13 years ago, three teenagers were arrested for crimes they did not commit. Time is running out for Damien Echols.
Today is West Memphis Three Worldwide Awareness Day. Thirteen years ago, three teenagers were arrested, jailed and convicted of killing three small boys in West Memphis Arkansas without evidence, motive, or a murder weapon. Two compelling documentaries and a book later as well as high profile support by Eddie Vedder, Jello Biafra, Steve Earle, Henry Rollins, Tom Waits and others has drawn much interest to the case.
Pearl Jam's East Rutherford show tonight is one event.
Governor Mick Huckabee (R, AR) has been pretty high profile in the media; you may have seen him on Real Time with Bill Maher and the Colbert Report. Some are pushing for him to run for President. Yet he refuses to admit there is a possibility of their innocence. Jason Baldwin makes a compelling plea for you to write Huckabee and simply ask to consider his case; you have a full month to help out.
There are many events being held today nationwide; there are more around the world. Some of these are benefit concerts for the WM3; others are screenings of the films Paradise Lost and Paradise Lost 2 and/or discussions about the case. There are many ways that you can become more involved. You can donate to the defense fund here. Banners for your blog and website are here. There is a lot more information in the WM3 discussion board, including contact information if you have ideas for Free the West Memphis 3 Week November 12-17.
Many of us know how it feels to be ostracized for our political views, race, sexual preference, or for any other reason that puts us outside the mainstream. The message here in the comfort of other kossacks, or the Democratic Party, is that this is our strength, but often it has been shown that the reality of being different among those ignorant or intolerant can get you jailed or killed. This is one such case. Even small ways help out in a greater good.