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GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS IN SUPPORT OF DEBRA GINDORF'S PETITION FOR EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY It generally is assumed that letters of support are important to any clemency effort. The letters show the degree of the "outside world's" awareness of the case. They also can evidence the defendant's support system. A letter of support should begin with an explanation of the writer's relationship with Debra, her case, or her plight in general. The ideal letter comes from a forensic or mental health professional who has known the defendant for several years and can assert, both from a professional and a personal perspective, specific reasons for why clemency is appropriate. If you are a knowledgeable professional or in personal contact with Debra, that should be stated early in the letter. Many of the letters written in support of the last two clemency petitions were from people who did not know Debra but who themselves had suffered from a postpartum disorder or knew someone who had a postpartum disorder. Such letters can validate the existence of postpartum disorders and the extreme behavior that can be caused by them. If you can speak from personal experience, it is good to do so in your letter. Citizens of Illinois should play up that fact. People from elsewhere should make that clear, as well. Both are good facts. Illinois citizens are people who can express an expectation of mercy, compassion and forgiveness from government officials who they have elected. People from outside the state can impress the Board with the scope of the concern Debra's case has generated. It is good to include such information as place of employment, profession and any other indicia that the writer possesses mainstream, middle-class values. That the writer is a parent also should be mentioned. The letter should reveal the writer's full awareness of what Debra did, including acknowledgement of the awfulness of a mother killing her own, very small children. It also should disclose the writer's acceptance of the evidence that postpartum disorders exist and that Debra's criminal conduct was due, at least in part, to her postpartum state. The mitigating fact that the killings occurred as part of a suicide attempt at a time when Debra was deeply depressed could be cited. The writer should say something to the effect that a mandatory natural life sentence in a case such as this does not serve the interests of society; that 17 years is a sufficient prison term; and that Debra's continued incarceration would be unjust. You might want to emphasize that the sentence means no hope of release ever and address the gross injustice of Debra having to live her entire life behind bars due to her tragic mistake made when she was suffering from a mental illness, postpartum psychosis, and when she was only 21 years old. That she was found guilty but mentally ill, rather than just guilty, might also be cited. Needless to say, if you have any resources to offer Debra to aid in her adjustment to life on the outside, such as job or job training opportunities, professional services or money, be sure to put that in. At a minimum, the letter should let the Board and the Governor know that a respectable citizen is aware of this clemency effort and thinks that the right thing to do is to release Debra from prison. Again, the whole point is to give the Board and the Governor the impression that the public knows this is happening and approves of a merciful, just ruling, such as reduction of the sentence or immediate release. Finally, please mention that a nearly a year has passed since the petition was heard in April, 2003. At this point, we are imploring the Governor simply to rule and end Debra's long, difficult wait. We can submit letters until the Governor issues his decision. Length is not real important. It always is best not to ramble; however, if 2 or 3 pages are needed to explain where you are coming from, go ahead and use them. Legibility is important. Typing or neat handwriting is good. Use letterhead if you can. Remember that the letter must be photocopied many times. 8 1/2 x 11 is the best size paper. Email letters are fine. Address the letter to the Governor. The Governor's address is: Hon. Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, 207 State House, Springfield, IL 62706. THIS IS IMPORTANT!!! Do NOT send the letters directly to the Governor. Address the letters to him but mail them to me: Kathleen J. Hamill, Assistant Defender, OFFICE OF THE STATE APPELLATE DEFENDER, 2010 Larkin Ave., Elgin, IL 60123. You also can email letters to me as a WordPerfect or Word file. My email addresses are Kathleen.Hamill@osad.state.il.us or info@freedebra.org FAX is ok too- my FAX number is (847) 695-8959. I will convey the letters to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and the Governor, either as part of the petition or as supplements. FREE DEBRA WEB SITE: http://www.freedebra.org |