Convicted Killer Gets Citation From Bush [View All]

[JohnLocke]

Convicted Killer Gets Citation From Bush
Associated Press
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SAN FRANCISCO--Convicted murderer Stanley "Tookie" Williams has received an award for his good deeds on death row, complete with a letter from President Bush praising the notorious gang founder for demonstrating "the outstanding character of America."
Williams, co-founder of the notorious Crips street gang, has been an anti-gang activist during his many years on death row at San Quentin State Prison, where he was sent after being convicted in 1981 for killing four people.
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He has written 10 books, mostly warning young people to stay away from gangs.
The President's Call to Service Award arrived as Williams, 53, continues his final fight for clemency.
His case is being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
It was doubtful that the president, who oversaw 152 executions during his six years as Texas governor, knew that Williams had received a congratulatory letter bearing his signature.
More than 267,000 people have received the award, which costs $1 and includes a certificate of achievement and commendation letters from the president and former Sens. Bob Dole and John Glenn, honorary co-chairmen of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
Sandy Scott, a spokesman for the council, refused to address the fact that the award was given to a condemned killer.
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