Since September 11th, the nation's attention has been understandably focused on thc events of that day; on the deaths and injuries caused on terrorism and on anthrax. However, executions continue around the country, flaws in the Justice system come to light daily and civil rights are being constantly threatened. Let's consider what happened in the United States during October, the first full month after the terrorist attack.

1)There were seven executions.

2) One clemency was granted; there were two stays of execution; three death penalties were vacated and one was voided.

3) North Carolina's Governor granted clemency in one case, but allowed the execution of a man whose co-defendant had received a life sentence.

4) Missouri executed a man who had been under psychiatric care since age 5

; Texas executed a juvenile murderer, the ^91h in the Country. There are 31 juvenile murderers on death row in Texas.

5) DNA freed a man in Oklahoma after 16 years; Ohio freed a man wrongfully convicted of rape who served 13 years.

6) The scandal w Oklahoma concerning the false and inaccurate testimony from the crime lab has raised questions of 12 innocents being executed.

7) In Illinois, James Newsome was awarded $15 million for being wrongfully convicted of murder because Chicago Police Officers promoted and forced false testimony.

8) New Mexico's Governor is refusing clemency for its first execution in 41 years.

This is only part of what took place In October. Now is not the time to be timid or apathetic in the push for abolition. All of us must inform friends and members of our communities. More importantly, legislators must be contacted since constituents need to let them know of their opposition.

The events of Sept. 11 have changed the nature of the death penalty conversation. At first, it seemed as if they would make It more difficult, but, actually, they just give it a different nuance. More and more Middle East experts, American military officials and Bush administration members have expressed concern about sentencing Osama bin Laden to the death penalty since it would make him a martyr and hero, resulting, they believe, in even more violence. In response to the attack, many faith communities issued statements against retaliation. If we don't push for abolition NOW— then WHEN?