William J Foster WC0252721
NFCF DS-163
1605 E. Main St
Sayre, OK 76332
Dear Governor Keating,
My name is William Foster WC0252721, and I am writing in regard to the recent parole recommendation granted to me by Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board. It is my understanding you have no intention of approving my parole by the letters you are sending to my supporters. I would like to tell you a little about myself in hopes this will change your mind on your current decision.
I am a 40-year-old male with 3 children and a wife at home. Their ages and names are Anna age 14, Josh age 13, Sarah age 8 and Megan age 32. I have served 5 1/2 years in the U.S. Army and have 2 Honorable Discharges. I have always been employed and successfully operated my own computer business since 1992, I put myself through college and currently have 147 credit hours in computer science, and expect to further my education in the future. Most important is that I have never committed a crime against any person or thing in my entire adult or childhood life. The only victims in the crime that I am serving time for is my family. They have to live everyday without their father, the guidance, support and income that I have always provided for them.
Since being incarcerated I have accomplished the following:
I feel this should speak for itself when considering the change that has taken place in my life. What concerns me most is how, as govenor you can undermine a board that evaluates and speaks to individuals and votes unanimously to grant parole. You know nothing about me or how I have changed, you have made up your mind because I am a drug offender, and because of that deserve no second chance. I don't see how this attitude is fair or impartial. Is this the same person who preaches to the public about family values, yet will not reunite my family and me?
As I'm sure you are aware, my case has attrated worldwide media attention, I have appeared on every national network explaining my story and circumstances to the world. Since being granted parole several of them have already contacted me wanting to know if they could do a follow-up story. I have told them to hold off until you signed the parole. Their reply was "I thought you were already granted parole". At this time I have to explain to them that the Governor has the last say and, the Governor does not have to sign it. This they could not understand. I would like to go back on television and tell them what a compassionate person you are.
I know you have written letters telling people that I am a multiple offender but the court documents show totally a different story. If an Oklahoma Court could enhance the punishment on any person with a crime they almost unerringly do. I am referring to AFCF cases. According to Oklahoma's law I am a first time offender. I will post the enclosed document on the Internet letting my supporters know the truth.
If I receive parole, I will be moving out of the State of Oklahoma. I have several job opportunities throughout the US. I will never possess Marijuana again. It has not been worth the misery that it has caused my family. I would never jeopardize not being with my family again. I now know what society expects of me. All I want is to pick up the pieces of my life and be there for my family. By granting my parole it would give my family the opportunities that they deserve (i.e. guidance, financially and education). It is not fair to them for they are the true victims here. So I hope you find compassion in your heart for my family by signing my parole. Thank you for your time and any consideration that you might give me.
Sincerely,
Will Foster