PRN: the Richard Paey Pardon; Press Release, Siobhan Reynolds; Pain Relief Network; 2007-09-27 See also:
Dear Members and Friends, As you may know, Richard Paey was given a full pardon by Governor Charlie Crist and his cabinet (9-20-07) in what was the most principled and simply decent political action we have seen from those in power since we began to challenge the system’s disgraceful behavior toward people in pain way back in 2003. [PRN to FDA, 2003] We applaud Governor Crist for initiating the process that resulted in Richard’s release and also wish to thank all the people and organizations that pulled together to keep Richard’s story before the public. From the American Pain Foundation, to the November Coalition, from the members of the Pain Relief Network to Dr. Russell Portenoy, from The Pumpsters to DRC Net, from the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) to kids recruited off the internet, a virtual army of people sent letters and made phone calls to the Governor. They didn’t let up until Richard was at last released. The New York Times, John Tierney in particular, 60 Minutes, Nightline, Radley Balko, Jacob Sullum, Maia Szalavitz and countless other writers and commentators ran stories that helped the public understand the blatant injustice of Florida’s treatment of Richard. One person in particular needs to be acknowledged for her extraordinary role in this miracle. Jennifer Santiago, a reporter with CBS 4 in Miami, approached the governor and gave him a copy of my film, The Chilling Effect, and John Flannery’s book, Pain in America. It was shortly thereafter that Richard’s case was pushed to the front of the line for clemency consideration and we were off and running. Jennifer, therefore, played a crucial role in saving Richard’s life and in restoring some modicum of hope to the tattered and terrorized pain community. We all owe her an enormous debt of gratitude. [Jennifer Santiago’s website and blog] Pain Relief Network is proud to be able to say that we took on Richard’s case just after he was wrongly convicted and worked all the way through to secure and train counsel for the family and to answer the media’s questions about what seemed to be an impossibly absurd case. Linda Paey demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and savvy as together we fought our way to her husband’s freedom. We are delighted that he is at last home with his family and friends, noting that he hasn’t lost his way with words. According to the Tampa Tribune’s account of his homecoming, as he first laid eyes on his house,
– Siobhan Reynolds [END] As always, we ask that you help PRN fight to protect the rights of patients and the doctors who treat them. Thank you for clicking the link below.
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