Tyree-Elba Ray Bailey

 

“Life” is death for the innocent... just as “life” is freedom for the guilty

 

I had the chance to sit down with Mr Hugues for a formal interview... At least that is how it started. Oh, there's no need to explain, read it for yourselves !

 

Me : Mr. Hugues, how are you ?

Mr. Hugues :Mr. Bailey, I am pretty good. Thank you.

Me : You mentioned Fund Raising in the piece you did for my readers. Could you explain a little bit more, please ?

Mr. Hugues: It is simple. Actually, the first thing is to work together as one body. Take your group, you raise money, then you make a list of five to ten people you are going to help. You do your research on them, therefore you know what they will need.

Me : How does the money get raised ?

Mr. Hugues : That is up to each individual group. What is the point of having such a group on a social network if you can't talk, exchange ideas and organize ? I know nobody wants to talk about money. But in most cases, money is what most defendants need. When a lawyer told us that it would cost $$ 300,000 to defend my son, I called him a liar until I did the research myself. Doctors, investigators, other resources cost money. Doctors do not testify for free nor do investigators work that way and you still haven't paid your lawyer yet. That is how come the State has such a big advantage over poor defendants. They have the money and the resources to hire all the doctors, investigators, and specialist they need, But the poor can't even afford a decent lawyer in most cases. Think about some cases you followed or read about before that involved stars or wealthy people.... Now tell me how many of them were actually found guilty ? It makes a difference when you go into battle having tools you need to fight.

Me : I agree, but money issues are so personal...

Mr. Hugues : Ok, as abolitionists... as advocates, we not only have a duty to be there for the battle, we also must do what we can to supply the tools for battle. Your case was the same, right ?

Me : My case is not a death penalty case.

Mr. Hugues : But you have 1099 years for a crime that you claim innocence ? I read your transcripts... There is no way you should be there ! But how can the simple “I am innocent” that you gave compare to all the doctors and investigators that /who testified against you ? You were in an impossible battle... that ended with you receiving an impossible sentence. Without help, you won't ever see freedom again It is the same for death row inmates and those who face it : without help they, like you, will die in prison.

Me : So, what do we do ?

Mr. Hugues : You ask people help, there is no shame in that ! And those that know what bring in need is all about. They will help you.

Me : It's not that simple.

Mr. Hugues : Of course it is, are you innocent ? I believe you are and to not fight for you life... Well, it means that you are already dead Tyree. Our goal is to preserve life, that includes you ! Ask me for help... tell me what you need, I'll help you !

Me : For me, that is impossible, and even if it was, I'd still insist that you help those on death row, It's not that I don't want help... I just refuse to take away from those who need it more.

Mr. Hugues : You are brave !

Me : STOP ! No, I am not ! Nothing about this is brave ! Life and its situations aren't always pretty, but you learn to cope and adjust... I am doing the best I can... It's hardly a noble effort – People struggle and sacrifice all over the world, Mr. Hugues, that is how we grow, but not one man or woman on this earth is supposed to be killed... not even those who have killed... That is what C.F.T.J. is about.... that, Mr. Hugues, is what me and my wife are all about.... that is what yourself are about, correct, Mr. Hugues ?

Mr. Hugues : Of course.

Me: So let's keep ourselves focused then, shall we ?

Mr. Hugues : “Life” is death for the innocent... just as “life” is freedom for the guilty. Think about that Tyree.

Me : I already have, Mr. Hugues. Thanks for your time, I appreciate it very much.

Mr. Hugues : Thanks for having me, Tyree.

 

Love and Respect,

Tyree

October 14, 2011

03:25

*** Afterthought ***

I have done many interviews with many people. This is the only one I almost didn't publish, But I am doing so with the hope that you will take the actual “meat” of the interview while, at the same time, disregarding the rest about myself. Sadly, I realized that I couldn't give you one part without giving you the other as they both play a vital part in the completion of the interview. This, by far, isn't my best work, yet it has its place among them. As they all are baby steps toward our ultimate goal – THE ERADICATION OF THE DEATH PENALTY ! Meet me in the War Room of the Battlefield !!!