EMAIL POSTS: TOOKIE WILLIAMS I

From: Debbie
To: Pete Duhon
Sent: Wed Dec 21 13:21:15 2005
Subject: Tookie Williams

Debbie wrote,

what did you think of the whole thing. his execution?

Pete wrote,


Essentially, you reap what you sow. His argument was totally flawed also. He was asking for redemption but at the same time he said he was preaching innocent. So if he was innocent that is what he should have argued. Plus, the crime(s) in and of themselves are pretty gruesome and calculated. With crimes like that, often what happens years before the incident is what can help a person get mercy, not what happens afterward. My understanding also is that he killed 4 people in a matter of a week. Also, my understanding is that he never really totally denounced gang activity and that he had information that could have led to the arrest of other key gang members but he remained silent. Also, in one of his books, he gives a list of influential people or something and he mentions some rather controversial figures, its as if he just doesn't get it. Anyway, but that's really beside the point.....

Finally, I read the governor's release statement and they have a rather strong case against TW. I am just glad that I do not have to decide the fate of someone's life, that's a tough call.

PD

Blog Comments: New York Strike

8:59 PM, jjla said...

Hey Pete,

I think this is a great idea for a website. If people follow your lead, the posts should be really interesting and meaningful.
on the strike:
I think it's times like these when you really get a sense of nyc. I've been biking everywhere for the past few days, and i've seen some pretty crazy scenes. Yesterday i watched as a pedicab slammed into a woman crossing the street. And just a few hours ago i saw an argument between a cabby and a biker explode and fists start to fly. These were intense, sad situations to witness, yet in both instances, the good side of new york really came through. When the woman was hit, everyone around her immediately rushed to help. She couldn't get up, so they kept the traffic away from that part of the street until the police showed up. And when the fight erupted, it was quickly broken up by onlookers. It was really nice to see that despite these really stressful circumstances, the humanity of new yorkers remained intact.

12:59 PM
Delete

NYC Photograph: 5th Ave

Photos of the city that I love.

NYC Photograph

A foggy day here in New York.

MTA: NEW YORK TRANSIT STRIKE

MTA TRANSIT STRIKE: NYC

Sometime last night the subways of NYC were shut down due to public transportation workers having differences with their employers(MTA). Transit workers are putting up a fight to get what they feel are well deserved benefits.

Considering that 7 million people rely on the subways for travel to and from Manhattan, this presents a slight problem for shoppers and for workers. Even though the subways are shutdown due to the strike there are a couple other train options for us New Yorkers who must get to Manhattan. Reports indicate that at some of these other stations people are standing outside, waiting in line for several hours to board their respective train. Apparently, some of these lines are 3 to 4 blocks long.

I work here in Manhattan, I arrived at work on time, commuting from the northern part of the Bronx. However, most people got in to work here about 2 hours late.

From what I hear, most people have been cordial, despite delays and waiting outside in blistering cold weather. Yes, there has been some ticket scalping reported.

NYC STRIKE: THE TAYLOR LAW

Apparently, the much hyped TAYLOR law does not apply to the common MTA worker, in other words, they will not be fined for striking, though the Union leaders will be subject to penalties. But from what I hear, the union leaders have clandestine backups in case their President is imprisoned.

A settlement to this whole thing does not look like it will come soon.

PD

NYC STRIKE: CREATIVE WAYS

Instead of waiting in the cold weather for 3 hours to get on a train in the morning, some people have chosen to make custom signs(see pic) so that people who are driving into Manhattan will give them a ride. Anyone driving into the city in the morning must have at least 4 people in the car with them. If a driver has only one passenger, they will not be allowed into Manhattan. Thus, drivers have an incentive to look for the people with signs.

-pd

The NYC STRIKE: Was it worth it?

Someone said...
I was just wondering what your stance on the strike? Waste of time or worth it?

Pete Duhon said...
I think it is worth it. We live a capitalist society, a society that is built on the premise of demanding what you feel you are worth. A society built on making profits, bargaining and market value. Currently, it is in vogue to think that the workers who are striking are senseless. The truth of the matter is that both sides with compromise and they will come to an agreement. I am proud of the strikers, they are fighters and they are showing resistance. Even though their decision is not popular. It's tough times for us New Yorkers but we will get through it.

PD

New York City: Back to Normal

The strike is over and I wish the best for all parties involved. New York is back to normal(New York normal that is), the mornings are back to being quiet. I have some pictures of one of the train stations and pictures of Grand Central Station that are quite peaceful compared to the frenzy of the past 4 days.... Compare the previous Grand Central photo with today's shot.

For more information regarding the New York City transit strike visit nytimes.com

Peter Duhon

NYC STRIKE: DAY IS DONE

Looks like the strike is over.... New Yorkers are celebrating on the streets.

-pd