<3> Page 10 ^Jortlanb (Observer S eptem ber 28, 2011 Opinion articles do not necessarily represent the views o f the Portland Observer. We welcome reader essays, photos and story ideas. Submit to news@portlandobserver.com. New Prices Effective May 1 ,2 0 1 0 Martin Cleaning Service Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Residential & Commercial Services Minimum Service CHG $45.00 A small distance/travel charge may be applied CARPET CLEANING 2 Cleaning Areas or more $30.00 Each Area Pre-Spray Traffic Areas (Includes: ! small Hallway) 1 Cleaning Area (only) $40.00 .b A # " Includes Pre-Spray Traffic Area (Hallway Extra) Stairs (12-16 stairs - With Other Services)-. $25.00 Area/Oriental Rugs: $25.OOMinimum Area/Oriental Rugs (Wool): $40.00 Minimum Heavily Soiled Area: Additional $10.00 each area (Requiring Extensive Pre-Spraying) UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Sofa: $69.00 Loveseat: $49.00 Sectional: $ 109 - $ 139 Chair or Recliner: $25 - $49 Throw Pillows (With Other Services): $5.00 ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Area & Oriental Rug Cleaning • Auto/Boat/RV Cleaning • Deodorizing & Pet Odor Treatment • Spot & Stain Removal Service • Scotchguard Protection • Minor Water Damage Services SEE CURRENT FLYER FOR ADDITIONAL PRICES & SERVICES Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949 Lost Hopes for the Miracle of Justice Death penalty case was not strong enough by J udge M athis The world waited with bated breath as the Supreme Court of the United States de­ cided the fate of Troy Davis, a 42-year old black man sitting on Georgia’s death row. With so much doubt surrounding Davis’ guilt, his supporters hoped he’d be granted a new trial and the opportunity to prove his innocence. Unfortunately, the Court decided not to intervene and the miracle of justice we all hoped for never came - Davis was executed. Davis was convicted of the 1989 murder of Mark MacPhail, an off- duty Savannah, Georgia police of­ ficer. According to reports, nine eyewitnesses identified Davis as the shooter. Up until he took his last breath, Davis maintained his inno­ cence. Over the last 22 years, his legal team fought tirelessly to win a new trial, presenting affida­ vits from seven of those nine witnesses who recanted or dramatically changed their original testimony. I don’t want to contradict the various judges who heard the case, but it’s unthinkable that, after the majority of the original witnesses recanted, Davis was not granted a new trial so that he could prove his innocence. I’m not the only authority who feels this way. Bob Barr, a former federal prosecutor and former Re­ publican Congressman from Geor­ gia publicly stated he believed there was too much doubt surrounding Davis’ guilt. Barr, a supporter of the death penalty, felt that Davis’ guilt ^ ’ îlo r tla n h (Obstruer Established 1970 USPS 959-680 ______________________________ 4747 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97211 Charles H. Washington EniTOR.Michael L eighton D istr ib u tio n M anager : M ark W ashington C reative D irector : P aul N e u feld t E ditok - in -C h ief , P ublisher : had not been proven beyond a rea­ ban on the death penalty. One sonable doubt. Former FBI chief innocent man put to death is one William Sessions also weighed in too many. If we c an ’t be certain of on the Davis case saying, Davis the legitim acy o f the convictions, deserved clemency because the the practice must be halted. We case built against him was not strong need to follow the lead o f states enough. like Illinois where, in July 2011, The pleas from these law enforce­ the death penalty was abolished ment and government experts - as and the state’s death row cleared, well as the pleas from millions around after widely reported - and proven the world - fell on deaf ears. The - claim s that police tortured nearly prosecutors and parole board re­ a dozen o f the inmates waiting to fused to admit they were wrong. be executed and forced them to And now Troy Davis is dead. confess to the crimes. America must revamp its legal We may never learn the truth system - beginning with the way we about Davis’ innocence or guilt, but investigate and arrest suspects and we do have an opportunity to cor­ continuing to the way we prosecute rect the legal system so that we no them and the way we handle ap­ ■ longer have to worry about whether peals. We must not allow prosecu­ or not our legal system has con­ tors to convict an individual based demned an innocent man to death. solely on eyewitness testimony. Judge Mathis is a longtime ad­ When new evidence is introduced vocate fo r equal justice. His life or witnesses recant, a new trial story o f a street youth who rosefrom should automatically be granted. jail to judge has provided hope to Lastly, we need a nationw ide millions. The Portland Observer welcomes freelance submissions. Manuscripts and photographs should be clearly labeled and w ill be returned i f accompanied by a self addressed envelope. A ll created design display ads become the sole property o f the newspaper and cannot be used in other publications or personal usage without the written consent o f the general manager, unless the client has purchased the composition o f such ad. O 2008 THE PORTLAND OBSERVER. A L L RIGHTS RESERVED, REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART W ITHO UT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. 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