I am writing to you on behalf of Amnesty International of Iowa State concerning a matter of imminent importance. We are deeply concerned that the Governor of Iowa, the Honorable Terry E. Branstad, who unsuccessfully tried to reinstate the death penalty in 1993 and 1995, is again trying in 1997. Amnesty International is an international organization dedicated to the fair and humane treatment of prisoners around the world. We vehemently oppose the reinstatement of the death penalty in Iowa. We would like to inform the Iowa State Daily and the students of Iowa State about some of our reasons for opposing the death penalty:

* We consider the death penalty to be the ultimate form of cruel and unusual punishment.

* Detailed research has provided no evidence that capital punishment deters crime more effectively than other forms of punishment. It is well known among psychologists that violence causes violence.

* The death penalty is irreversible, and inevitably it will claim innocent victims. As long as human justice remains fallible, the risk of executing the innocent can never be eliminated.

Amnesty International of Iowa State is currently in the process of forming a delegation to go speak in opposition of reinstating the death penalty at a public hearing to be held by state Senators sometime in the near future. Also, meetings will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 in the Oak Room of the Memorial Union and Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 in Room 236 of the Memorial Union. We encourage anyone interested to assist us in our cause. Remember that silence is a form of consent.

We would appreciate any assistance you could give us in informing the students of Iowa State of our organization and its goals. If you have any questions you can contact me at 296-3129 or at [email protected].

Chad Augustine

Freshman

Chemical engineering

Death Penalty Committee Director