Over the past several years, much has happened concerning the death penalty and the flaws, errors and problems with the criminal justice system. This is especially true for March and April 2002. 0f unique interest and significance were: a) Death Sentence 2002; b) Governor Ryan's consideration of commutation of Illinois death sentences to life without parole and c) "The Report."

Did you ever miss a party or event that everyone talks about afterwards enthusiastically claiming, "You missed the very best one?" Well, that was Death Sentence 2002 at DePaul University March 9-10. DS 2002 had Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) and activist/actor Mike Farrell (of M*A*S*H and Providence fame). The next day Sister Helen Prejean was followed by Gov. George Ryan and Francis Cardinal George, OMT. Governor Ryan was deeply moved by receiving the first Cunningham-Carey Award (named for Dick Cunningham and Jack Carey, two dedicated anti-death penalty attorneys, both of whom recently died). Each speech was powerful and inspiring.

While participating in a forum in Oregon, Governor Ryan announced he was considering commutation of the death sentences of those on Illinois death row. "Commutation" does not mean inmates will go free. It means they will no longer receive the death penalty. This is a critical issue because once Governor Ryan leaves office, it is unknown how long the Moratorium will continue
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The entire country was waiting for the report of the Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment, which makes it clear that no system, no amount of reforms can ever guarantee an innocent person will not be executed. How can a system that needs more than 80 reforms be "fixable?"

Death Sentence 2002 was not a mere academic exercise, but a call to action. We must contact the Governor to "Wipe the Slate Clean". The Governor's Commission verifies many flaws and problems. How can any person convicted and given the death penalty under such a flawed system, be executed? How can some be commuted and not all? While we continue our struggle to abolish the death penalty, we must work diligently to "Wipe the Slate Clean" by commuting all existing death sentences to life in prison.