Posted on 12/03/2007 11:02:23 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
The Dixie Chicks have a new controversy on their hands. Lead singer Natalie Maines is urging people to contribute money to a defense fund for three Arkansas men that she (and many others) believe were wrongly convicted of killing three children in 1993.
Maines writes her plea on the Dixie Chicks Web site, which has already been answered by several celebrities including, I am told, Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Eddie Vedder, Jack Black and Henry Rollins.
"I'm writing this letter today because I believe that three men have spent the past 13 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit," Maines' message begins.
"On May 5, 1993 in West Memphis, Ark., three 8-year-old boys, Steve Branch, Christopher Byers, and Michael Moore were murdered.
"Three teenage boys, Damien Echols, Jesse Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin were convicted of the murders in 1994. Jason Baldwin and Jesse Misskelley received life sentences without parole, and Damien Echols sits on death row.
"I encourage everyone to see the HBO documentaries, 'Paradise Lost' and 'Paradise Lost 2' for the whole history of the case."
Right now, Maines’ main goal is to raise money for the West Memphis 3. To that end, she’s directing fans to the Web site www.wm3.org.
Overturning convictions is more common these days, thanks to more sophisticated forensics. There are obviously now dozens of stories about murder convictions that have been overturned thanks to DNA testing.
Plays and projects like "The Exonerated," for example, have shown mistakes made by juries and prosecutors.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Even though I’m still annoyed with the dixie chicks, I couldn’t help but blush vicariously when I read the comment about HBO.
I can’t argue with checking to be sure, but it ought to be based on more than a “documentary” on HBO.
Undoubtedly, and a loud, obnoxious one to boot, but she may be right this time.
With new technology available, what is the harm of double checking? It might go in favor or against the convicted guys. Several cases have been recently overturned because of new DNA tests, and here private funds will be used.
Any Bush supporters disappear lately? Might want to check the Daily Dose thread.
What I'm highlighting with my comment is that we've had numerous "documentaries" from folks like michael moore and al gore and my first thought was that somebody had an axe to grind or some snake oil to sell and the dixie chicks are buying.
I agree with you about basing anything on a documentary — given how many recent propaganda films have been called a documentary. Nevertheless, if they want to spend their own money running the checks, I see no harm.
Good grief...post a link to where that’s the ‘word’ and I’ll respond.
I’ve followed this case for 10 years, and no one has ever suggested that.
On the other hand, you could continue talking out of your rectum—no matter to me either way.
Have a happy and a healthy.
I saw Paradise Lost and it convinced me they were guilty.
Same here. Miskelley even confessed. Of course, the apologists will tell you that the cops took advantage of a "mentally deficient" teenager.
For those not familiar with the case, one of the little boys had been emasculated. Sick stuff.
So where’s that link?
LMAO
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