaltyActThank you! Yours in the Struggle,

— Abe & Scott

Co-Directors, Death Penalty Action.

PS: Please make the most of every opportunity to work for justice this week and every week! Chip in to support this work, here.