24 January 2008
The letter from the WM3 attorneys thanking everyone for their support and assuring supporters that “arrangements are being made to ensure that future contributions will be used to meet the needs of all our clients as they prepare for further legal proceedings” has made a very positive impact on the cause of the WM3. This message has been the central theme of our organization and we vigorously support the lawyers in this regard.
We appreciate the thanks offered by the lawyers for everyone’s efforts, both past and present, to support the West Memphis Three and are buoyed by John Phillipsborn’s pointed comment to the AP that: “The process has been improved for all concerned.”
Also, we acknowledge the hard work of Lorri Davis and the wm3.org in the past. We can only wonder why Ms Davis, or the publicist Alice Leeds, would attack us for trying to shed light on a situation that obviously needed to be addressed. The notion that we would be perceived as a threat to Ms. Davis, wm3.org, or the cause of freedom for the men in prison is beyond logic given the clearly stated founding principles of the WM3IP, Inc.
We look forward to assisting the lawyers for these young men in any way possible and are cautiously optimistic that in the days ahead we will see a convergence of efforts on everyone’s behalf. We claim no exclusive right to assist these innocent young men, and are concerned that anyone would want to be the “official site” for the West Memphis Three. Supporting the men in prison as they struggle for their freedom is a multi-dimensional task that will continue to require the efforts of many.
If the lawyers for all three young men are indeed making the arrangements mentioned in their letter and these changes are open and verifiable, we will shift our main focus to the other endeavors as set forth in our clearly defined Mission Statement; including supporting and cooperating with the wm3.org site to achieve our mutual goal of freeing Jason, Damien, and Jessie. In furtherance of our Mission Statement and in accordance with all laws pertaining to tax-exempt organizations, we will continue to function as a vehicle to raise and disburse funds on behalf of all supporters with the continued understanding that we have no agenda or self-interests other than insuring justice for the West Memphis Three and others similarly situated.
In that what is done not what is said remains the "bottom line" we look forward to seeing the changes that the lawyers are promising implemented soon. Going forward, we intend to support them and this cause in any way deemed appropriate; yet if there is any dissension in the ranks of the lawyers, which we now do not expect, or any indication that one or more of the three young men is not receiving equal access to all defense funds then we will resume our mission to ensure openness and fairness despite any renewed personal attacks on us or our stated goals.
Please join us in congratulating all supporters everywhere who have worked in the past and will continue to work to gain the freedom of The West Memphis Three - Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols, and Jessie Misskelley - for crimes that they did not commit.
Thank you,
Kelly Duda, President
And the board of directors of the WM3IP, Inc.
