If you would like to add your support to the letter Cornel West and I wrote to Governor J.B. Pritzker in support of Johnny Pippins, please post your name, city, and state below. And if you have anything to say about the statement or related matters, this is the place to do it.
I am an assistant professor in the UI Sociology Department. It would be my honor to get to work with Mr. Pippins in our PhD program. I look forward to getting to meet him.
I would like to support Jonny’s release! His heart is in a good place and he just wants to do good for the world while he can and I’m sure it would mean a lot to him due to his reasoning behind it with his mom as well. Please add my name in support. Thank you!!
Why should prison, a supposedly rehabilitative institution, continue to confine a man who has proven beyond a reasonable doubt his freedom would contribute a net positive to society? Mr. Pippins has served 90% of his sentence, will 4 years more of him being a taxpayers burden serve to benefit society more than his release?
I am an Illinois attorney and firm believer in Justice and Redemption. I stand with my brothers and sisters in support of clemency for Johnny Pippins. This man has served his time, and it is time for him to come home.
After hearing Johnny's story I support him getting out early. I encourage everyone to think of how much he has changed and grown. Not all or maybe even most truly work to better not only them selves but to help improve the lives of others. He committed a crime that went wrong and was tragic. He has spent the majority of his life imprisoned as punishment, in that time he has done everything possible to be a better person. Lives may now be saved by his release. He has great contributions to society ahead of him.
I am in full support of letting people give what they have to offer. And that, though I don't think it's done correctly, prison is supposed to be a "correctional facility". It sounds like this man has done his own work on bettering himself of his own accord. I applaud him and support his release.
The whole point of corrections is to take a person on the wrong path and to correct where they are going. This story is the absolute epitome of that. Let this man take the next step in his rehabilitation to further enrich society.
Not only do I live in Illinois, I was nearly a murder victim in 2016, watched my brother get murdered saving me. This man, Johnny Pippins isn't like the one who hurt me. Johnny made some big mistakes that aren't dissimilar to situations many men find themselves in, when they grow up in a big city without the proper resources or influences, and has put a great deal of effort into bettering himself so he can serve his community, and the world. Don't let that go to waste. Don't let another person who could show that making a difference requires effort and patience but then it's so worth it, slip through the cracks of our flawed system. Let him get his degree.
Brooke barnes, quincy illinois. Not only has he done more time than necessary, he has gone above and beyond to better himself after release. Lets have some human compassion and grant him that release because its long overdue.
You are a true leader of your communities and the proud city of Chicago. When you came and spoke to the Ukrainian Community this past February you discussed being a champion for all people.
If rehabilitation is the end goal of our penal system, and this is a case where it has worked in this man should receive clemency and be allowed to serve society in a positive manner
It sounds like Mr. Pippins has a lot to offer the world, and his efforts to rehabilitate himself and use of his time in prison to reflect on his actions and become a better person should be acknowledged, and it serves as a good example of the way incarceration should be handled and approached, which is to put people in a position to rejoin society and to once again contribute to the world around them in meaningful ways.
Linda Gabor, EU. I cannot imagine how after 25 years of hard work, education and self-improvement the world would not benefit from the release of Mr.Pippins.
Clearly rehabilitation is not the goal, if you don't accept that Mr.Pippins has completed any and all expectations and exceeded many of his non incarcerated peers.
It would be a shame to withhold this man's knowledge and desire to create change in the world simply for him to fulfill his sentence. If the whole point of incarceration is rehabilitation, and this man is seemingly rehabilitated, evidenced by his dedication to education and willingness to share the knowledge he has, what would be the point in continuing to keep him behind bars?!
We always have a choice to do good. This is one of those choices. By releasing this man, who will then go on to positively give back to the community & give hope to others that change is possible, you will be changing many lives for the better. Not only the lives he saves outside of prison, but also those inside who may give up on life otherwise. If you can do something kind, why wouldn’t you?
I’m not a smart man & I’m sorry a man lost his life do to Mr. Pippins poor decisions that day. That said I’m a lifelong resident of Iowa that also made some dumb decisions in my youth as well & would be more than glad to have Johnny as my neighbor.
As a Iowa taxpayer I feel Mr. Pippins bed in Anamosa would be better filled by someone else as this man has accomplished more from behind bars in 26 years than I have or ever will in my lifetime.
I fully support giving Mr. Pippins a second chance & hope with your help Governor WE ALL can call him Dr. Pippins four years from now. Thank You for your consideration of the release of a man who is doing the best he can with the decisions he has made & consequences of those decisions.
Please Gov. Pritzker consider Johnny Pippins release from prison in order to start his doctorate. This country has lost over a million people due to a lack of scientific research. Mr. Pippins working on data requires focus and teamwork which are the two elements necessary for his rehabilitation.
Ross M. Allen, Chicago, IL
I am an assistant professor in the UI Sociology Department. It would be my honor to get to work with Mr. Pippins in our PhD program. I look forward to getting to meet him.
Louise Seamster, Iowa City, IA
I would like to support Jonny’s release! His heart is in a good place and he just wants to do good for the world while he can and I’m sure it would mean a lot to him due to his reasoning behind it with his mom as well. Please add my name in support. Thank you!!
Natasha Steines
Vancouver BC Canada
Luca, Atlanta, Georgia
Benjamin Gustafson, Chicago IL
Why should prison, a supposedly rehabilitative institution, continue to confine a man who has proven beyond a reasonable doubt his freedom would contribute a net positive to society? Mr. Pippins has served 90% of his sentence, will 4 years more of him being a taxpayers burden serve to benefit society more than his release?
Mekhi Rhodes
Detroit, MI
Gov. Pritzker:
I am an Illinois attorney and firm believer in Justice and Redemption. I stand with my brothers and sisters in support of clemency for Johnny Pippins. This man has served his time, and it is time for him to come home.
Humbly,
Grant D. Talabay,
Woodstock, Illinois.
Beth Richardson, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Our state could use a second chancer like him.
Charlie Kapinos
Los Angeles, CA
Mariah Diaz
New York, New York
Tasneem Abdus-Shakur
After hearing Johnny's story I support him getting out early. I encourage everyone to think of how much he has changed and grown. Not all or maybe even most truly work to better not only them selves but to help improve the lives of others. He committed a crime that went wrong and was tragic. He has spent the majority of his life imprisoned as punishment, in that time he has done everything possible to be a better person. Lives may now be saved by his release. He has great contributions to society ahead of him.
Sincerely
Christa
I am in full support of letting people give what they have to offer. And that, though I don't think it's done correctly, prison is supposed to be a "correctional facility". It sounds like this man has done his own work on bettering himself of his own accord. I applaud him and support his release.
Millie Campbell, Manchester, Uk
Alan Wieber , Tucson , Az
I support his release 100%
My name is Alan Wieber, Tucson, Az
This guy has served his time and clearly been the definition of good behavior set him free so he can help people.
Diane Whitten oakton, IA
This man should be granted freedom to allow society to benefit from his contribution.
Jordan Clarksville,TN
The whole point of corrections is to take a person on the wrong path and to correct where they are going. This story is the absolute epitome of that. Let this man take the next step in his rehabilitation to further enrich society.
Amber Abuja from Zion, IL..
Not only do I live in Illinois, I was nearly a murder victim in 2016, watched my brother get murdered saving me. This man, Johnny Pippins isn't like the one who hurt me. Johnny made some big mistakes that aren't dissimilar to situations many men find themselves in, when they grow up in a big city without the proper resources or influences, and has put a great deal of effort into bettering himself so he can serve his community, and the world. Don't let that go to waste. Don't let another person who could show that making a difference requires effort and patience but then it's so worth it, slip through the cracks of our flawed system. Let him get his degree.
Beth Pajak Manalapan New Jersey
I wholeheartedly support the early release of Cornel West.
I support the release of Johnny Pippins!
Julie Layle. Dearborn, MI
Autumn Bigelow, Iowa City, Iowa
Phoenix LaMonda, Delray Beach, Florida
Rich Holst, Roland, Iowa
Michelle Bright, Roland, Iowa.
Robert Bowley
Peoria, Arizona
Please allow this man to contribute to society
Brooke barnes, quincy illinois. Not only has he done more time than necessary, he has gone above and beyond to better himself after release. Lets have some human compassion and grant him that release because its long overdue.
I support the release of Johnny Pippins!
Maddie Zickel
Louisville, KY
Governor Pritzker,
You are a true leader of your communities and the proud city of Chicago. When you came and spoke to the Ukrainian Community this past February you discussed being a champion for all people.
Show good judgement and release Johnny Pippins.
Drew E - Chicago, IL
I support the release of Johnny Pippins please give him the opportunity to inspire outhers on how one can change and better themselves and help others
I support the release of Johnny Pippins please give him the opportunity to inspire outhers on how one can change and better themselves and help others
If rehabilitation is the end goal of our penal system, and this is a case where it has worked in this man should receive clemency and be allowed to serve society in a positive manner
It sounds like Mr. Pippins has a lot to offer the world, and his efforts to rehabilitate himself and use of his time in prison to reflect on his actions and become a better person should be acknowledged, and it serves as a good example of the way incarceration should be handled and approached, which is to put people in a position to rejoin society and to once again contribute to the world around them in meaningful ways.
Andrew Selden
Ogden, UT
Malia Taylor
Aaralyn Loop
Blue Springs, MS
I fully support the release of Johnny Pippin.
CJ McLaughlin Aurora IL
David J. Seleb, Lake Forest, Illinois
I support the release of Johnny Pippin.
Nancy Michael, St. Albans, WV
Gabby R., Albany, NY
If the purpose of his incarceration is rehabilitation, Mr. Pippins is a success.
If the purpose is retribution, the affected family is satisfied.
If the purpose of keeping Mr. Pippins in custody is revenge, we have failed as a society.
I support the immediate release of Mr. Pippins.
Liza Strout, Florida
I fully support the release of this man.
Katherine Odell
Kerhonkson NY
Marvin Young,
Jeffersonville, IN
Please add my support of Johnny Pippins. Nicole Tucker 470 Convent Ave, ny, ny 10031
Saffron Francis, Liverpool, England, UK
I fully support this
Tristen Stallworth
Baltimore, MD
I fully support this
Tristen Stallworth
Baltimore, MD
Linda Gabor, EU. I cannot imagine how after 25 years of hard work, education and self-improvement the world would not benefit from the release of Mr.Pippins.
Clearly rehabilitation is not the goal, if you don't accept that Mr.Pippins has completed any and all expectations and exceeded many of his non incarcerated peers.
It would be a shame to withhold this man's knowledge and desire to create change in the world simply for him to fulfill his sentence. If the whole point of incarceration is rehabilitation, and this man is seemingly rehabilitated, evidenced by his dedication to education and willingness to share the knowledge he has, what would be the point in continuing to keep him behind bars?!
Brittany Haag Denver, Colorado
We always have a choice to do good. This is one of those choices. By releasing this man, who will then go on to positively give back to the community & give hope to others that change is possible, you will be changing many lives for the better. Not only the lives he saves outside of prison, but also those inside who may give up on life otherwise. If you can do something kind, why wouldn’t you?
Madeleine Bates
Portland, Oregon
I’m not a smart man & I’m sorry a man lost his life do to Mr. Pippins poor decisions that day. That said I’m a lifelong resident of Iowa that also made some dumb decisions in my youth as well & would be more than glad to have Johnny as my neighbor.
As a Iowa taxpayer I feel Mr. Pippins bed in Anamosa would be better filled by someone else as this man has accomplished more from behind bars in 26 years than I have or ever will in my lifetime.
I fully support giving Mr. Pippins a second chance & hope with your help Governor WE ALL can call him Dr. Pippins four years from now. Thank You for your consideration of the release of a man who is doing the best he can with the decisions he has made & consequences of those decisions.
Wes Forrest
Roland, Iowa
Please Gov. Pritzker consider Johnny Pippins release from prison in order to start his doctorate. This country has lost over a million people due to a lack of scientific research. Mr. Pippins working on data requires focus and teamwork which are the two elements necessary for his rehabilitation.
Rene De los Santos
San Antonio Tx