Parole for Lifers in Pennsylvania

Feb. 3, 2017
10:00 am

Hi. I want to talk about parole for lifers. If you agree with me, I ask for your help. I ask that you go online, write a message in support of this, and send a mass email to all of the PA state reps that I list.

I will be brief. PA is one of six states that doesn't allow lifers any chance at parole. the PA Dept. of Corrections budget is over $2 billion each year. We have over 50,000 prisoners for over 30+ years. They are the definition of rehabilitated.

Let me use one man. Richard Purcell, 18/19 years old. Shot and killed the man who was having sex with his wife. Rich is in his mid/late 50s now. Model prisoner, amazing painter (can paint portraits), a very well-liked prisoner and a very nice guy. Just a little old man who likes to paint in here.

There are some people who have been rehabilitated, changed. Allow these men to redeem themselves; allow them a chance to go home and die in their own bed. Let them be reunited with their family one last time. I want to be redeemed someday, but I'm not there yet. But some men are.

How old must we be in order to get another chance? Why do most states allow it, but just six don't? If we all want to be treated equally, if we want our laws to be the same, why is this not the same as the majority of the country?

Money is normally the driving factor for prison release. The parole board doesn't care about the crimes. It always boils down to money. But when is enough, enough? When do we finally say, this man (or woman—we will not forget our sister lifers) has changed? They did 30+ years. Let's give them another chance.

Right now, there is a parole for lifers push in my state. A state representative came up with a bill that would allow parole for lifers, if the parole board determines that they earn it. It doesn't mean people will automatically just get out—it means they have a chance to be reviewed, to be heard. Just a chance to be listened to.

So I ask you again: can compassion win out? Will free people use their compassion to give some deserving men and women a second chance? If you believe so, I ask that you send one mass email to the email addresses that I provide at the end of this. That's all I ask. Send an email expressing your support for H.B.135, Parole for Lifers. If you want to learn more about the bill, I will include the name and number of the author of the bill.

I thank you for listening. IF you have any questions, please contact me. Gotta run and call my mom. Take care. Please read on and get back to me. God bless, ciao.

2/4/17
Today I ran for vice president spot in the Lifers Organization. I gave my speech and won the vote 69-43. I hope to make great strides. Anyone out there who is willing to help, please reach out to me. I can't do this alone. I need your help.

Any questions about this bill, please reach out to State Representative Jason Dawkins at (215) 744-7901 or email him at jdawkins@pahouse.net.