A dreadful amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution is about to take effect. It abolishes mercy. It turns kindness into political rhetoric. Attorney Robert A Preate says that "the amendment is illegal and unconstitutional, it is harsh, mean-spirited and unnecessary."

The amendment changes Pennsylvania's ancient tradition of mercy. It changes the make-up of the Board of Pardons. At the same time, it changes the procedure for granting commutation to life and death sentence prisoners, those needing it the most. Even more alarmingly, it makes the Pardons board members more political hacks, puppets of the political party that's in power.

The Pennsylvania Prison Society along with several lawyers including the firm of Levy and Preate in Scranton, are battling against the amendment in court. It's expensive. Your financial and intellectual help is being sought.