tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2322482324079826102024-03-05T07:46:58.279-08:00FREE THE SCOTT SISTERS!Mrs. Rasco, following one daughter's funeral,
has to say goodbye to Jamie as she returns to the prison.Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-24470347590869008442013-01-22T03:54:00.003-08:002013-01-22T04:01:28.800-08:00
<h3>
CHECK OUT THE NEW UPDATES AND CONTACTS FOR THE SCOTT SISTERS!<br><br>
<a href="http://scottsisters.blogspot.com">CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW SCOTT SISTERS WEBSITE AND SUPPORT!</a></h3>
Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-63142765998527396432012-01-22T12:02:00.000-08:002012-01-22T12:07:25.968-08:00State leaders demanding full pardon for Scott sisters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2SpPYPNmGZmTYFpF4tZSIaJRTlLoPPVoozRTYtW57jly3fr6POhXf50UMcxwmqEOVeYRfc_feNfQQmhDMPzabO55O-u0xpaVJiZEIScDklY_MbYZOryhUdkIf9tMT5_4ga0LeSfk4vs/s1600/scottsisterspc.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2SpPYPNmGZmTYFpF4tZSIaJRTlLoPPVoozRTYtW57jly3fr6POhXf50UMcxwmqEOVeYRfc_feNfQQmhDMPzabO55O-u0xpaVJiZEIScDklY_MbYZOryhUdkIf9tMT5_4ga0LeSfk4vs/s320/scottsisterspc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700549656464117538" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />State leaders demanding full pardon for Scott sisters<br />By Alice Thomas-Tisdale<br /><br />Jackson Advocate Publisher<br /><br />Attorney Chokwe Lumumba held a press conference last week to respond to former governor Haley Barbour’s lopsided exiting pardons. He said although many of the pardons were deserving, including one his former clients, not enough was done to right the wrong of Mississippi giving a full pardon to Jamie and Gladys Scott, who served 16 years for a $11 robbery they deny responsibility for.<br /><br />“It is not a requirement for a pardon to admit guilt,” noted Lumumba. “To not pardon the Scott sisters is an act of injustice. They will continue to have to look over their shoulders, afraid that their freedoms will be snatched from them at the first infraction,” he said. “They are terrified. They do not want to go back to prison.” The cost of supervision, which is absorbed by Mississippi taxpayers, is also a reason to allow the Scott sisters to pursue a life of normalcy.<br /><br />Lumumba plans to appeal to Governor Phil Bryant to reexamine the issue. But there is no wait and see attitude among human rights activists. The Full Pardon Campaign Committee for the Scott Sisters is taking action by hosting the National Day of Justice Conference in Jackson, April 2-4, 2012.<br /><br />Among the planned events is The Rally for Justice, which will involve national as well as state and local leaders. For details, call 601-353-4455.Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-47401664083106883232012-01-22T12:00:00.000-08:002012-01-22T12:06:45.959-08:00PRAYERS FOR MRS. EVELYN RASCOFrom: Sis. Jamia<br /><br />Wednesday, November 30, 2011<br /><br />S.O.P.E. - SUPPORT OUR PEOPLE'S EFFORTS - Founder/President - Jamia Shepherd<br /><br /><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><br /><br />Our Prayers go out to Mrs Rasco, who is the Mother of Jamie and Gladys Scott , who was recently released earlier this year from 16 years of Incarceration, having been charged with an $11.00 Robbery, which they have always Proclaimed Innocence. Those of you who have been receiving my Newsletters (at least for a year and more)...should recall the many times that Mrs. Rasco was spoken about. She is a Mother who has given UnConditional Love to her Children and Grandchildren. She is a true Warrior Woman, whom is Dedicated, Loyal, Committed and Loving. You would want a person like Mrs Rasco in your corner. Throughout the years Mrs Rasco has been fighting to be Healthy herself, while in the Fight for Jamie and Glady's Release. Mrs Rasco had been in much pain and agony for months. <br /><br />After a couple of prognosis from doctors to have her leg amputated, it was done on Monday. I communicated with Nancy Lockhart earlier (when unable to reach Mrs Rasco this morning, again, via phone) that the amputation did take place on Monday. Of course, we Pray that Mrs Rasco will be as healthy as possible, and that this 'stumble' in the road, will only be that...and she will proceed with Health Challenges out of the way...for a Better Life.Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-10057157785692552852011-07-19T11:47:00.000-07:002011-07-20T14:04:34.857-07:00Update on Terrance Scott Hearing<br><br><h3>From Mrs. Evelyn Rasco <rqueenbee2222@yahoo.com><br /><br />Dear Supporters:<br /><br />Thanks to your help, Terrance's sentencing hearing has been put off until July 28. This will give more time for supporters to write letters and fax his attorney as she is working very hard to get him the least amount of time that she can, due to the great injustice Jamie and Gladys suffered.<br /><br />Atty Contact is:<br /><br />Jennifer Hart<br />3 West Garden St, Suite 200 <br />Pensacola, FL 32502<br />Fax: 850 434 3855 <br />Office: 850 432 1418. <br /><br />Terrance Scott is Jamie Scott's oldest son.<br /><br />Thank you on behalf of Jamie and Gladys.</h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-42766738640393539762011-07-15T11:28:00.001-07:002011-07-15T11:45:47.758-07:00Plea from Evelyn Rasco to Call-in for Grandson, Terrance Scott<h3><br><br>From: Mrs. Evelyn Rasco - rqueenbee2222@yahoo.com<br /><br />I am asking all of our supporters to please email or fax my grandson's attorney to ask the judge to have mercy on Terrance Scott. He is Jamie's oldest son that went on a rampage due to our long fight to free Jamie and Gladys and his belief that his mother would die in prison. Crimes have been put on him by the state that he did not do. He has pled guilty to federal charges so he will be sentenced on July 19. I am asking just for your help so the system will know that someone cares for Terrance just as so many of you cared for Jamie and Gladys. His attorney is Jennifer Hart, fax her at 850 434 3855, office number 850 432 1418. Terrance had no convictions until all this happened and no one was hurt or killed in the crimes he pled guilty to, so please i need your help. Send a fax, please, time has run out for letters to reach Pensacola, FL. Just ask the judge to have mercy on Terrance and state that what happened to his mother, Jamie, pushed him off the edge and drinking that 4LOKO beer that has killed some teens in the past. So please help me to save my grandson's life, please everyone fax as quickly as possible. You all freed Jamie and Gladys and I know you can make an impact on what the judge does to Terrance.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your support, Evelyn Rasco (Jamie and Gladys Scott's mother). My fight for my kids will never end, thank you. </h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-72405934624674416902011-05-12T03:48:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:26:40.919-07:00SCOTT SISTERS APPEAR ON THE MONIQUE SHOW<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohymNzIu2V2gGrXlHxPaaNweTvQr4YTXaBrdk6H6IAjXxT9HB2lDmiCMbNGHVBhT5jzgcIhJ-X44UcxpKZRk26SSxqXXAgVfKIW2fN0zLXnDUYSxoBXCBy-g7yypHwHZLtfw5JrQpMpw/s1600/newsitemimage.newsimage.dimg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohymNzIu2V2gGrXlHxPaaNweTvQr4YTXaBrdk6H6IAjXxT9HB2lDmiCMbNGHVBhT5jzgcIhJ-X44UcxpKZRk26SSxqXXAgVfKIW2fN0zLXnDUYSxoBXCBy-g7yypHwHZLtfw5JrQpMpw/s320/newsitemimage.newsimage.dimg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605779888073262866" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h4>From: BET.com / 5-11-11<br /><br />Tonight on The Mo'Nique Show: NAACP President Ben Jealous Joins the Scott Sisters to Discuss Their Landmark Case<br /><br />Also, Grizz Chapman talks about his kidney scare and VaShawn Mitchell sings for the Scott sisters.<br />By BET-Staff<br /><br />BET's The Mo'Nique Show is the boldest talk show on TV. Tonight the Queen of Late Night welcomes:<br /><br />LOCAL HEROES GLADYS AND JAMIE SCOTT, WHOSE LIFE SENTENCES WERE CUT SHORT. The Scott sisters discuss their 16 years in prison, how they overcame their circumstances and the deal that ultimately set them free.<br /><br />NAACP PRESIDENT BEN JEALOUS, WHO CAME TO THE SCOTT SISTERS' RESCUE. Ben Jealous joins the Scott sisters on the couch to discuss what attracted the NAACP to the Scott sisters' case and how they were able to land another major victory in Civil Rights history.<br /><br />ACTOR GRIZZ CHAPMAN, WHO WENT FROM PERSONAL SECURITY GUARD TO PLAYING ONE ON TV. Chapman talks about his real-life kidney-transplant scare as well as his role on the hit sitcom 30 Rock.<br /> <br />GOSPEL SINGER VASHAWN MITCHELL, WHO DEDICATES HIS PERFORMANCE TO THE SCOTT SISTERS. VaShawn Mitchell explains the history of "Nobody Greater" to Mo'Nique before delivering an emotional performance in honor of the Scott sisters.</h4>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-55611349879062934122011-04-20T11:58:00.000-07:002011-04-20T12:02:17.976-07:004/23 SCOTT SISTERS FEATURED IN BROOKLYN EVENT<h4>SATURDAY, 4/23: SCOTT SISTERS SPEAK IN BROOKLYN!<br /><br /><br />Malcolm X Grassroots Movement & National Conference of Black Lawyers To Host Forum featuring Jamie & Gladys Scott and Chokwe Lumumba, with panelists Michael Tarif Warren, Marc Lamont Hill, and Rukia Lumumba, moderated by April R. Silver: <br /><br />April 23 at Restoration Plaza, 1:00pm<br /><br /> <br />WHO: Featured Guests: Jamie and Gladys Scott (aka the Scott Sisters) will be featured guests via teleconference.<br /><br /><br />Panelists: Chokwe Lumumba (legal counsel to the Scott Sisters); Michael Tarif Warren (lawyer activist), Marc Lamont Hill (activist, author, scholar), and Rukia Lumumba (activist); April R. Silver (activist, writer), moderator.<br /><br /> <br />Organizers: The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement and the National Conference of Black Lawyers.<br /><br /><br />WHAT: Mississippi, Goddam! The Scott Sisters Speak in Brooklyn – a community forum regarding the case of the Scott Sisters (see background note below). Attorney Chokwe Lumumba will give updates about the current state of affairs of this case and will provide information about the campaign for their full release. Jamie and Gladys Scott will be teleconferenced in live to share their experiences as well as their ongoing commitment to help others with similar cases. This forum is free and open to the public.<br /><br /> <br />WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 p<br /><br />WHERE: Restoration Plaza, First Floor – <br />Multi-Purpose Room<br /><br />Located at 1368 Fulton St Brooklyn, NY 11216<br /><br /> CONTACT: For more information, contact Lalit Clarkson at 917.468.7348 or info@mxgm.org. freethescottsisters.blogspot.com<br /> <br />~ more ~<br /><br />BACKGROUND<br /><br />In 1993 in Mississippi two young Black women, Jamie and Gladys Scott were each sentenced to double life sentences for an $11 robbery. The trail and conviction of the then 19 and 22 year old women wreaks of the blatant race, gender and class oppression that is rampant throughout the criminal justice system in America. Their defense attorney, who was later disbarred for unrelated incompetency, never called a single witness in the sister's defense. One of the witnesses who testified against them has since recanted his testimony saying he was threatened by police. Ultimately, two of the three men who indeed committed the robbery served 2 years in prison in exchange for testifying against the Scott sisters. Jamie and Gladys maintain their innocence<br /><br /> <br />While in prison, Jamie and Gladys suffered all of the usually physical and psychological abuses of incarceration. The lack of decent health care and nutrition put Jamie Scott in critical need of a kidney transplant. Support for their release grew over the decade and a half of their incarceration, ultimately leading to a suspension of sentence in January of this year - conditional on Gladys donating a kidney to her ailing sister.<br /><br /> <br />Today, the Scott family and their supports urge the governor of Mississippi for a full pardon. Under the suspended sentence they must pay $52 a month for parole, abide by a strict curfew, and live with the constant fear of a parole violation - which would land them back in prison to serve their double-life sentences. Furthermore, without a full pardon, they still live with the stigma of being convicted felons. As felons, they are unable to get jobs, decent housing, and other critical services.<br /><br />##</h4>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-19478533514463415152011-04-06T07:53:00.001-07:002011-04-06T07:53:38.184-07:00APRIL SCOTT SISTERS INTERVIEW!<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxZcjdM37NM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxZcjdM37NM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-23674058122615275442011-04-02T10:08:00.000-07:002011-04-02T10:10:17.000-07:00Links to Two New Scott Sisters ArticlesMS Rally was held yesterday in Jackson, MS - <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110331/NEWS/110331027/Mississippi-Gov-Haley-Barbour-No-pardon-Scott-sisters">http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110331/NEWS/110331027/Mississippi-Gov-Haley-Barbour-No-pardon-Scott-sisters<br /></a><br /><br />Barbour Refuses to Grant Pardon - <a href="http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110331/NEWS/110331027/Mississippi-Gov-Haley-Barbour-No-pardon-Scott-sisters">http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110331/NEWS/110331027/Mississippi-Gov-Haley-Barbour-No-pardon-Scott-sisters</a>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-29311061257493083372011-02-01T19:22:00.001-08:002011-02-01T19:22:59.061-08:00<div id="change_BottomBar"><span id="change_Powered"><a href="http://www.change.org/petitions" target="_blank">Petitions</a> by Change.org</span><a>|</a><span id="change_Start">Start a <a href="http://www.change.org/petition" target="_blank">Petition</a> »</span></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://e.change.org:80/flash_petitions_widget.js?width=300&petition_id=38409&color=1A3563"></script>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-49839800665813004712011-01-28T08:08:00.000-08:002011-01-28T08:10:10.835-08:001/27 SCOTT SISTERS INTERVIEW ON NPR<BR><BR><embed src="http://www.npr.org/v2/?i=133274009&m=133273999&t=audio" height="386" wmode="opaque" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" base="http://www.npr.org" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-16275259235082116772011-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:002011-01-25T10:01:24.577-08:00PRESS RELEASE: Jamie Scott Hospitalized<h3><br /><br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br /><br />CONTACT: MRS EVELYN RASCO<br />850-375-4336<br /><br />E-Mail: thewrongfulconviction@gmail.com<br /><br />JAMIE SCOTT HOSPITALIZED - BROTHER IN AFGHANISTAN NEEDS TO COME HOME<br /><br />(Pensacola), FL – 1/25/11 – Jamie Scott has been hospitalized with an excessively high potassium level. The sisters were released from prison to serve life on parole and have had a very rough time adjusting with little funds to support themselves. Their mother is on a fixed income and unable to make necessary repairs as a result of storm damage to the house. These<br />repairs require immediate attention to accommodate Jamie upon her release from the hospital.<br /><br />Currently, their brother serving in Afghanistan owns the home and is the only person who is able to conduct business regarding the house -- the insurance company will not comply with Mrs. Rasco. Willie James Scott Jr., is in need of your assistance to get home. Please contact all media outlets and make this information public.<br /><br />-- <br />Nancy Lockhart, M.J.<br />http://www.nancylockhart.blogspot.com<br />843.217.4649<br /></h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-17346888379636659362011-01-08T11:43:00.000-08:002011-01-25T10:09:14.240-08:001/7 CNN Interview w/Gladys & Jamie<BR><BR><H3>THE SCOTT SISTERS ARE IN NEED OF DONATIONS, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO PAY $52 EA. PER MONTH AND HAVE MANY EXPENSES. PLEASE SEND ANYTHING YOU CAN TO JAMIE AND GLADYS SCOTT C/O MRS. EVELYN RASCO, P.O. BOX 7100, PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 32534. THANK YOU!</H3><br /><br /><br /><object width="416" height="374" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="ep"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&videoId=bestoftv/2011/01/08/ac.jailed.sisters.freed.cnn" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><embed src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/apps/cvp/3.0/swf/cnn_416x234_embed.swf?context=embed&videoId=bestoftv/2011/01/08/ac.jailed.sisters.freed.cnn" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="416" wmode="transparent" height="374"></embed></object>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-14002288424333401112011-01-07T15:59:00.001-08:002011-01-27T08:49:38.327-08:00HALEY BARBOUR'S ORDERS<br><br><h3>GOVERNOR BARBOUR'S ORDERS ARE AT:<br />JAMIE SCOTT - <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/47626391/Jamie-Scott-Gov-Orders">http://www.scribd.com/doc/47626391/Jamie-Scott-Gov-Orders</a><br />GLADYS SCOTT - <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/47626550/Gladys-Scott-Gov-Orders">http://www.scribd.com/doc/47626550/Gladys-Scott-Gov-Orders</a><br><br /><br />SCOTT SISTERS PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO!</h3><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lJ4eDGFyDIM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lJ4eDGFyDIM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-72320165912929526562011-01-06T11:26:00.000-08:002011-01-06T11:28:26.676-08:00Haley Barbour to Free the Scott Sisters: Beyond Race to the Bitter Aftertaste<h3><br /><br />See The Entire Story Here ~~~<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogher.com/haley-barbour-will-free-scott-sisters-and-its-bittersweet-aftertaste?page=full">http://www.blogher.com/haley-barbour-will-free-scott-sisters-and-its-bittersweet-aftertaste?page=full</a><br /><br />Editor's update: A spokesperson for the Scott Sisters, Nancy Lockhart, announced tonight, Wednesday, January 5, that the Scott Sisters will be released from prison on Friday to start their lives on parole.<br /><br />By now you may have heard that on December 29, 2010, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, possibly a Republican contender for the presidency in 2012, has suspended indefinitely the life sentences of Jamie and Gladys Scott. You've probably also heard that Jamie Scott was on dialysis in prison and that a condition of her sister's release is Gladys must donate a kidney to Jamie as soon as possible by decree of Gov. Barbour. That condition is only one of many disturbing elements in the sisters' journey through hell to freedom.<br /><br />My mantra for this post: I am happy Haley Barbour will free the Scott Sisters. God bless those young women. They are overjoyed to know freedom. God bless social media activists. God bless the NAACP. God bless the sisters' attorney Chokwe Lumumba. God bless America. I am happy. Breathe.<br /><br />The Scott Sisters are African-American women who were convicted of armed robbery in 1994 in Mississippi's Scott County based on the testimony of three teen males who took plea bargains and swore the women planned the robbery. Both sisters were considered first-time offenders, and so neither had a criminal record before their convictions.<br /><br />They were not accused of handling a weapon or of demanding anyone's money, but the jury found them guilty and the judge sentenced them to life in prison. According to Nancy Lockhart, an advocate for the sisters, and others, they actually received two life sentences each, "double life." This is a complicated story, and so, the devil's in the details when we consider how these two young mothers landed in jail. You may read the bedtime version here, and the fuller background at this 2010 BlogHer post.<br /><br />When I first heard that Barbour had suspended their sentences, I rejoiced, but not as much as I would have rejoiced had the governor pardoned the women because it is my understanding that an indefinite suspension amounts to life on parole and leaves both women with felony records, making it difficult for either to find work.<br /><br />I was also leery. Barbour, a real-time, good-old boy of the South had been pressured for years with blasts from activist bloggersand other purveyors of social media and then the johnny-come-lately grumblings of the NAACP that arose in September to let the sisters go. Their release seemed like it would never come, but when the timing was right, when Barbour found himself wading in hot water after an attempt to rewrite history and paint segregationist Citizens Councils of the 50s and 60s as warriors against the KKK╉to tell a story that even some white conservative southerners refused to buy╉then Mississippi Parole Board deemed the Scott Sisters no longer a threat to society and Voila! Presto. Free at last!<br /><br />Free sort of, that is. Time served on a sentence that even Barbour himself called longer than usual for the alleged crime committed wasn't enough payment; a kidney was due. When I read that Barbour╉a "tough on crime" governor╉said the condition for freedom for Gladys, who had already said a year ago without coercion that she wanted to donate a kidney to her sister, was she must part with an organ, a little more of that initial happiness ebbed from me. "What!" I said and decided not to write too much about it then lest my anger set the computer on fire.<br /><br />I don't have to go into exactly what's wrong with the "kidney deal" here. Bioethicists have already objected. Barbour's "quid pro quo" order violates 50 years of organ transplant law, they say. But the governor, with his sights on the Oval Office, is not worried. In fact, he seems to think he's found a new way to claim that he's fiscally responsible as he signs off on the sisters' release.<br /><br />Undoubtedly nodding to some constituents who never saw a budget cut they couldn't love, Barbour framed Jamie's release in terms of cost savings. In his official announcement he says:<br /><br />"To date, the sisters have served 16 years of their sentences and are eligible for parole in 2014. Jamie Scott requires regular dialysis, and her sister has offered to donate one of her kidneys to her. The Mississippi Department of Corrections believes the sisters no longer pose a threat to society. Their incarceration is no longer necessary for public safety or rehabilitation, and Jamie Scott's medical condition creates a substantial cost to the State of Mississippi.<br /><br />Jamie's dialysis, according to Barbour, could cost the the state $200,000 per year and that's the best reason to release her. A release in the name of justice, in the name of compassion? No, can't have that. It's far better to court the muses of Southern Grotesque.<br /><br />And Barbour's very pleased with himself about his decision. In the video below you'll hear a clip of the governor on WMPR talking to Charles Evers, the station's manager, a small-town mayor, civil rights activist and older brother of the late Medgar Evers (Yes, that Medgar Evers). Someone is chuckling off camera while Barbour discusses how ridiculous it is for the State of Mississippi to pay for a prisoner's dialysis.</h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-22518607208013424652011-01-06T04:09:00.000-08:002011-01-06T04:10:47.404-08:00SCOTT SISTERS TO BE RELEASED FRIDAY 1/7!!<h2><br />From: Jerry Fort Robinson<br /><br />The Scott Sisters Will Be Released On Friday at which time they start LIFE ON PAROLE w/ a $52.00 per month fee each.</h2>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-69614829237645518032011-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:002011-01-04T11:46:52.660-08:00Grit TV w/Anthony Papa and Atty Jaribu Hill<h3><br />From: Nancy Lockhart<br /><br />Listen to Anthony Papa and Attorney Jaribu Hill - The Scott Sisters<br /><br />Anthony Papa, author of 15 to Life, discusses Haley Barbour's stipulation that Gladys Scott had to donate a kidney to her sister to earn a commuted sentence for both. (1minute)<br /><br />Watch the full conversation at GRITtv: Freeing the Scott Sisters: Clemency and Race - <a href="http://www.blip.tv/file/4587955">http://www.blip.tv/file/4587955</a><br /><br />(12 minutes)<br /><br />The price of freedom from an overly harsh sentence in Mississippi? Apparently, one kidney. That's the promise Mississsippi governor Haley Barbour extracted from Gladys Scott--that she would donate a kidney to her sister Jamie in order for both of them to have their sentences commuted. The sisters had served nearly 17 years in prison for an armed robbery worth $11, and a prolonged grassroots effort finally paid off in achieving their freedom--though it may have more to do with Barbour's attempt at making up for his recent approving comments about the White Citizens' Councils.<br /><br />Joining us to discuss are Anthony Papa, author of 15 to Life and manager of media relations at the Drug Policy Alliance, and from Mississippi, Jaribu Hill, executive director of the Mississippi Workers' Center for Human Rights.</h3><br /><br />* *Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-24039821037828850542011-01-04T08:41:00.000-08:002011-01-07T16:04:29.662-08:00NORDETTE ADAMS INTERVIEW W/MRS. RASCO<h3><br />From: Nancy Lockhart <thewrongfulconviction@gmail.com><br />Date: January 4, 2011 10:21:33 AM EST<br /><br /><a href="http://bigsole.blogspot.com/2011/01/mother-of-scott-sisters-discusses-their.html">http://bigsole.blogspot.com/2011/01/mother-of-scott-sisters-discusses-their.html<br /></a><br /><br />Mother of Scott Sisters Discusses Their Release<br /><br />By now many of you have heard the good news that this past Wednesday December 29, 2010, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour announced that he is suspending indefinitely the sentences of Jamie and Gladys Scott, African-American sisters who have been in a Mississippi Prison since 1994 on armed robbery charges. Despite neither sister having a criminal record, the two were convicted on the words of three teenage boys who confessed to the crime and received reduced sentences in exchange for testifying against the sisters.<br /><br />Jamie and Gladys were ages 22 and 20 respectively at the time of conviction and each was sentenced to double life with no chance of parole for 20 years. No one was physically injured during the crime, and the boys who handled the gun and walked off with the $11 stolen, were released years ago. The sisters have maintained their innocence, but whether you believe they are guilty or not, most people concede, after hearing of their sentences, that Mississippi treated the Scott Sisters unjustly. And while supporters are overjoyed at Gov. Barbour's decision to free the sisters, the victory for many seems bittersweet. Jamie has been on dialysis for the last year and one condition of her sister Gladys's release, said Gov. Barbour, is that she donate a kidney to Jamie as soon as possible.<br /><br />Nordette Adams talks to their mother, Evelyn Rasco who now lives in Pensacola Florida about their impending release. Mrs. Rasco, with the help of advocate Nancy Lockhart, has worked tirelessly for her daughters' release since their conviction. As would be expected, she is overjoyed that after 16 years, her daughters will come home.</h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-33033425972099513282010-12-31T00:29:00.000-08:002010-12-31T00:33:53.733-08:00SCOTT SISTERS SENTENCES SUSPENDED<h3><br />MAINSTREAM NEWS REPORTS<br /><br />From: Nancy Lockhart<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wapt.com/news/26314528/detail.html">http://www.wapt.com/news/26314528/detail.html</a><br />Governor Suspends Scott Sisters' Sentences<br /><br />Gladys Scott To Donate Kidney To Jamie Scott<br /><br />UPDATED: 5:08 pm CST December 29, 2010<br /><br />JACKSON, Miss. -- Gov. Haley Barbour on Wednesday suspended the double life sentences of sisters Jamie and Gladys Scott, who were convicted in 1994 in connection with a robbery.╲To date, the sisters have served 16 years of their sentences and are eligible for parole in 2014. Jamie Scott requires regular dialysis, and her sister has offered to donate one of her kidneys to her," Barbour said in a statement. "The Mississippi Department of Corrections believes the sisters no longer pose a threat to society. Their incarceration is no longer necessary for public safety or rehabilitation, and Jamie Scott's medical condition creates a substantial cost to the State of Mississippi."Barbour said the Mississippi Parole Board reviewed the sisters' case and recommended that he neither pardon them nor commute their sentences.˛At my request, the Parole Board subsequently reviewed whether the sisters should be granted an indefinite suspension of sentence, which is tantamount to parole, and have concurred with my decision to suspend their sentences indefinitely," Barbour said. "Gladys Scott's release is conditioned on her donating one of her kidney to her sister, a procedure which should be scheduled with urgency."Barbour said the release date for Jamie and Gladys Scott is a matter for the Mississippi Department of Corrections.In September, nearly 200 people rallied at the state Capitol asking Barbour to release the sisters.According to court records, the Scott sisters were found guilty of luring two men down a road near Forest, where three young assailants used a shotgun to rob the men.The Scott sisters had exhausted all of their appeals.<br />============<br /><br /><br />Dec. 29, 2010<br /><br />GOV. BARBOUR'S STATEMENT REGARDING RELEASE OF SCOTT SISTERS<br /><br />"Today, I have issued two orders indefinitely suspending the sentences of Jamie and Gladys Scott. In 1994, a Scott County jury convicted the sisters of armed robbery and imposed two life sentences for the crime. Their convictions and their sentences were affirmed by the Mississippi Court of Appeals in 1996. <br /><br />"To date, the sisters have served 16 years of their sentences and are eligible for parole in 2014. Jamie Scott requires regular dialysis, and her sister has offered to donate one of her kidneys to her. The Mississippi Department of Corrections believes the sisters no longer pose a threat to society. Their incarceration is no longer necessary for public safety or rehabilitation, and Jamie Scott's medical condition creates a substantial cost to the State of Mississippi. <br /><br />"The Mississippi Parole Board reviewed the sisters' request for a pardon and recommended that I neither pardon them, nor commute their sentence. At my request, the Parole Board subsequently reviewed whether the sisters should be granted an indefinite suspension of sentence, which is tantamount to parole, and have concurred with my decision to suspend their sentences indefinitely. <br /><br />"Gladys Scott's release is conditioned on her donating one of her kidneys to her sister, a procedure which should be scheduled with urgency. The release date for Jamie and Gladys Scott is a matter for the Department of Corrections.<br /><br />"I would like to thank Representative George Flaggs, Senator John Horne, Senator Willie Simmons, and Representative Credell Calhoun for their leadership on this issue. These legislators, along with former Mayor Charles Evers, have been in regular contact with me and my staff while the sisters' petition has been under review."<br />****************************************<br /><br />Dec. 30, 2010 <br />Sister's Kidney Donation Condition Of Miss. Parole<br /><br />Unique Parole Condition: Miss. Inmate Must Give Kidney To Sister To Have Life Sentence Lifted<br /><br />JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has suspended the life sentences of two sisters convicted in 1994 for their roles in an armed robbery, but one sister's release is contingent on her giving a kidney to the other.<br /><br />Gladys and Jamie Scott were convicted of leading two men into an ambush in central Mississippi in 1993. The men were robbed of $11 by three teenagers who hit both men in the head with a shotgun and took their wallets, court records said.<br /><br />The Scott sisters are eligible for parole in 2014, but 38-year-old Jamie Scott "requires regular dialysis, and her sister has offered to donate one of her kidneys to her," Barbour said.<br /><br />Barbour said in a news release that 36-year-old Gladys Scott's release is conditioned on her donating one of her kidneys to her sister.<br /><br />Dan Turner, Barbour's spokesman, told The Associated Press that Jamie Scott was released because she needs the transplant. He said Gladys Scott will be released if she agrees to donate her kidney because of the significant risk and recovery time.<br /><br />"She wanted to do it," Turner said. "That wasn't something we introduced."<br /><br />Barbour is a Republican in his second term who has been mentioned as a possible presidential contender in 2012. He said the Mississippi Parole Board reviewed the case at his request and agreed with the indefinite suspension of their sentences, which is different from a pardon or commutation because it comes with conditions.<br /><br />An "indefinite suspension of sentence" can be reversed if the conditions are not followed, but those requirements are usually things like meeting with a parole officer.<br /><br />The Scott sisters have received significant public support from advocacy groups, including the NAACP, which called for their release. Hundreds of people marched through downtown Jackson from the state capital to the governor's mansion in September, chanting in unison that the women should be freed.<br /><br />Still, their release won't be immediate.<br /><br />Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps said late Wednesday that he had not received the order. He also said the women want to live with relatives in Florida, which requires approval from officials in that state.<br /><br />In general, that process takes 45 days.<br /></h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-21649904937987811872010-12-23T17:03:00.000-08:002010-12-23T17:05:31.341-08:00JAMIE SCOTT UPDATE!<H3><br />12/23/10<br /><br />from - Nancy Lockhart<br /><br />Dear Supporters:<br /><br />Jamie Scott did receive dialysis yesterday however; there is still a major concern regarding this OSHA citation (#313634453). We are aware that black mold was found during an inspection but, additional toxins are not being confirmed and inmates have no idea what is in the Environmental Report.<br /><br />Wexford Health Sources is the medical contractor for Mississippi Department of Corrections and my research shows that Wexford has this report. I rarely make assumptions regarding issues as such but, will assume that what is in this report may explain why Jamie has had such massive headaches. This report may also explain the sudden death of a health care worker inside this same facility. Wexford Health Sources has a history of law suits and medical neglect -- nation wide. Wexford is a prison medical contractor.<br /><br />Needless, please contact the following individuals at Wexford and request a copy of The Environmental Report. Please do not become surprised when/ or if you are told NO. Please continue to call TODAY!<br /><br />Call the following individuals and request The Environmental Report generated for Citation #313634453<br /><br />Joe Ebbet (May be incorrect spelling of last name)<br />412.937.3614<br /><br />Kelly Amos - Secretary - April<br />601-932-2880 Extension 6243 </H3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-35389417042445931352010-12-23T16:40:00.000-08:002010-12-23T16:50:29.674-08:00URGENT JAMIE SCOTT UPDATE<h3><br /><br />From Nancy Lockhart<br /><br />Dear Supporters:<br /><br />Happy Holidays from Jamie and Gladys Scott. Jamie and Gladys send their love and sincere thanks!<br /><br />Jamie Scott has informed us that upon arrival for dialysis at 5am this morning -- she was turned away because of conditions within the Dialysis<br />trailer. Nurses stated that masks were distributed for medical personnel only but, the nurses have refused to wear the masks. (I have no idea as to<br />why)<br /><br />Jamie has not received dialysis. Jamie Scott needs to be taken to the hospital where her dialysis treatment can be completed TODAY!<br /><br />Her Schedule is Monday-Wed-Friday. Jamie states that when she lays down it feels as though fluid is surrounding her heart. Jamie also has another<br />infection!!<br /><br />Please call Dr. Gloria Perry and ask that Jamie Scott be carried to a hospital for treatment.<br /><br />Gloria Scott, M.D.<br />601-359-5155<br />gperry@mdoc.state.ms.us<br /><br />In addition, OSHA has placed a notice of Citation on the door of this dialysis trailer. The Citation # is 313634453. It is my understanding that this Citation is a 90 day citation - Wexford Health Solutions which is the medical contractor - has 90 days to clean the mold. Non the less -- Jamie<br />Scott needs dialysis TODAY!<br /><br />OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration<br />Jackson Area Office<br />3780 I-55 North, Suite 210<br />Jackson, Mississippi 39211-6323<br />(601) 965-4606<br />(601) 965-4610 fax </h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-23650956449088895672010-12-13T13:30:00.000-08:002010-12-14T15:32:16.879-08:00SCOTT SISTERS GO BEFORE MS BD OF PARDONS & PAROLE<h3><br />Jamie and Gladys Scott both went before the Mississippi Board of Pardons and Parole today. Results from this hearing are unknown at this time. Please continue to call and e-mail governor Haley Barbour's Office in support of their release. Each call and e-mail is very important!<br /><br />*Contact Information For Governor Barbour*<br /><br />P.O. Box 139<br /><br />Jackson, Mississippi 39205<br /><br />1-877-405-0733<br /><br />governor@governor.state.ms.us<br /><br /><br />To: Blog Talk Hostesses/Hosts, Bloggers, Radio Station Hosts/Hostesses and Journalists<br /><br />From: Nancy Lockhart, M.J. <br /><br />Date: December 13, 2010<br /><br />Re: Urgent Action Needed For The Scott Sisters<br /><br />Media activities surrounding Jamie and Gladys' case are diminishing and pressure needs to remain on Governor Haley Barbour to release both sisters immediately. <br /><br />Please assist us during Monday December 13, 2010 – Tuesday December 21, 2010 by talking about the Sisters and requesting that your listeners call, and e-mail Governor Haley Barbour's office in support of freedom for Jamie and Gladys. This time frame is chosen so that calls and e-mails reach the governor before the Mississippi State Government holiday.<br /><br />Suggested Methods:<br /><br />Bloggers – please copy and paste the information found in italics below in your blogs. <br /><br />Blog Talk Hosts – Please place Action Needed For the Scott Sisters in your program headings so that The Scott Sisters rank higher in Google searches. Also, copy and paste the information found in italics into the Blog section of your Blog Talk Radio accounts. Please read this short script at some point in time during your programs. <br /><br />Radio Stations – Please read the information below on your programs daily. Currently, Rip Daniels of WJZD in Gulfport, Mississippi (www.wjzd.com) is the only brick and mortar media outlet mentioning the plight of The Scott Sisters on a daily basis. <br /><br />Whether the Scott sisters are innocent or guilty, any reasonable person can see that the punishment they’ve received doesn’t fit the crime. In addition, Jamie Scott is very ill and suffering from stage 5 renal (kidney) failure. Currently, it’s up to Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour to commute their sentences and pardon them. <br /><br />Each sister is currently serving double life sentences each for an $11 robbery – that's 4 life sentences between the two sisters. To date the sisters have been in prison 16 years. Let governor Barbour know that you 're seeking justice for the Scott sisters now! <br /><br />Contact Information For Governor Barbour<br />P.O. Box 139<br />Jackson, Mississippi 39205 <br />1-877-405-0733<br />governor@governor.state.ms.us <br /><br />Email the governor's personal assistant - Dorothy Kuykendal<br /><br />DKuykendall@governor.state.ms.us </h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-35711278637950400672010-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:002010-12-06T04:01:58.154-08:00JAMIE SCOTT UPDATE/RADIO INTERVIEW<H3><br />From: Nancy Lockhart<br /><br />Dear Supporters:<br /><br />Jamie Scott has received glasses and would like to thank all supporters for the persistent e-mails, calls and faxes. Jamie is very excited! Jamie has not received results of the CT scan as of yet.<br /><br />Thank you to Mr. Richard Prince of The Maynard Institute for his most recent<br />interview regarding the Scott Sisters. The link is below and the interview starts around 18:44 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=4208">http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=4208</a></H3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-8200412875813825432010-11-28T13:26:00.000-08:002010-11-28T13:31:23.645-08:0011/28 - ACTION NEEDED FOR JAMIE SCOTT!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UpUOmXam0ufRkzBRYliNhSy2ImZ-xEyx_1ZurFn_N007YwUQYEWJ-7YR8z8ugfk8822jL0nomh0o_qt4nvXw08dwNZ-Zp3ih_yWG3RByaJZQKEFuDi4OFPxQefOK6580wNBBgGEj-Nw/s1600/jamiehead.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UpUOmXam0ufRkzBRYliNhSy2ImZ-xEyx_1ZurFn_N007YwUQYEWJ-7YR8z8ugfk8822jL0nomh0o_qt4nvXw08dwNZ-Zp3ih_yWG3RByaJZQKEFuDi4OFPxQefOK6580wNBBgGEj-Nw/s320/jamiehead.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544715424960889954" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h3><br />From: Nancy Lockhart<br /><br />Dear Supporters:<br /><br />I hope that everyone has had a great holiday weekend. Jamie has asked that I let everyone know that she and Gladys send their love and thanks for the great support shown.<br /><br />Jamie has not received the results of her CT scan - Dr. Williams (unknown first name) has seen Jamie at MDOC and treats her in a very hostile manner. Jamie has stated that Dr. Williams acts as if she does not want to touch her for medical examinations. For the record - Dr. Williams is a female physician at the prison.<br /><br />Jamie was sent to an eye doctor who has stated that the pressure in her eyes was lower than diagnosed in a previous examination. She states that this is a good sign. The doctor also stated that she will receive some eyeglasses but, no idea when.<br /><br />The Dialysis trailer is infested with black mold. Several of the dialysis inmates are now experiencing headaches and watery eyes while in this trailer (mobile building), for treatment. One of the facility nurses had to be rushed out by ambulance recently, and this nurse only becomes sick while at work in the dialysis trailer. In addition, the trailer is very unstable with holes in the floor, the inmates feel that it's simply a matter of time before someone falls through the floor.<br /><br />Also, the toilets in Quickbed where Jamie is housed are still running over. That was never completely repaired.<br /><br />Please contact the Mississippi health department regarding the black mold, toilets in Quick Bed and inadequate infrastructure in this dialysis trailer which are all located at CMCF in Pearl, Mississippi. Jeffrey K. Brown is the Bureau Director and his information is below. Thank you!<br /><br />Jeffrey K. Brown, Ph.D., R.P.E., B.C.E.<br />Bureau Director<br />State Public Health Entomologist<br />Mississippi State Department of Health<br />570 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue<br />Jackson, Mississippi 39216<br />601.576.7972 Office<br />601.576.7632 Fax<br />769.257.2242 Cell<br />jeffrey.brown@msdh.state.ms.us<br />www.healthyms.com<br /><br />In Solidarity,<br /><br />Nancy Lockhart</h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232248232407982610.post-8204303820835401002010-11-21T17:16:00.000-08:002010-11-21T17:20:02.231-08:00Seattle Times Scott Sisters Article<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD52_pmZwZfAbiENW7ltQn9C8s7xAubSkEIyuqnuLpUCKPXr7YlfGTMOT9SwyvphW8hOOd7SkbNAIhMuo7LPgQ47voEnrg4OWj9jWBxLrFKhA0SIaKXYv-mXinkbWTE_Rls7Gv9DZwL7A/s1600/seattle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 53px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD52_pmZwZfAbiENW7ltQn9C8s7xAubSkEIyuqnuLpUCKPXr7YlfGTMOT9SwyvphW8hOOd7SkbNAIhMuo7LPgQ47voEnrg4OWj9jWBxLrFKhA0SIaKXYv-mXinkbWTE_Rls7Gv9DZwL7A/s320/seattle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542177216853446242" /></a><br /><br /><br /><h3><br />Sunday, November 21, 2010 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sisters may or may not be guilty, but Mississippi assuredly is</span><br /><br />Let's assume they did it.<br /><br />Let's assume that two days before Christmas in 1993, a 22-year-old black woman named Jamie Scott and her pregnant 19-year-old sister Gladys set up an armed robbery. Let's assume these single mothers lured two men to a spot outside the tiny town of Forest, Miss., where three teenage boys, using a shotgun the sisters supplied, relieved the men of $11 and sent them on their way, unharmed.<br /><br />Assume all of the above is true, and still you must be shocked at the crude brutality of the Scott sisters' fate. You see, the sisters, neither of whom had a criminal record before this, are still locked away in state prison, having served 16 years of their double-life sentences.<br /><br />It bears repeating. Each sister is doing double life for a robbery in which $11 was taken and nobody was hurt. Somewhere, the late Nina Simone is moaning her signature song:<br /><br />"Mississippi Goddam."<br /><br />For the record, two of the young men who committed the robbery testified against the sisters as a condition of their plea bargain. All three reportedly received two-year sentences and were long ago released. No shotgun or forensic evidence was produced at trial. The sisters have always maintained their innocence.<br /><br />Observers are at a loss to explain their grotesquely disproportionate sentence. Early this year, the Jackson Advocate, a weekly newspaper serving the black community in the state capital, interviewed the sisters' mother, Evelyn Rasco. She described the sentences as payback for her family's testimony against a corrupt sheriff. According to her, that sheriff's successor vowed revenge.<br /><br />You don't have to believe that to believe this: Mississippi stands guilty of a grievous offense against simple decency.<br /><br />But there is hope. Recently, the sisters' cause has been championed by high-powered allies. New York Times columnist Bob Herbert and the NAACP have called on Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour to pardon the two women. I add my voice to theirs.<br /><br />I have no way of knowing if the Scott sisters' fate is tied in to some sheriff's revenge and at some level, the question is moot. Whatever the proximate cause of this ridiculous sentence, the larger cause is neon clear: the Scott sisters are black women in the poorest state in the union. And as report after report has testified, if you are poor or black (and God help you if you are both), the American justice system has long had this terrible tendency to throw you away like garbage. Historically, this has been especially true in the South.<br /><br />If you doubt it, play with the scenario in your head. Try to imagine some rich white girl doing double life for an $11 robbery. You can't.<br /><br />But then, that girl has access to a brand of justice unavailable to women like Jamie and Gladys Scott. She will receive every break the law allows her and maybe a few it does not. No one will throw her away.<br /><br />And while it would be nice to think this problem of discarding people's lives would be solved by the release of the Scott sisters, the truth is, that wouldn't even address it.<br /><br />How many other Scott sisters and brothers are languishing behind bars for no good reason, doing undeserved hard time on nonexistent evidence, perjured testimony, prosecutorial misconduct or sheer racial or class bias?<br /><br />So fixing the problem the Scott sisters represent involves nothing less than the reformation of the justice system, a commitment to make it, as the name implies, a system that reliably produces justice — as opposed to these too frequent miscarriages thereof.<br /><br />Meantime, Jamie Scott, who is in her late 30s now, is in poor health. She is said to be losing her vision and both her kidneys have failed. And we wait for common sense to take hold in Mississippi.<br /><br />It is a situation that shocks the senses, even if we assume they did it.<br /><br />Now, assume they did not.<br /><br />Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts Jr.'s column appears regularly on editorial pages of The Times. His e-mail address is: lpitts@miamiherald.com<br /><br />From: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2013477385_pitts21.html</h3>Free the Scott Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17962260725500809416noreply@blogger.com1