Life The Death Penalty - Page 12

Mama Hip Rockets · 08-07-2008, 09:48 AM

A friend of my parents is sentenced to be executed in a couple of weeks for being an accomplice in a murder in 1994. You can read the details of the incident below (written by his wife), and sign the petition if you feel inclined to do so. We are petitioning for his sentence to be changed to life in prison without parole, rather than death.

On Friday, despite the fact that we have two issues before the court, the Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date of Aug. 27. For those of you who would like to do anything to help try to prevent this state from killing my husband, your help is welcome and there are some fairly simple things you can do. For those who are not aware of the facts of the case, here are some main points:Allen Nicklasson, the man who shot and killed Richard Drummond in Aug. 1994 did so on his own after leaving Dennis behind in the stolen car. Allen has been consistent in telling the truth since day one - with his friends and close acquaintances, as well as with law enforcement - that Dennis had absolutely no idea that when Allen walked Drummond into the woods, Allen was going to shoot him. Allen had planned to tie Drummond up so that by the time Drummond could free himself and walk into town to all police, Allen, Dennis and Tim DeGraffenreid would be back in Blue Springs, hiding out.Instead, Allen decided to kill Drummond. His statements to police have been consistent and truthful, but the state successfully kept Allen from testifying in trial. The jury never heard the truth and thus convicted Dennis for first-degree murder as an accomplice. Allen has tried through the years to be heard in court, but the appellate courts denied him that right as well. We are still trying to get the Supreme Court to look at Allen's statements. Dennis is not an innocent victim, but he is innocent of first-degree murder. We are not asking that he be freed. We believe the sentence of death is excessive in this case, and that society would be safe and justice would be served through clemency, which means we want the governor to change Dennis' sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.In addition, Dennis has been actively involved in restorative justice even before the program was established at Potosi Correctional Center. He is the editor of Compassion, a publication written and edited by death row inmates across the country who have raised more than $34,000 in college scholarships for family members of murdered victims. This scholarship goes to family members regardless of their stance on the death penalty. For example, Zach Osbourne, one of the recipients, supports the death penalty openly and is going to school to become a police officer. Dennis compiled a book, "Today's Choices Affect Tomorrow's Dreams," that is distributed for free to juvenile centers around the country. The book has been so popular, he has been asked to do another. That book is currently being compiled.Dennis is chairman of the prison's Hospice group and has cared for many dying prison patients through the years. He is a co-founder of 4-H LIFE, a family strengthening program that teaches inmates to be better parents and includes a family 4-H meeting each month inside the prison. As a former president and officer of 4-H, Dennis has led fundraisers to send money to children's programs in the state and to send 4-H LIFE members to summer camp and state leadership programs. 4-H LIFE has won several awards and is now active in several other prisons.Dennis has actively worked to build bridges between the Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Islamic and Native American religious groups at the prison. He is a founder of the Charity Carnival - in its second year - that raises money inside the prison for charitable organizations. The carnival is today, but he is locked up and cannot carry out his responsibilities for that event.Dennis speaks to university student groups on a regular basis to give them insight into the death penalty and prison life. He is, and remains, a positive spokesman and positive role models for other prisoners.He is a leader in the Set Free Ministry, a prison ministry that works with thousands of inmates in Missouri and Illinois to help them in their Christian walk. The Ministry has grown from an office of three to an office of around 20 inmates at PCC and a second office in Charleston's prison. The Ministry continues to expand in prisons in the two states as well as into jails.All of this is documented, not the exaggerated account of a wife desperate to save her husband.For those of you who have asked, I am terrified, but determined to fight for justice for my family. Murdering my husband is not justice - it is harming me, my son, Dennis' sisters, brother, nephews, aunts uncles, friends, etc. He is my soulmate, for those of you who understand what that means. A date is an extremely serious situation, but we have issues to pursue and this does not mean we're done. Please do not assume that this is inevitable, even though we have a very, very difficult fight in the next 32 days.I appreciate your support in any way. Should you want to write letters, file amicus briefs (friend of the court) with your church or other organization, let me know and I'll give you more info. If you choose to pray, please ask God to intervene and see that Dennis receives a lesser sentence.Thanks.

You can sign the petition at the link below. Thanks.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-dennis-skillicorn

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsFan4Life

Don't get mad because you are talking in circles and not making sense and people are calling you out on it, Nancy.

I'm not talking in circles.
Human life is more valuable than Animal life.
You've already admitted as much.

This isn't even an argument.

**Dartgod** · 08-07-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ

I can see a good argument for abolishing the death penalty and if that ever happened I'd be ok with the decision. But having said that, as long as it exists this is the sort of case it exists for.

I'd like for Micjones to address this point.

The argument is not whether or not the death penalty should exist or not. There are certainly valid arguments for both sides of this issue and he isn't likely going to be swayed from his stance.

The real question is; given that The State of Missouri does employ the death penalty as a means of punishment, why should this guy's life be spared?

tmax63 · 08-07-2008, 11:47 AM

I am for using the death penalty sparingly but I am for the death penalty. I also see the death penalty as justice, not deterence. Without fully researching this case, he looks like a candidate to me. Our current justice system is so slanted to protecting the accused that the victims suffer a second time. I realize that innocent people have been executed but most cases cited are many years ago when investigation and evidence were much inferior to now. With today's technology (DNA etc) the # of innocent executions are basically nil. When there are questions or uncertainty, thats what life without parole is for. And to borrow a liberal arguement for many things and use itfor deterence, if it stops even 1 murder, wouldn't it be worth it. I also feel that life without parole is more cruel and inhumane than the DP.

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

I'd like for Micjones to address this point.

The argument is not whether or not the death penalty should exist or not. There are certainly valid arguments for both sides of this issue and he isn't likely going to be swayed from his stance.

The real question is; given that The State of Missouri does employ the death penalty as a means of punishment, why should this guy's life be spared?

I can't set aside my personal feelings about the death penalty simply because the State of Missouri employs it. I believe the death penalty should not exist. That tempers my entire argument.

**Lzen** · 08-07-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Yeah, to Hell with compassion.
Let's get back to original American ideas like Slavery and Land-Stealing.

Punishing cold blooded murderers is the same as slavers or land stealers?

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

Punishing cold blooded murderers is the same as slavers or land stealers?

I was addressing the idea that having compassion for Human life is somehow a bad thing for America.

plbrdude · 08-07-2008, 11:51 AM

one would think that severe punishment for crime would serve as a deterrent. although i'm not a big fan of the death penalty i'm not opposed to it. but i do have a hard time understanding the defense of someone who callously and cruelly kills someone for whatever reason save self-defense.
i know this guy didn't pull the trigger, but from reading the court records it seems that he prolly would have if he had the gonads to. i feel for him and his family, but there has to be a time where people realize there are consequences for their actions.
maybe i look at things a little different, but if i think my life would be required of me if i'm involved in a crime that involves murder or i commit one, i think i'd make a few different choices.
i could be wrong again, but it seems the coddling of criminals and the lack of severe punishment partly fuels violent crime. most thugs prolly know they could plea to manslaughter or murder two and have a chance at parole in 7 yr.

**Lzen** · 08-07-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

I was addressing the idea that having compassion for Human life is somehow a bad thing for America.

Having compassion for Human life is not a bad thing for innocent human life.

**Dartgod** · 08-07-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

I can't set aside my personal feelings about the death penalty simply because the State of Missouri employs it. I believe the death penalty should not exist. That tempers my entire argument.

Nice sidestep.

If you want to abolish the death penalty, then by all means, do whatever is in your power as a citizen of this state to do so.

The bottom line is, the death penalty is a form of punishment in Missouri. Does this guy fit the criteria or not? Yes or no.

PhillyChiefFan · 08-07-2008, 11:53 AM

Who said anything about slavery and land stealing? I agree with it, if they had something to fear do you really think that they wouldn't take a second thought about it.

Deberg_1990 · 08-07-2008, 11:54 AM

Lets put a face with the name. He looks like an upstanding young man to me:

Micjones · 08-07-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

Nice sidestep.

If you want to abolish the death penalty, then by all means, do whatever is in your power as a citizen of this state to do so.

The bottom line is, the death penalty is a form of punishment in Missouri. Does this guy fit the criteria or not? Yes or no.

Yes.

And I would argue that so do many other people who've run afoul of the law.
Now are you prepared to argue that the application of the death penalty is equitable?

beach tribe · 08-07-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsFan4Life

I never said they are equal and I don't believe that but you are sitting here telling people "who are we to judge the value of a life" and in the same breath can say without doubt that animals lives are different than human lives.

So I am wondering where you get the ability to selectively judge life?

Exactly what I was prying out.

**Rain Man** · 08-07-2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

So, let me make sure I've got this straight.
Animals can't reason like Humans do, but Humans and Animals are equal?
Gotcha...

Humans can't digest grass or dive to 5,000 feet. Reasoning is just another trait, and it's egotistic to presume that it's a better trait. Cattle probably laugh at us for that.

beach tribe · 08-07-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

I can't set aside my personal feelings about the death penalty simply because the State of Missouri employs it. I believe the death penalty should not exist. That tempers my entire argument.

When you run out of options in an argument. Throw slavery around. Works everytime.....If your name is Sharpton.

08-07-2008, 09:48 AM
Mama Hip Rockets You don't faze me, Gobble. Join Date: Dec 2005 Casino cash: $9915644	The Death Penalty A friend of my parents is sentenced to be executed in a couple of weeks for being an accomplice in a murder in 1994. You can read the details of the incident below (written by his wife), and sign the petition if you feel inclined to do so. We are petitioning for his sentence to be changed to life in prison without parole, rather than death. On Friday, despite the fact that we have two issues before the court, the Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date of Aug. 27. For those of you who would like to do anything to help try to prevent this state from killing my husband, your help is welcome and there are some fairly simple things you can do. For those who are not aware of the facts of the case, here are some main points:Allen Nicklasson, the man who shot and killed Richard Drummond in Aug. 1994 did so on his own after leaving Dennis behind in the stolen car. Allen has been consistent in telling the truth since day one - with his friends and close acquaintances, as well as with law enforcement - that Dennis had absolutely no idea that when Allen walked Drummond into the woods, Allen was going to shoot him. Allen had planned to tie Drummond up so that by the time Drummond could free himself and walk into town to all police, Allen, Dennis and Tim DeGraffenreid would be back in Blue Springs, hiding out.Instead, Allen decided to kill Drummond. His statements to police have been consistent and truthful, but the state successfully kept Allen from testifying in trial. The jury never heard the truth and thus convicted Dennis for first-degree murder as an accomplice. Allen has tried through the years to be heard in court, but the appellate courts denied him that right as well. We are still trying to get the Supreme Court to look at Allen's statements. Dennis is not an innocent victim, but he is innocent of first-degree murder. We are not asking that he be freed. We believe the sentence of death is excessive in this case, and that society would be safe and justice would be served through clemency, which means we want the governor to change Dennis' sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.In addition, Dennis has been actively involved in restorative justice even before the program was established at Potosi Correctional Center. He is the editor of Compassion, a publication written and edited by death row inmates across the country who have raised more than $34,000 in college scholarships for family members of murdered victims. This scholarship goes to family members regardless of their stance on the death penalty. For example, Zach Osbourne, one of the recipients, supports the death penalty openly and is going to school to become a police officer. Dennis compiled a book, "Today's Choices Affect Tomorrow's Dreams," that is distributed for free to juvenile centers around the country. The book has been so popular, he has been asked to do another. That book is currently being compiled.Dennis is chairman of the prison's Hospice group and has cared for many dying prison patients through the years. He is a co-founder of 4-H LIFE, a family strengthening program that teaches inmates to be better parents and includes a family 4-H meeting each month inside the prison. As a former president and officer of 4-H, Dennis has led fundraisers to send money to children's programs in the state and to send 4-H LIFE members to summer camp and state leadership programs. 4-H LIFE has won several awards and is now active in several other prisons.Dennis has actively worked to build bridges between the Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Islamic and Native American religious groups at the prison. He is a founder of the Charity Carnival - in its second year - that raises money inside the prison for charitable organizations. The carnival is today, but he is locked up and cannot carry out his responsibilities for that event.Dennis speaks to university student groups on a regular basis to give them insight into the death penalty and prison life. He is, and remains, a positive spokesman and positive role models for other prisoners.He is a leader in the Set Free Ministry, a prison ministry that works with thousands of inmates in Missouri and Illinois to help them in their Christian walk. The Ministry has grown from an office of three to an office of around 20 inmates at PCC and a second office in Charleston's prison. The Ministry continues to expand in prisons in the two states as well as into jails.All of this is documented, not the exaggerated account of a wife desperate to save her husband.For those of you who have asked, I am terrified, but determined to fight for justice for my family. Murdering my husband is not justice - it is harming me, my son, Dennis' sisters, brother, nephews, aunts uncles, friends, etc. He is my soulmate, for those of you who understand what that means. A date is an extremely serious situation, but we have issues to pursue and this does not mean we're done. Please do not assume that this is inevitable, even though we have a very, very difficult fight in the next 32 days.I appreciate your support in any way. Should you want to write letters, file amicus briefs (friend of the court) with your church or other organization, let me know and I'll give you more info. If you choose to pray, please ask God to intervene and see that Dennis receives a lesser sentence.Thanks. You can sign the petition at the link below. Thanks. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-dennis-skillicorn
Posts: 13,675

08-07-2008, 11:47 AM	#168
tmax63 Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Colorado Casino cash: $453600	I am for using the death penalty sparingly but I am for the death penalty. I also see the death penalty as justice, not deterence. Without fully researching this case, he looks like a candidate to me. Our current justice system is so slanted to protecting the accused that the victims suffer a second time. I realize that innocent people have been executed but most cases cited are many years ago when investigation and evidence were much inferior to now. With today's technology (DNA etc) the # of innocent executions are basically nil. When there are questions or uncertainty, thats what life without parole is for. And to borrow a liberal arguement for many things and use itfor deterence, if it stops even 1 murder, wouldn't it be worth it. I also feel that life without parole is more cruel and inhumane than the DP. __________________ An armed member of society is a citizen, an unarmed member is a subject.
Posts: 3,994

08-07-2008, 11:51 AM	#172
plbrdude turd herder extraordiaire Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: hickville,mo Casino cash: $9997165	one would think that severe punishment for crime would serve as a deterrent. although i'm not a big fan of the death penalty i'm not opposed to it. but i do have a hard time understanding the defense of someone who callously and cruelly kills someone for whatever reason save self-defense. i know this guy didn't pull the trigger, but from reading the court records it seems that he prolly would have if he had the gonads to. i feel for him and his family, but there has to be a time where people realize there are consequences for their actions. maybe i look at things a little different, but if i think my life would be required of me if i'm involved in a crime that involves murder or i commit one, i think i'd make a few different choices. i could be wrong again, but it seems the coddling of criminals and the lack of severe punishment partly fuels violent crime. most thugs prolly know they could plea to manslaughter or murder two and have a chance at parole in 7 yr.
Posts: 2,249

08-07-2008, 11:53 AM	#175
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3161139	Who said anything about slavery and land stealing? I agree with it, if they had something to fear do you really think that they wouldn't take a second thought about it.
Posts: 3,407

08-07-2008, 11:54 AM	#176
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $64454	Lets put a face with the name. He looks like an upstanding young man to me: Attached Images __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
Posts: 68,709