Update on #JOHNRAMIREZ — still set for Texecution tonight!
#JohnRamirez is still scheduled for Texecution at 6pm CDT this evening (Weds — 9/8/2021). At this writing at 11:30am CDT there are no updates or government replies to the motion for a stay in this case on the US Supreme Court Docket. Follow our Facebook or Twitter for case updates going forward.
Thousands more concerned individuals have signed the petition since yesterday. Those signatures are on their way to Governor Abbott in about an hour.
MEANWHILE, CALL GOVERNOR ABBOTT (Again)
NOTE: Some people are getting through while others get a busy signal or hear that voicemail boxes are full. This is our impact — making sure the voice of opposition is being heard. Please keep trying if you cannot get through. Thank you!
PLEASE CALL GOVERNOR ABBOTT TODAY AT 512–463–1782. YOU CAN SIMPLY PRESS 1 LEAVE A VOICE MESSAGE, OR CHOOSE TO SPEAK TO A REPRESENTATIVE IF YOU PREFER. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A VETERAN OF ANY BRANCH OF THE US MILITARY, PLEASE STATE THAT.
“John Ramirez is an honorably discharged US Marine veteran who volunteered to served our country in a time of war. The Governor needs to recognize that and show some mercy.”
Please note: In Texas, the Governor has limited power when it comes to the death penalty. But the story we are told that “it’s out of the governor’s hands,” is only true if we allow it to be. Yes, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles must recommend clemency in that state in order for the Governor to grant clemency (mercy) by commuting a death sentence. However, the fact is that the governor appoints the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He can choose to appoint members who will take valid claims and concerns more seriously, instead of acting like rubber-stamping gate-keepers. He can still use his position of power and influence to enact justice in the State of Texas if he chooses to do so.
About Veterans and the Death Penalty
Yesterday, Captain Art Cody of the Veterans Advocacy Project wrote about mental illness and the death penalty in US veterans, which applies in this case. Read (and share) the new blog post here.
Also on the DPA Blog, Death Penalty Action volunteer Leah Merriam, who served two tours in Iraq as a US Marine, reflects on how all three executions scheduled this summer were for honorably discharged US Marines, and the realities of how we fail veterans who end up in the legal system and on death row.
Share about this on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
JOIN THE LIVE EXECUTION VIGIL THIS EVENING
Unless the Texecution is halted ahead of time by the US Supreme Court or Governor Abbott, please join the on-line #Execution vigil starting at 5pm Central time this evening (9/8/2021). We’ll be remembering the victim in this case, Pablo Castro, but not with more killing. Castro’s son has forgiven Ramirez and opposes this execution.
We’ll also be lifting up John’s voice & sharing his humanity as a very important part of the fight to end the death penalty.
Please register here to join us!
Featured panelists include Bianca Trish-Edgar, who has been working with John to publish his poetry and more on his web page. Also participating will be faith leaders, human rights experts, veterans advocates and a live connection to the vigil outside the Walls Unit in Huntsville, Texas, where the executions are carried out.
PS: 11 executions are now scheduled before the end of the year. Sign the petitions here.
