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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Morrison Pardon on Track
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The pardon of deceased Doors rock icon Jim Morrison has been officially put on the agenda for a Thursday morning Clemency  meeting in Tallahassee. James Douglas Morrison shows up as item 29 on a lengthy agenda. As Mike Vasilinda tells us one of the more interesting items in the file being reviewed is a 1970 letter from Morrison’s father to parole officials.

In 1962, Jim Morrison was a clean cut college student appearing in this film promoting investment in Florida State and the University system. “We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept your application,” said the voice in the film.

A year later he was arrested in Tallahassee for being drunk and disorderly at a football game and, for stealing an umbrella and a helmet from a patrol car. The most severe charges were dropped and he paid a small fine.  His only other Florida arrest was in Miami in 1969. He was convicted of indecent exposure and open profanity. His case comes before the Clemency board on Thursday.

This is just one of two reports that the governor and cabinet will consider in the clemency process. In the file is a 1970 letter from Morrison’s father, an admiral who commanded the Pacific Fleet, telling the parole commission that he discouraged the Doors front man from joining the band because he just didn’t have talent. The two were never close again.

Governor Charlie Crist will initiate the pardon. He was 13 when Morrison was arrested in Miami. “ And I was going to junior high school, trying to make good grades,” said Christ.

Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is a yes vote.

CFO Alex Sink is still deciding, but she remembers the summer of 1969 very well. “At Columbia University, which had just been taken over by the students, the administration had,” CFO Sink said.

Attorney General Bill McCollum says he won’t reveal his intentions until Thursday.