And Justice for All…

Living in a nation that stands for liberty and justice for all…what a nice idea. If only it were true!

I’m all fired up this morning. I love when films and books really make you THINK. I watched Mr. Smith Goes to Washington the other night, because it’s in the AFI’s top 100 films list and I’ve never seen it. I have a newfound appreciation for Jimmy Stewart. What a performance! All of the actors were great. What a brilliant film…which is still relevant today. When I think of all of the corruption, back room dealings, and backstabbing that go on in the government, it makes me crazy. This was a great film and I highly recommend it. Honesty and integrity gets someone somewhere, what a concept!

Last night, I received the most surprising piece of mail. I literally reread the return address a few times. It was from a prisoner on Death Row in Missouri, named Reginald Clemons. For the past few years, I’ve written letters as part of Amnesty International’s annual Write-a-Thon. Amnesty picks 10–15 cases of prisoners of conscience/wrongly imprisoned people/wronged-for-various-reasons people around the globe and asks people to write to their respective governments, and also to send messages of hope to the prisoners themselves. Because the event is in December, I send the prisoners holiday cards.

This is the first time anyone has replied to me! I am really touched. It is such a lovely letter. He thanked me for “lifting his spirits in this silent corner of the world.” He said there is a new hearing date in September. I am hoping and praying he is released. Just like Jimmy Stewart in the film, Reginald and his supporters are keeping up the fight and will hopefully be rewarded.

Another serious post, my goodness…so here’s another special treat. I was given free tickets to the Stars on Ice tour that stopped in Boston last night. Linda and I took these photos: