Hundreds protest as state kills Clarence Ray Allen

San Quentin Prison (January 17, 2006) – About 400 people gathered at the gates of San Quentin Prison last night to protest the execution of 76-year-old inmate Clarence Ray Allen shortly past midnight this morning. Was the lower turnout of protesters “hypocritical” compared with the larger protests staged on behalf of Stanly Tookie Williams? Mike Farrell argued that the hundreds present represented the truth that people opposed the death penalty, even without the books, movies, and demonstrated redemption. Todd Chretien argued that movements simply are not built in a liner fashion, with each protest larger than the other, until our side wins… but in the end, we will win if we persevere. Many present identified with faith-based organizations. “Not in our name” was a common refrain of those who stepped up onto the soapbox to speak as the State of California murdered Clarence Ray Allen this morning.