Well, it is about time the state of Texas (known more for its executions, then the Alamo) is doing right by these folks. Exonerees will get $80,000 for each year they spent behind bars. The compensation also includes lifetime annuity payments that for most of the wrongly convicted are worth between $40,000 and $50,000 a year — making it by far the nation's most generous package.
Most of the exonerees were black males, who were recipients of the "Jim Crow," laws. Laws which were disabled years ago, but which "closet" politicians, and members of the Judicial System for the State of Texas seemed to still want to uphold. Due to the current DNA testing many of these men now have the chance to prove their innocence.
Two who served about 26 years in prison for rape will receive lump sums of about $2 million apiece. Another, Steven Phillips, who spent about 24 years in prison for sexual assault and burglary, will get about $1.9 million.
Source: Yahoo News
Well if the singer is not talented enough, add author to his resume. "21 Nights," a "photographic essay" that offers "a rare glimpse into the life, lyrics, and mystique" of the maker of such hits as "1999" and "Purple Rain," will be published worldwide come fall, according to Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
The 21 nights is reference to his 21 days of sold out performances in London last year.
I am looking forward to the book. I have been a big fan for a longtime.
Source: Yahoo.news
Chinese sales of assault rifles and other small arms to its ally Sudan have grown rapidly during the Darfur conflict despite a U.N. arms embargo, a human rights group said on Thursday.
A study by the Human Rights First, stated that China was the sole supplier of small arms to the Sudan (which pays for the weapons with its oil revenue).
Who is paying for China's unconcern is most definitely Sudan's Darfar. They don't know or care about what are the internal issues going on in that area. So more death, disease and of course dislocation. The Human Rights group called on Bejjing to stop the sales. They have also pressured other countries to link this to the Bejjing Olympics.
For more on Bejjing's response to this check out- Yahoo News
