The Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty has put out a call for sympathizers to join in daily peaceful demonstrations at the Governor’s Mansion between now and April 17-27 when Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s has scheduled executions of eight men in 10 days .

It said:

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Come be a part of a Peaceful Protest and Witness to Arkansas being the ”Natural State” – not the state that becomes notorious for presiding over mass executions. We protest becoming an historic and notorious symbol of retribution.

Stand at the Governor’s Mansion, 1800 Center Street, with your family, friends, co-workers, peace activists and all who reject violence of every kind. Come protest the governor’s decision to executive 8 men between April 17th and 27th.

Whenever you can be at the Governor’s Mansion with a sign that you want the Governor to see – before work, after you finish your exercise regimen, during your lunch break and later in the day, say between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Put this Peace Protest on your calendars. Plan to be present whenever you can.

More information at the group’s website.

I doubt anyone in this group think a silent and peaceful witness will change the governor’s mind, not any more than sworn testimony affects the legislature in the grotesque parade of anti-worker, anti-poor, anti-LGBT legislation that is issuing forth from the Capitol. But a few might be slightly discomfited by tangible evidence that dissent and resistance exists.  Maybe.

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