An Email from Velvet Revolution

[babsbunny]

Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, a leader for progressive change in the Deep South, was the first Governor to endorse Al Gore when he ran for President. This was too much for Karl Rove, who launched a personal war to destroy Don, first with a political prosecution and then with a rigged election.

Don's legal battle is now at a critical stage. Tomorrow, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear his appeal, which could throw out the false charges. But Don needs our help to raise $30,000 to cover legal costs to clear his name. The government has reportedly spent over 40 million dollars to prosecute Don and his family has spent virtually all of their life's savings to fight these false charges.

For over a year, we have been reporting the story of Siegelman's political prosecution, and the American Trial Lawyer Magazine labels Don Siegelman as America's #1 "Political Prisoner." Time Magazine exposed how selective prosecution was used by Karl Rove's Republican prosecutors and CBS's 60 Minutes exposed how they knowingly extorted false testimony to secure a conviction. Earlier this month, Time revealed that the Department of Justice has been involved in a cover-up of unethical and criminal activity within the Department and the U.S. Attorney's office. Last week's New York Times story reveals further prosecutorial misconduct. Don was handcuffed, shackled, and put into solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison for something The New York Times has said has never even been considered a crime in America. Fifty-four former state Attorneys General agreed and filed a support bri ef.

Don is now engaged in two important fights: One for his own freedom and the other to save our democracy by seeing that Karl Rove is brought to justice. As Don recently said, "We must win these fights to unravel the injustices that have been perpetrated against our democracy. With your help, Karl Rove and his accomplices will be held accountable for their abuse of power -- and I can clear my name for good."

Tomorrow's hearing can put this right. Don's Legal Defense Fund can take donations of corporate, PAC, foundation, or personal money of any size. Please give right now online or mail your contribution to:

Siegelman Legal Defense Fund
3963 River View Drive
Birmingham, AL 35243
All the best,
VR

[Libertyfirst]

1. how do I contribute online? n/t