Diane Rust-Tierney of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and Revisiting Shelley Metje of Cory’s Network

Diane Rust-Tierney of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

As 2015 comes to a close we again look at the Death Penalty, the disparities in how it is applied, the cost to states and municipalities, the misconceptions of its deterrent effect and more. While more than half of the states have the death penalty on the books the number of jurisdictions trying new death penalty cases has continued to dwindle. In fact almost all of the executions in the United States have been in a handful of states and Missouri has been a leader in that group of states over the past two years.

Host Craig Lubow talks with Diane Rust-Tierney, the Director of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty about why she feels the death penalty makes us less safe , the changing attitude about the death penalty in the US and what can be done to support efforts to end its use.

The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty envisions a world with:
-Neighborhoods that are safe because we identify and address the root causes of crime and violence.
-Compassionate care for all victims of crime.
-Accountability for offenders that is just and acknowledges the possibility of self-transformation, grace and redemption.
-Dignity of all touched by the criminal justice system including those working in our judicial and prison systems.
-Policies that are rational; based on empirical evidence and government accountability.

The continued existence and use of the death penalty undermines our ability to make that vision a reality. It divides us, distracts us and derails us from building that kind of society that respects and values all.

website – http://www.ncadp.org/

Revisiting Shelley Metje of Cory’s Network Inc

We continue our look back at some of the important people, organizations and subjects that we have covered in 2015 and before. This week we replay an interview Beth Pike did with Shelly Metje of Cory’s Network Inc.

Corey’s Network, Inc. was formed on June 1, 2014 and named for homicide victim Corey Laykovich. The Mission of Corey’s Network is to provide immediate support, advocacy and services to surviving victims of homicide in the Kansas City metropolitan area precincts without advocates. These services can be immediate such as: candle vigils; help with financing of funerals by accessing funds through grants, donations, and fundraisers, and connecting with companies in partnership with Corey’s Network, Inc.; media intervention; information regarding counseling, medical and other social services as needed for the families; providing meals for grieving families; or life insurance filing, and connection to Crime Victims Compensation.

Host Beth Pike is joined by Corey’s Mother, Michele Metje who founded the organization with Robert Norris to help families of murder victims navigate the aftermath of tragedy. Part of their advice is – Accept help when you need it. When people say, “If there’s anything I can do…” keep in mind, they really mean it!! They may not know what you need, but they really want to help. So let them!! You will both be better for the experience. They can help you understand what you need to do and what help you need.

Contact: Michele Matje, Robert Norris
phone: 816-616-0956
website: http://www.coreysnetwork.com/

email: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Calendar for December 7th 2015

All are welcome to the MORE2 Monthly Issues Night, Monday December 7th 6:00PM-7:30PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 620 E. Armour BLVD, KCMO. Parking is available in the lot due East of the church, use the accessible East entrance to the basement/lower level. MORE2’s Workforce/Infrastructure; Education; Criminal Justice; and Access to Health Teams will meet.
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The Criminal Justice Task Force will meet Monday, December 7th from 6:45 to 8:45 pm at the Church of the Good Shepard, 4947 Chouteau Drive, KCMO. The Criminal Justice Task Force mission is to lobby the Missouri State Legislature for sentencing laws that are fair and humane. They will be collecting non-perishable food items for the after school backpack program. This is their holiday gathering, you are invited to bring a friend and some snacks to share. For information contact Robin Johnson at 816-522-4081 or email: [email protected]
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Mothers of Incarcerated Sons and Daughters will have their monthly meeting Saturday, December 12th from noon to 2pm at the Waldo Branch Library, 201 East 75th Street, KCMO If you have a loved one that is incarcerated and need advice and support MISD have members that may be able to help. You are invited to share come enjoy good company and holiday libations.
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Right before the third anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting, supporters will gather all across the country to participate in Orange Walks to honor all of the lives lost to gun violence in America, and show just how determined we are to end it. You can join the Kansas City Wear Orange Walk, Sunday, December 13, 4:30 PM starting at Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, KCMO


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