Yesterday at Mississippi's premier political gathering, the Neshoba County Fair, Governor Haley Barbour was heckled by a woman who chanted the name "Adrienne Klasky."
In April, 1989, Adrienne Klasky Graham was at a stoplight in downtown Pascagoula, MS, when her divorced husband, Michael Graham, shot her dead with a shotgun blast. Testimony at trial showed he had stalked her and her family for over 3 years.
Her story is recounted here.
The protester, Linda St. Martin was herself arrested and removed from the fair. Afterwards she had some sharp words for the Governor's decision to release Michael Graham, who now works as a trusty in the Governor's Mansion, early from his murder sentence.
Linda's words perfectly frame the problem with Governor Barbour. Read them below, then pick up the phone and call or email the Governor's office to protest his decision to suspend this stalking murderer's sentence.
Read what Linda said below the jump.
From the Sun-Herald
"This woman can't speak for herself," St. Martin said. "Who will say the name of Adrienne Klasky? I made the decision today that I would.
"I didn't like doing it that way. If there were any other choice. If the governor ever listened to anyone with an opinion other than his, he doesn't listen to anybody like that.
"The question is not why did I do this. The question is why did the governor release the man. Not why did I do it, but how long will I do it alone?
* * *
"Did he talk to one person on the board of directors for a battered women's shelter? Did he talk to one battered woman?" she said. "He says the man had an exemplary record inside the penal system. Well, he certainly didn't have one before he was in the penal system."
Linda poses a question that I want to relay to the DKos community:
"How long will it be before thousands join in and say her name over and over wherever he goes?"
If you are moved to action, please call Governor Barbour toll-free at 877-405-0733 and register your disapproval.