FREE THE WEST MEMPHIS 3

"Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills" (1996) is a fascinating documentary about the murder of three children in West Memphis, Arkansas in 1993.  It spawned a sequel, "Paradise Lost 2: Revelations" (2000).  For many years, I've strongly believed that the "West Memphis 3" deserve a new trial.  I'm not a legal expert by any stretch of the imagination, but the facts, as I understand them, lead me to believe that a miscarriage of justice has occurred.  But, don't take my word for it.  Please, watch the following and judge for yourself...

[NOTE: Both documentaries are included below, with the second one following immediately after the closing credits of the first.]

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If, like me, you believe a new trial is justified and would like to contribute somehow, the organizers of the West Memphis 3's website (www.wm3.org) have suggested "10 Easy Ways To Help" and they are as follows:

1) Donate Money To The Defense Fund This is easily the most important way to help; unfortunately it is also the most difficult for some. The important thing to remember is no amount is too small! With the savvy technical advances of PayPal, you can send any amount via your credit card, debit card, or even your checking account. Think about the two bucks a day you spend on coffee; make a pledge to give up one fast-food meal a week. Every time you donate, you are directly helping to gather the information and evidence that will eventually free Damien, Jason and Jessie.  Add to the Photo Wall and your $6.00 will go directly to the Defense Fund.

2) Write To The West Memphis Three

Take some time out to write each of the WM3 -- the direct impact you will make is immeasurable. Most of us have never been in jail, let alone a maximum security prison so you can only imagine how Damien, Jason and Jessie look forward to every contact they have with the outside world. Tell them where you're from. Print pics of the view from your apartment onto standard sheets of paper. Be creative. Your letters needn’t be too heavy or case-related, they also enjoy hearing about your life and circumstances. If you don’t get a timely response, be advised they get LOTS of mail!

3) Educate Yourself In Order To Educate Others This case is immense, and the main ammunition of true supporters is knowledge. Familiarize yourself with the case by reading Blood of Innocents and Devil's Knot ; take advantage of the huge document/evidence archive available here. Watch Paradise Lost  and Paradise Lost: Revelations , read courtroom transcripts. Stay focused and help turn the tide from rumor and fear to facts and knowledge, and eventually, freedom.

4) Say It With A Shirt Get yourself a WM3 tee shirt and wear it, especially to public events! When people ask you what it means, you can inform them about the injustice of this case. There are also WM3 dog tags and POW bracelets to remember them every day until they are free. If you're looking for something different -- larger sizes, shirts for kids, hats, and more -- visit Alex's CafePress WM3 Store, where proceeds benefit the commissary funds.  Fill your pockets with business cards in case someone wants to know where they can learn more about The West Memphis Three.

5) Find Other Supporters You'd be surprised how many of us there are, not just in the U.S.A. but internationally! If you're new to the case, it's important that you find others to talk to and learn from. See the Contact page for links to discussion groups, bulletin boards and chat rooms dedicated to the WM3. Find us. We're waiting.

6) Add To The Great Postcard Project

Find a postcard, preferably with a picture of your hometown on it.  Write "Free the West Memphis Three" on the back and sign it with your name and address, just as you would a petition. Send your postcard to:  Free the WM3 Support Fund, 1626 N Wilcox PMB #423, Los Angeles CA 90028. When your card is collected, it will be added to our already enormous postcard banner. Its last unveiling at the Arkansas State Supreme Court in Little Rock was as long as the building itself!

7) Make Business Cards Business cards are mini-protest signs. Most word processing programs have templates built into the software. Pre-scored cardstock and a good font go a long way. Once you fill your pockets, leave them anywhere people might be interested! How about throwing stacks on the tables at your favorite bar or coffee house? Visit the library—  leave a few bookmarks in selected books of your favorite genre. Here are some cards you can save and use, or just get an idea of what is out there:  Kevin's cards, Scary's card designs and this one created by David A..

8) Make Flyers Like a business card, only easier to read!  Find flyers to download here, or make your own. Become familiar with your city’s laws on distributing and posting flyers. Play by the rules and be respectful of others’ property!

9) Link From Your Website If you've got a website or a discussion board, put up a direct link between your website and wm3.org.  Here are some great banners, including independent supporter banners that are free to use.

10) Create An Email Signature Line Adding a sig line at the bottom of your email with a link to WM3.org generates interest with minimal effort. "Free the West Memphis Three!" and/or "Know the Truth: www.wm3.org" are great examples to perhaps entice your friends and associates to familiarize themselves with the truth about this case.For further information, please visit:www.wm3.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Memphis_Three

-Dax