Update
Again thank you for these letters and emails. They are so much needed and apprecitated I can't even begin to tell you. Without them, we would be out of the ball game completely. The fact that these emails are coming from so many states that are watching this case is giving the State of Tennessee something really big to think about here. The Parole Board was completely taken off guard when they heard what was going on here online. So we know they are listening and thinking already.
The latest is that Tammy, our Victim Advocate at the parole board was notified that Michael's killer has been very busy earing too many "browine points". He knows how to work the system and he is doing it. Seems that for every "good thing" he does, such as be on his best behavior, not get written up for anything, join groups, all is worth a credit. At the end of each month, the credits are turned into TIME that will be taken off his sentence. He is got a nearly clear record and is collecting credits like crazy. So whether or not he gets parole, he is still going to get out early due to these blasted credits.
I am horrified! I was so ready to throw in the towel because no matter what, I cannot get justice served around here. The system is clearly working for the criminal.
So Tammy asked me if I could bring out any "big guns" that I may have over looked to also help with letters or anything. So today, I took out a very large ad in our local newspapers "LOOKING FOR THE CLASS OF 2006 and I explained Michael needed help in the way of protesting. I listed the day and time and location of the hearing. The paper comes out Wednesday. I also called Michael's beloved Tabby who met me in town and is getting their groups together too.
Then I took copies of my letter of request to all three schools for the faculty in hopes they will also write. I got almost immediate response even before I got home., I received calls on the answer phone of some of the boys former teachers that said they will spread the word and try to get a lot of school support and hopefully some will come in person.
It didn't stop there because in Church yestarday, Michael's Pastor asked the congregation to do the same. I am afraid to get over confident but I am hopeful that this continued support keeps rolling in.
So again and again Dan and Jerry and I THANK YOU SO MUCH for this support. And if you haven't emailed yet, there is still a week left. You aren't just doing this for us or for Michael, but once more I say that you are making a difference in this world by taking a stand for justice.
We love you guys.
Jerry Marty and Dan