The Importance of the Philip Chism Appeal

Please read and share my newest  here about the Philip Chism appeal. It begins 

“Chism’s attorneys argue for new trial
On Oct. 10, 2024, lawyers for Philip Chism argued before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) that Chism’s sentence is unlawful and that the now 25-year-old deserves a new trial.

At the same time, the family of Colleen Ritzer issued a statement which was picked up by CBS News. “Colleen and our family will not be afforded a second chance. If we live in a just society, neither should he,” they wrote. “That we, her family, and friends must even consider the possibility of reducing this convicted murderer’s sentence is unbelievable.”

Chism, who was 14 years old in 2014 at the time of his crimes, was found guilty by a jury and sentenced in 2016 for the brutal murder and rape of Ritzer, who was his teacher. He received a life sentence with parole eligibility after 25 years in prison—the law permits parole eligibility for a juvenile convicted of first-degree murder after 20 to 30 years, depending on the circumstances of the case.

The trial judge, David A. Lowy, also imposed 40 years for rape and 40 years for armed robbery—both sentences to be served concurrently with the life sentence for murder. If Chism is paroled, he will remain on parole for the rest of his life.”  MORE

Virtual Event MONDAY SEPT. 9 MOTHERLOVE

Motherlove

Tonight! 7pm, VIRTUAL Andover Library, I talk MOTHERLOVE w/Keyma Mack, the young man who inspired 1 of my short stories about the mothers of teens who kill other teens. Also on the panel, his amazing mother Cherry! Join from anywhere!

Register here: https://mhl.libnet.info/event/11663962

Governing in Darkness – Part 3

Pictured: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll chairs her first Governor’s Council meeting at the State House on Feb. 8, 2023 | Image via Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office

Just in time for the September 3rd primary-know your Governor’s Council! In part 3, “Who are the Massachusetts governor’s councilors? What professional baggage do they bring to the body? And can this motley crew stumble toward reform?”

It begins:

“Though an obscure body, the Massachusetts Governor’s Council wields enormous constitutional power. The eight-member council, established in 1629, votes on judicial, Parole Board, and other court nominations from the governor. It also approves or disapproves her recommendations for pardons and commutations, most sanctioned by the Parole Board.

Since 1854, a seat on the Governor’s Council has been an elected position, but most residents have no idea who their councilor is. It’s common for incumbents to run unopposed, like in two of the eight districts in the current election cycle.

Critics who want to see the council abolished call it a rubber stamp for the governor. Among other observations, they note how councilors approved all but one of former Gov. Charlie Baker’s 350 nominees in an eight-year stretch, with only five people withdrawing their nominations when they realized they would not be approved. The People’s Parity Project (PPP), a coalition of law students and attorneys who want a more democratized legal system, have asked why councilors don’t scrutinize nominations more carefully.

During six months of research for this series, we have also heard from some stakeholders who claim the council can be salvaged. A number of them said that voters should impugn the current councilors and implore them to represent their constituents’ interests. Others put more weight into reforming council practices than into changing the cast of characters. And yet another faction wants to change representation, arguing that the way Massachusetts residents vote for councilors makes no sense. They point to how there has been only one person of color on the body in its 400-year history.  READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

You don’t need kids to have a stake in the future

The Boston Globe today published my answer to JD Vance’s idiocy, You don’t need kids to have a stake in the future.” Its tagline is “I might not have cats, but I am childless by choice. That doesn’t make me selfish or shortsighted” Read here.

Remembering the Amazing Lillie A. Estes

MOTHER OF COURAGE! Remembering the amazing Lillie A Estes on what would have been her 65th birthday in Style Weekly www.styleweekly.com/mother-of-co…
www.styleweekly.com
Mother of Courage – Style Weekly
A Boston writer remembers her friend, community strategist Lillie Estes, on what would’ve been her 65th birthday.