| Just a couple of points,
the list of supporter is going to be short (for now) as
this page (and the entire website) is still being
organized/constructed and as anyone who has put together
a website knows, this takes some time, so feel free
to bookmark this page, return, and watch it grow.
Another point, the folks who put their
names and contact information here do so expecting that
they will be treated with civility. All people do not
agree on all things, but when we disagree (or should you
disagree with the premise of this website) please do so
with social civility. Please, no anonymous hate mail, no
ugly letters, no nameless barbs.
A few words from his most avid supporter,
his mom Ruth;
"Lance has always been a loving, compassionate,
& inquisitive person. When Lance was 8 years
old, he would rush home from school to help an
elderly neighbor (with failing vision) with her
stamp collection. I don't know who had more fun,
Lance or the neighbor!
Another time, when he was 12, Lance was outside
playing when a woman called to him for help
after her husband had fallen and was unable to
walk. Lance picked him up & carried him to their
car. That was Lance, if someone needed help,
then he helped.
There are many other stories of compassion I
could share.
As Lance grew, he wanted to be like the older
kids. Keith McClelland, one of Lances teachers
in elementary school (and our neighbor), often
saw Lance tagging along with the older kids. Mr.
McClelland was bothered by this, especially when
he saw the older kids using Lance to take the
blame when things went wrong.
Mr. McClelland never understood how Lance
received such a lengthy sentence. In Court Judge
Jean Carter even apologized for the harsh
sentence. Soon after Lances sentencing, Mr.
McClelland started his own letter writing
campaign. He wrote Lance's Attorney, the
Attorney General, the Senators & anyone else who
would listen. Despite his frustration with the
system, Mr. McClelland continued his support of
Lance and wrote him regularly until his passing
in the Spring of 2001.
Most importantly, prior to his death, Mr.
McClelland had inspired other members of
The Church on the Cape to continue his
support of Lance. Harriet Eaton soon got on
board, as did Robert McLaughlin & Pastor Ruth
Merriam. They have in turn inspired others to
join in!
During Lance's incarceration, I have met, &
continue to meet an incredible array of
compassionate people from all walks of life and
I am often left in awe!
We are fortunate that Attorney Margaret Love has
continued to help us navigate the complex legal
system.
The compassion, love, prayers, & support of the
members of
The Church on the Cape (Cape Porpoise,
Maine) continue to play an ongoing presence in
Lance's case for Commutation of Sentence. Words
cannot express the gratitude that we feel for
all of the help bestowed upon us by each & every
person we have met along the way.
Thank you all"
Ruth
Persson & family
|
