CHARLES EVERS INTERVIEW EXCERPTS W/MRS. RASCO

2/17 INTERVIEW EXCERPTS (INCLUDES HLN "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" MENTION) EDITED BY DARRYL MCCLAIN

3/25 DAY OF BLOGGING FOR THE SCOTT SISTERS!

PLEASE PARTICIPATE AND SPREAD THE WORD!

Thanks to the many excellent bloggers who participated in our initial Day of Blogging for the Scott Sisters on 3/18!! The notices didn't reach everyone in a timely manner and so we are happy to announce a new date for bloggers to unite around this case of Mississippi injustice and particularly to intervene in theprison's medical malpractice being suffered by Jamie Scott!

In early January both of Jamie Scott's kidneys shut down and she has been swiftly declining due to unprofessional medical care that is inadequate, cut-rate and frighteningly inept. Jamie was rushed to the hospital last week due to severe infection and the need for prolonged medical attention. However, Jamie continues to require ongoing close monitoring as when she is returned to the prison it is well documented that the medical staff there has provided abysmal health care in filthy conditions that have put Jamie's life at risk far too many times to be acceptable. Jamie needs to be released from prison,period!

We ask that bloggers put out calls for students, clubs, churches/temples/mosques, organizations, creative artists, media, politicians, community leaders, journalists, etc. to become aware of the case of the Scott Sisters and to make certain that all of their contacts are informed, as well. There is something that each person can do and we need to get Jamie home while she still has time to be with her family!

Thanks to all who will participate in this and help to raise the call to FREE THE SCOTT SISTERS throughout the blogosphere 3/25 and beyond! In the spirit of International Women's Month, please support our women! Please send notification of anyblog postings to nattyreb@gmail.com!

In conjunction with: http://www.blackperspective.net
For Immediate Release
Afrosphere Action Coalition – March 22, 2010
Contact: Marpessa Kupendua of the Committee to Free the Scott Sisters at nattyreb@gmail.com

Wrongly Convicted In Dire Health Situation
3/25 DAY OF BLOGGING FOR THE SCOTT SISTERS

On 12/24/93, the Scott County Sheriff’s Department arrested Jamie and Gladys Scott for armed robbery even though three young males, ranging from ages 14 to 18, confessed to committing the crime and the women have unwaveringly maintained their complete innocence. Despite this, the corrupt Mississippi sheriff used coercion, threats, and harassment to compel the young men to turn state’s evidence against the Scott Sisters due to a long-standing vendetta against a family member. In 10/94 the Scott Sisters were sentenced to extraordinary double-life terms each, despite the facts that no one was harmed, neither sister had prior convictions, no weapon was ever recovered, and the amount alleged to have been taken was approximately $11.00. Even if they were guilty as charged, this sentence is completely outrageous and cruel.

Jamie Scott, who entered the prison system as a healthy young woman, is now suffering from complete kidney failure and other life-threatening medical conditions. Since January, 2010 Jamie has endured almost weekly severe health setbacks that the state has either outright refused to address or handled in a slipshod manner. Jamie has had weeks of serious infections that could have taken her life, has gone into shock, been given sporadic dialysis treatments, and suffered the state's refusal to provide her with adequate nutrition as required for her serious medical condition.

The Scott Sisters are now in their 16th year of incarceration and their five children and grandchildren are being raised by their now ailing mother. The defendants and their family are wholly dependent on support from the press, organizations, and all those dedicated to justice in making this debacle as public as possible. The lengthy incarceration of these women to date and their draconian sentences are completely shocking and must be challenged, enough is enough!

Mrs. Rasco and Afrosphere Bloggers are calling on the public to press the governor's office to pardon the Scott Sisters and release them, particularly Jamie who needs to be at home with her family during her very serious illness. Please ask that the media and politicians do an investigative inquiry about this tragic situation and the outrageous case of the wrongfully convicted Scott Sisters!

MRS. RASCO GRANTED VISITATION

Mrs. Rasco would like to thank everyone for all calls and e-mails into the prison. The prison has approved a special visit!

She thanks you ALL for your tremendous support!

Stay tuned for more updates...

MRS. RASCO DENIED VISITATION!

THIS JUST IN (3/16):

Dr. Gloria Perry at CMCF where Jamie Scott is an inmate just denied her mother, Mrs. Rasco, her three children and her two grandchildren from coming to visit Jamie this weekend. All six were denied by this doctor even though she knows they're highly upset at what's happening to Jamie and are extremely anxious to see her, and now with this surprise are even more worried than before!

Mrs. Rasco asks that everyone contact her office and ask why she is denying Jamie visitation with her family during such a critical time:

GLORIA PERRY, MD, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
(601) 359-5155
gperry@mdoc.state.ms.us

Thank you!
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FREE THE SCOTT SISTERS!

3/16 JAMIE SCOTT MEDICAL UPDATE

Mrs. Rasco received word last evening that Jamie was rushed to the hospital in terrible pain with the intention of getting her pain stabilized and returning her directly back. She was examined by a doctor who determined that infection had spread through her entire body and that the veins in her neck had collapsed. He said he would not treat her pain and then release her back to the prison as they wanted because she would die from the blockages and the constant catheter infections. The doctor angrily stated that the MDOC had dropped the ball when it came to Jamie's medical care. He said she should have been admitted long-term to clear up her infection when she was previously sent there instead of quickly returning her back to the prison on antibiotics. He scheduled her to have emergency surgery to insert a shunt into her groin for the purposes of dialysis.

As of the time of this posting Mrs. Rasco doesn't know if Jamie is still in the hospital or back at the prison, as usual the prison is not forthcoming with information and the family is in a constant state of anxiety and extreme worry. All we can say with certainty is that the behavior of the prison is what is truly criminal when it comes to the medical care of Jamie Scott. The prison is well aware of everything that has been happening and is taking far too many risks with Jamie's life.
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PLEASE CONTACT POLITICIANS AND MEDIA

Congressman Bennie Thompson
3607 Medgar Evers Blvd.
Jackson, MS 39213
601-946-9003(ph)
601-982-5337 (fx)
Benniethompson@mail.house.gov

Congressman John Conyers
2426 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
Ph: 202-225-5126
Fax: 202-225-0072
John.Conyers@mail.house.gov

(More listed at http://freethescottsisters.blogspot.com/2010/01/119-emergency-update.html)

3/14 SCOTT SISTERS UPDATES!

Greetings,

Jamie Scott still is suffering with infection in her catheter and her weakness has progressed to the point that she once again can barely walk. She was taken to the hospital where her neck was cut at least 3 times, which was extremely painful as the anesthetic did not kick in properly during the procedure. Proper catheter placement was unable to be obtained after approximately 2 hours of what was supposed to be a 30 minute surgery. She was given dialysis but her catheter remains infected. She was put on antibiotics and returned to the prison infirmary! Jamie was told that they would return her to the hospital on Monday to try once again to move the catheter and unplug it.

Jamie did want it to be known that during a particularly rough period for her where she was crying in the prison last Thursday, one of the nurses came in and rubbed her head and prayed over her and she and Mrs. Rasco wanted this to be noted in order to thank her for showing some kindness. Jamie is very grateful for everyone's support and asks that we keep fighting for her and her sister Gladys to be freed from prison!
===================

The MWM is spearheading a Press Conference on 3/26 outside of the Capitol in Jackson, MS at 12 noon. Details are available by contacting them at 267-636-3802 or e-mail: nationalmwm@aol.com or BWDL7@aol.com. Many people in the area are excited and ready for this to happen, so please do make plans to attend if you're able to be in the area on that day!
==============

Thanks again to Bro. Rip Daniels of WJZD radio (http://www.wjzd.com) for dedicating the first hour of Friday's show to the Scott Sisters, as well as all of his regular coverage of this case. Check into the station weekdays from 9-11am EST for future coverage and to call-in on the Scott Sisters' behalf!
~~~~~

Mrs. Rasco and Nancy Lockhart are scheduled for the Warren Ballentine Show at 10:15 a.m. Monday 3/15, please tune in at http://www.thetruthfighters.com/ and check it out!
===============

Please flood the office of Rep. Bennie Thompson with e-mails and calls to push for
medical help for Jamie Scott. Phone is (601) 946-9003.

TO: Benniethompson@mail.house.gov

Dear Representative Thompson:

Mrs. Evelyn Rasco, the mother of Jamie and Gladys Scott has asked me to contact you and formally request your involvement in the case of her daughters. I realize that you are aware of the wrongful conviction of The Scott Sisters, so I will not go in depth regarding that issue. The issue at hand is a medical crisis!

Jamie Scott's temporary catheter (for the purpose of dialysis) has been moved to her chest and is plugged up with green fluid and pus. Her hands and feet are swollen and she is in tremendous pain. She is very, very weak. This is at least her fourth catheter infection and this one is extremely bad. Jamie is doing very poorly. The prison is aware of her current condition yet, she remains in the prison infirmary. Jamie needs to be carried to the hospital and she needs to remain there until this infection is cleared.

Please assist Mrs. Rasco in getting the proper medical attention for her daughters Mr. Thompson. You may reach Mrs. Rasco at rqueenbee2222@yahoo.com

Jamie is in constant pain, her hands and legs/feet are swollen and she needs to go to the hospital. This is a medical crisis!

Respectfully Submitted,
(Your name)
=============

Jane Velez-Mitchell should do an entire segment on the Scott Sisters now that she is aware of the case, please contact her and urge her to follow-up her brief mention of
the Scott Sisters on her 3/6 "Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell" with a more significant segment that will focus on Jamie's serious medical condition and the Scott Sisters case period. The contact form is at http://www.cnn.com/feedback/tips/newstips.html

PLEASE CONTINUE THE PUSH FOR MAINSTREAM MEDIA THIS IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO WINNING THEIR FREEDOM!
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Today and until Jamie is released, PLEASE ASK GOVERNOR BARBOUR TO GRANT INMATE JAMIE SCOTT, #19197, CMCF, COMPASSIONATE RELEASE DUE TO SERIOUS MEDICAL ILLNESS. She is not a threat to anyone and has a supportive family willing to care for her and obtain the medical care that she has not adequately received while in prison. She is a first-time
offender who has served 15 years in prison and is not a risk for recidivism, particularly with the gravity of her declining health. We are asking for her release AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

The compassionate release request is at Mrs. Rasco's site:
http://www.freethescottsisters.blogspot.com for your reference and information.

Thanks to everyone, please help spread the word & ACT!
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BE DIRECT BUT PLEASE BE COURTEOUS -- NO YELLING OR CURSING!
IT WILL ONLY TAKE A FEW MINUTES, PLEASE PARTICIPATE!

Governor Haley Barbour
P.O. Box 139
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
1-877-405-0733 or 601-359-3150
Fax: 601-359-3741
(If you reach VM leave msgs, faxes, and please send letters)

Dorothy Kuykendall
Personal Assistant to Gov. Barbour
(601) 359-3150
DKuykendall@governor.state.ms.us
P. O Box 3150
Jackson, MS 39205

Christopher Epps, Commissioner of Prisons for the State of Mississippi
601-359-5600
CEPPS@mdoc.state.ms.us
723 North President Street
Jackson, MS 39202

Emmitt Sparkman, Deputy Commissioner
(601) 359-5610
esparkman@mdoc.state.ms.us

Margaret Bingham, Superintendent of Central Mississippi Corrections Facility
(601) 932-2880
mbingham@mdoc.state.ms.us
FAX: (601) 664-0782
P.O. Box 88550
Pearl, Mississippi 39208

Dr. Gloria Perry, Medical Department (601) 359-5155
gperry@mdoc.state.ms.us

Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

ALERT! 3/11 JAMIE SCOTT UPDATE!

Mrs. Rasco received word this evening that Jamie Scott's temporary catheter has been moved to her chest and is plugged up with green fluid and pus. Her hands, legs and feet are swollen and she is in tremendous pain. She is very, very weak. This is at least her fourth catheter infection and this one is extremely bad. Jamie is doing very poorly. The prison is aware of Jamie's current condition yet Jamie remains in the prison infirmary.

Mrs. Rasco is asking that everyone please call into the governor and Commissioner Epps to release her from the horrible conditions she is in and the poor medical care that she is receiving. Mrs. Rasco believes that Jamie is going to die in the prison if something doesn't happen soon and is calling out for all of the support that she can get.

CONTACT GOV. BARBOUR'S OFFICE
P.O. Box 139
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
1-877-405-0733 or 601-359-3150
Fax: 601-359-3741
(If you reach VM leave msgs, faxes, and please send letters)

CONTACT CHRISTOPHER EPPS
Christopher Epps, Commissioner of Prisons for the State of Mississippi
601-359-5600
CEPPS@mdoc.state.ms.us
723 North President Street
Jackson, MS 39202

LET THEM KNOW THAT JAMIE SCOTT IS SUFFERING WITH PAIN, SWELLING, INFECTION AND WEAKNESS & NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION OUTSIDE OF THE PRISON!

We also need to continue pushing for national media attention on the case, some focus has been achieved & we need to strike while the iron is hot! Jamie's condition is very serious and we need for as many people as possible to get involved with raising the demand for her release as soon as possible. THIS CASE DEMANDS NATIONAL ATTENTION.

Jane Velez-Mitchell should do an entire segment on the Scott Sisters now that she is aware of the case, please contact her and urge her to follow-up her brief mention of the Scott Sisters on her 3/6 "Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell" with a more significant segment that will focus on Jamie's serious medical condition and the Scott Sisters case period. The contact form is at http://www.cnn.com/feedback/tips/newstips.html

Today's Newsweek blog ran a piece called: "Left Wing: Pardon Me, Governor Barbour" at http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2010/03/11/left-wing-pardon-me-governor-barbour.aspx Many of these blogs where the Scott Sisters are getting attention have comment sections that supporters can use to put out
updated information on Jamie's downward spiraling condition, there's only so much her body is going to be able to take and this needs to be emphasized!

PLEASE ACT AND REPOST BROADLY, THANK YOU!