Small-Sacrifices

Ann Rule's book 'Small Sacrifices', (Signet, 1987) is by now a well-established account of the trial and surrounding events. An emotive title which itself relays a conclusion to the reader. Ms Rule was also involved in the making of a mini-series of the events. Both of which no doubt have influenced public opinion. Many see the book and movie as a true account. They are not. The book itself is filled with conjecture written as if it were 'fact', and the movie with Farrah Fawcett as the feme fatal is nothing short of fantasy. The video's own brief description on the back cover in part states (ref Mr. Hugi), "although having no real evidence....". At least one part that isn't conjecture. Ms. Rule admits the role her 'imagination' played in the writing of her book 'Small Sacrifices' and confessed (Oprah Winfrey show) that she simply 'imagined', what Diane would 'say', 'think' and 'feel'. Therefore her characterization of Diane was 'imagined'. And the mind that created this imagined character does not end there. In the previously mentioned Readers Digest article (see 'Gun Discovery') Ms Rule refers to correspondence between herself and Diane Downs "over time". Diane emphatically denies any such correspondence with the author.

Ms Rule's 'imagination' it seems, lives on.

Projecting someone's thoughts as your own in such circumstances is not only irresponsible it is insidious. And is of little comfort to those involved and their family when outrageous portrayals of them are made, without foundation. It serves only to undermine and misrepresent not just individuals but the truth. Inmates have no redress or appeal with such accounts, they are simply viewed as 'fair game'. Accepting that Ms Rule attended the trial, nevertheless the Investigator's themselves acknowledged by Ms Rule in her book are hardly a source of credibility. Considering they were the very misfits of authority who fabricated the evidence to convict Diane Downs in the first place. The hideous misrepresentation in the movie resulted in Diane being stabbed by an inmate in 1990 who confessed that the movie inspired their attack.

In fact the movie, (for which Ms Rule was invited to write the script) caused the following comment to the media from an Investigator in the Lane County D.A.’s office..."the reality is...the movie is a non-reality". Which perhaps calls to mind that cynical line... 'never allow the truth to get in the way of a good story'. Both book and movie have significantly assisted in perpetuating a cruel myth that surrounds Diane Downs. And whilst they continue to reinforce the lie and make millions of dollars, Diane’s own account which is based on court documents, has been ignored.

The book gave Prosecutor Hugi an entrance like some White Knight in shining armor. Describing his Investigation akin to a personal crusade. When the reality was more like a medieval Witchfinder General in the pursuit of a helpless victim. The man is a scoundrel. His investigation and prosecution wasn't just a case of 'bad science' it was more a case of 'bad people'. People who did their utmost with the authority at their disposal to suppress the truth of an Investigation by unlawfully manipulating the outcome of a trial in the most despicable way. What the Oregon Trial reveals is a disturbing contempt and disregard, not just for the citizen, but also a Constitution and Democracy itself. A trial that would comfortably be at home in 1930's Mississippi. And it is such a sinister legacy which retains Diane Downs in prison today.

This, in a country that provokes a world into following its lead with its claim to the highest standards of morality and justice yet allows these perversions of its Institutions to prevail.

DIANE DOWNS DID NOT COMMIT THIS CRIME

Since her wrongful and illegal conviction Diane Downs has naturally protested her innocence and endeavored to prove it. Even though obstacles are continually put in her way. Her pleas and petitions are mostly met with indifference. Evidence that would have proven her innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt was withheld by the Lane County D.A.’s office. Buried no doubt in the obligatory code of silence, built on a foundation of conspiracy. Diane Downs continues to be the victim of fabricated evidence, corrupt law enforcement and judicial wrongdoing. Also, the victim of some Attorney's who were more concerned with the pursuit of wealth rather than any pursuit of justice. Without the means to finance the legal support necessary, Elizabeth Diane Downs remains in prison for a crime she did not commit.

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