SAN FRANCISCO -- Convicted murderer Stanley "Tookie" Williams has received an award for his good deeds on death row, complete with a letter from President Bush praising the co-founder of the Crips for demonstrating "the outstanding character of America."
Williams has been an anti-gang activist during his time on death row at San Quentin, where he was sent after being convicted in 1981 for killing four people.
The President's Call to Service Award arrived as Williams, 53, continues his final fight for clemency.
It was doubtful that the president knew that Williams had received a congratulatory letter bearing his signature.
More than 267,000 people have received the award, which costs $1 and includes a certificate of achievement and commendation letters from the president and former Sens. Bob Dole and John Glenn.
Sandy Scott, a spokesman for the council, refused to address the fact that the award was given to a condemned killer.
Williams has been an anti-gang activist during his time on death row at San Quentin, where he was sent after being convicted in 1981 for killing four people.
The President's Call to Service Award arrived as Williams, 53, continues his final fight for clemency.
It was doubtful that the president knew that Williams had received a congratulatory letter bearing his signature.
More than 267,000 people have received the award, which costs $1 and includes a certificate of achievement and commendation letters from the president and former Sens. Bob Dole and John Glenn.
Sandy Scott, a spokesman for the council, refused to address the fact that the award was given to a condemned killer.