ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, February 16, 1991                   TAG: 9102180325
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A/11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short


DOING NOTHING ALLOWS INJUSTICE

ON FEB. 22, Joseph Giarratano is scheduled to die in Virginia's electric chair. Even though there is considerable evidence that he may not be guilty of the crime of which he was convicted, the Virginia legal system has refused to reopen the case. A former alcohol- and drug-abuser, Giarratano has taken the time in prison to study and write about the law, an effort that has gained him many supporters, including some well-known conservatives.

This is not a case of being for or against the death penalty. A 33-year-old man will soon be executed for a crime he may not have committed. Even more horrifying would be for him to die without having a fair chance to prove his innocence.

Too often there is injustice because all of us do nothing. Gov. Wilder has the power to stop this execution. Call his office (804-786-2211) and voice your concern. It takes only five minutes of your time - for Joseph Giarratano, the stakes are much higher.

SUSAN WAMSLEY

BLACKSBURG



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