Dear Friends,

I’m sorry I can’t be here with you today to celebrate the victory of my husband’s campaign to free Lisl Auman.  I first want to thank Wayne Ewing for putting together such a lovely documentary, especially on dreadfully short notice.  He really knows his stuff!  And I'd also like to thank Juan and Jennifer Winkel Thompson for their tireless help during the rally that Matt Moseley organized so beautifully.  As you saw in the film, it was a huge success.

Being a witness and participant throughout this entire campaign, I noticed one consistent theme that ran through everything like a bright red thread.  All our discussions, all the meetings, every phone call, and every word that Hunter wrote were stitched together with his natural Gonzo law that “WE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD IN POLITICS.”

Indeed.  The distinguished gentlemen on this panel (including Curtis Robinson, who is reading this note) were each crucial to the success of my husband's campaign.  I particularly remember that day when Hunter read Lisl’s first letter, after explaining her case to me, he immediately called Hal Haddon.  As soon as he got the green light he was looking for, Hunter opened the floodgates for his closest friends and allies to join forces to get this innocent girl out of prison.
Hallelujah--five years later, Lisl was free.  On that bittersweet day, after Hunter’s death, when I hosted Hal, Gerry Goldstein, and Juan at Owl Farm to hear the news of the Supreme Court’s decision, it was, in a word, INCREDIBLE. 
I’ll be forever grateful to have been a witness to such a magical fight.

And even more magical is the woman herself, Lisl Auman, who has come out of this, strong and serene and without the slightest hint of self pity.  It has been a privilege to get to know Lisl and her family, outside the prison walls.  She is an intelligent, free spirit and a role model to all those still within the system that Hunter understood so well.

Yes, there are many more innocent kids still in prison, and they should not be forgotten.  So, in that spirit, I invite each of you all to familiarize yourselves with the Pendulum Foundation and its mission to free wrongfully convicted juveniles.  The Pendulum Foundation's Executive Director, Mary Ellen Johnson, is here today, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  Remember, as Hunter always said, “WE is the most important word in Politics.”

Enjoy the panel discussion.

Your friend,

Anita Thompson