Clemency for Diana Webb

This petition is in support of the clemency application of Diana Webb, who is serving in the 9th year of a 12 year sentence imposed in 1996 for alleged involvement in a drug conspiracy. The excessive sentence that Ms. Webb received was the direct result of conflicting and self-serving testimony by the other co-defendants in the case, all of whom only testified in exchange for reductions in their sentences. In fact, there were no drugs ever produced and the entire case against Ms. Webb consisted of this testimony. As a result, Diana received a sentence longer than all three other co-defendants combined, and almost three times as long as that of the Kingpin of the case. The questionable nature of this prosecution was further evidenced by the fact that the governments own expert chose to testify on Dianas behalf at her sentencing hearing. It is also worth remembering that before this case, Diana had no criminal record whatsoever.
As citizens and taxpayers, we are appalled that tax dollars are being used to incarcerate Ms. Webb in a spot where an actual criminal who is a threat to others should be. Diana, who has never even been accused of violent activity, has already served longer in prison than most people convicted of robbery, attempted murder, aggravated assault, or child molestation. In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton argued that executive clemency is a necessary part of the Constitution because without easy access to exceptions in favor of unfortunate guilt, justice would wear a countenance too sanguinary and cruel. It is for cases like Dianas that the founders of this country created the power of executive clemency. If this case doesnt qualify as an example of a cruel countenance, it isnt clear what would.
We firmly believe that our fellow citizens will concur with a similar knowledge of the facts. Therefore, we strongly encourage your office to advance Dianas clemency petition to President Bush for his consideration.