Would it surprise you to hear about someone, who is alone in a cell for 23 hours a day and waiting for an execution date, to be so positive? Recently, I read a blog about Quintin Jones where he was asked a number of questions; his answers made him seem like such a warm-hearted and real person - one I'd like to be friends with personally.
Reading this blog just reminded me of those in my life who are just so miserable for the smallest things ever like, "OMG, my life's over because so and so isn't talking to me" or "I'm going to die of hunger if I have to wait in this lunch queue any longer" or "I'd rather die than revise for this exam!" Like literally, I feel like shaking them and enlightening them on the fact that they really wouldn't like to be isolated, waiting on news of their death... but I probably wouldn't say it. Why? Because I'm not confrontational and I wouldn't see the point, since they'd only give me pathetic excuses in return.
Many people like the idea of Death Row being back and the idea of 'an eye for an eye'; it really makes me think about how killing someone is the 'right thing' to do - it's giving convicts the easy way out. Harry Roberts, who shot three police officers, did 48 years and spent most of his life paying for his crime. Now that he's out he's a different person and being his age, he certainly won't do society any harm. He's done his time; he deserves to live at least the last years of his life as they're meant to be. I really agree with Mahatma Ghandi and think that an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.
Justice is a very strong ideal and I know that I'd probably be more hesitant on forgiving and forgetting if one of my own was hurt. It's hard to imagine how I'd react if someone in my family died and my immediate reaction would probably be Death Row. It would be hard to think about forgiving someone who had taken away someone who's so close to me. Since teenagers are usually hypocritical, I'm here to prove it - I would probably forgive someone if they hurt my family but they'd need a sentence long enough to repent.
We all need to realize that by killing a murderer, no lives are being saved or returned, and no one learns a lesson from execution. It is only revenge, which isn't going to help anyone. The government have a role to protect society and they definitely weren't given a promotion to taking the role of God - thinking they can decide when to take another human's life. There is no real evidence that proves Capital Punishment is a deterrent; the statistics actually indicate the opposite.
It's hard to imagine writing anything to someone on Death Row; it's even harder to imagine what I'd write to Quintin Jones if it was the last letter he'd read before his execution - especially since he's already so positive and good at making others feel better... what could I possibly say to make him feel better? "Oh, it will be fine soon enough..." because soon enough he'll be killed. If his death is final, his thoughts would probably be on heaven or hell and for someone as positive, kind and as thoughtful as him - I'd tell him that he will be reunited with God.
I think that Capital Punishment is a very cruel, violent and inhumane way to punish someone. I think it is a horrific action that cannot be justified. It's definitely not giving the people, who have done wrong, a chance to reform and it is an irreversible act that could backfire; therefore it should be abolished in all countries.
By Sharaniya, 15.
Thursday 30 April 2015
Tuesday 4 November 2014
Fourth November
Quintin Jones, on Texas Death Row, has answered some questions for the next page of the blog Dude on Death Row. I believe his answers highlight his need to nurture and heal the world whilst desperately struggling to maintain what he can of his life...
If the prison made a mistake and told you, you were free to go, what would you do?
Leave and leave the country before they realised their mistake! (smile)
If you could fly like a bird, where would you go and why?
I'd go to Fort Worth to see how my nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews look and are living since I haven't seen them in Lord knows how long. And I'd do it that way so they wouldn't know it was me and feel like they've gotta pretend and act a certain way for me.
What is your favourite smell/scent and what does it remind you of?
I like the smell of barbecue because it reminds me of the summertime and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Which football team do you support?
Dallas Cowboys of course!
Which era would you have liked to have grown up in?
I'd say the Civil Rights Era, in order to be able to really appreciate the freedom that I had growing up as a black man in America.
If you were a scientist, what would you most like to discover?
The cure for AIDS and all forms of cancer. Oh and the cure for Autism too.
If you had a super power, what would it be?
The power to heal the sick and absorb all types of disease and pain that others suffer.
Who do you like more, Denzel Washington or Will Smith and why?
Huh, what kind of question is this? (haha) so I'ma just say both because they are both good in their own right.
If you were dehydrated in a desert that had nothing to drink, would you drink your own urine to survive?
Haha you are crazy! But I'd have to say yes, but I'd probably never tell anybody unless I could sell my story for a movie deal or something. (smile)
What is your favourite word?
It was 'cuzzy' but not it's out of, ' get the f- out of here' (yeah I know that that's a saying not a word) and 'what?!' Like if you say something crazy or unbelievable then I'd say, 'What?! Get the F- out of here!' (smile)
If you'd like to ask Quintin a question please post in the comments box and I'll be sure to ask him in my next letter.
If the prison made a mistake and told you, you were free to go, what would you do?
Leave and leave the country before they realised their mistake! (smile)
If you could fly like a bird, where would you go and why?
I'd go to Fort Worth to see how my nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews look and are living since I haven't seen them in Lord knows how long. And I'd do it that way so they wouldn't know it was me and feel like they've gotta pretend and act a certain way for me.
What is your favourite smell/scent and what does it remind you of?
I like the smell of barbecue because it reminds me of the summertime and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Which football team do you support?
Dallas Cowboys of course!
Which era would you have liked to have grown up in?
I'd say the Civil Rights Era, in order to be able to really appreciate the freedom that I had growing up as a black man in America.
If you were a scientist, what would you most like to discover?
The cure for AIDS and all forms of cancer. Oh and the cure for Autism too.
If you had a super power, what would it be?
The power to heal the sick and absorb all types of disease and pain that others suffer.
Who do you like more, Denzel Washington or Will Smith and why?
Huh, what kind of question is this? (haha) so I'ma just say both because they are both good in their own right.
If you were dehydrated in a desert that had nothing to drink, would you drink your own urine to survive?
Haha you are crazy! But I'd have to say yes, but I'd probably never tell anybody unless I could sell my story for a movie deal or something. (smile)
What is your favourite word?
It was 'cuzzy' but not it's out of, ' get the f- out of here' (yeah I know that that's a saying not a word) and 'what?!' Like if you say something crazy or unbelievable then I'd say, 'What?! Get the F- out of here!' (smile)
If you'd like to ask Quintin a question please post in the comments box and I'll be sure to ask him in my next letter.
Monday 29 September 2014
I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine. We both like to read although I don't get as much time to as him. We both grew up in the 90s, although across the pond from one another. We are often at odds with one another because we're both a little stubborn and yet this is the single thing that separates us - prison bars. I have liberty and he has the death sentence.
May I introduce, Quintin Jones, on Death Row for murder.
That may bring all sorts to mind - evil, deranged, psychotic - and you wouldn't be alone if you did think that but I'd like you to read how we got in touch and his interview and judge him based on his answers and not on his past actions. This may seem contrary to common sense but I only ask you to keep an open mind...
Earlier in the year I watched an amazing documentary on BBC3 called Life and Death Row, which featured a young Christian man sentenced to death, insisting God told him that he would not die on Death Row. I watched white-knuckled as he made his way to the execution chamber; I watched the spokesman deliver his final statement; and I watched the breaking news that the execution had been stopped.
Now I know what this man had done to get there was wrong. I am not condoning that and my sympathy goes out to the victim's family. But there comes a time when you have to look at the person in front of you and make a judgement on just that moment. To me, Anthony Haynes was charismatic, anointed and blessed. That's all I could see. I didn't see a murderer, I saw one of God's children.
I wrote to him to let him know how inspired I was by his faith and he returned my letter with the following: "This program has opened up your interest to what is going on here on Texas Death Row...you do not have to let your interest simply die..there are plenty of good men down here...I'd like you to consider writing the man I consider my best friend in this place... The person that he is today is not the one he was when he was arrested years ago... I would ask, even if you should choose not to be friends with him, that you would at least let him know your decision. It is horrible to be waiting at your door each night, waiting for a letter that never comes."
So with that, I Googled Quintin Jones and learned of the crime that had brought him to Death Row.
He had murdered his Great Aunt with a baseball bat for $30. I was stunned. I thought about whether I could write to this guy and before I knew it, I was sealing the envelope and posting the letter. I decided, regardless of his mistakes, that he deserved a second chance, who was I to judge?
I find his letters now to be such a blessing that we have become friends almost immediately and he is someone my husband and I keep in our prayers. I suggested we write this blog so that it can get the right kind of attention instead of the negative portrayal of a monster as the media often portrays.
I'll let his words do the talking...
What does waking up mean to you?
It means that I haven't been executed, so therefore I still have a chance at something positive occurring in, and or with, my case.
What lesson of love took you the longest to learn?
That someone can really and truly love you for real and not just for what you can do for them. I never thought or believed that I could be loved by anybody because I felt that if my own parents didn't love me then who else could, would or would even want to.
What advice do you remember your mum giving you?
This may sound crazy, but I don't recall my mom giving me any sound or positive advice... Oh, don't call me if you get locked up and she actually meant it too! Cause I called her when I got arrested for the first time at 17 and she refused to come get me out. So my cousin and his girlfriend ended up bailing me out.
What went through your mind when you were sentenced to death?
I was in a kind of shock and confused while I was standing there facing the judge because I didn't consider myself to be that bad to where I had to be killed.
How have you dealt with your Great Aunt's death? Do you ever think of her with fondness from when you were a child?
Well to answer your first question, I've dealt with my Great Aunt's death by letting go of it. Once I realized that she wouldn't want me to ever be executed and by believing that in my heart allowed me to deal with her death. Secondly, I think about the love and fondness that she showed me as a child whenever I tell a story about my childhood that involves her.
What is your day like?
It's a very boring routine most of the time. Because I'm stuck in my cell anywhere from 21 to 24 hours a day by myself.
Do you share a cell and how do you cope with that?
No I don't and I'm very glad too because I really like having my own space. (smile)
If you could turn back time and talk to your Great Aunt, what would you say to her?
I'm sorry!!!
For some folks, life is about serving God, getting rich or changing the world. What would you say is your purpose in life? Why do you think you're still here?
I would say that my purpose in life is to better myself and try to be a positive influence in others' lives. To be there for them when they're in need. And as far as why do I think I'm still here, I think that I'm still here so that I can get my heart right with God before I die.
What's the best thing that ever happened to you?
Meeting my ex-fiancee was the best thing that ever happened to me because she brought so much peace and happiness to my dark and troubled world that until the day I die, I'll forever be grateful to her.
Why are you such good friends with Anthony Haynes?
Because he tolerates me! Now for real though it's because he's a real loyal, caring and dependable individual whose kindness and realness reminds you that not everybody in the world is bad. Plus I can tell him anything and don't have to worry about it being thrown back into my face.
If you could live any other kind of life what would it be?
I'd be a square and get married, have kids and work a normal job until I could save up enough money to open up a own business of some sort. (smile)
What are your favourite colours and why?
They are blue and yellow! (smile) and they're my favourite colours because they're the colour of my set/gang.
What makes you cry?
When I read about any type of abuse (domestic/child abuse) that really saddens me on the inside because I know how hurtful and damaging as well as long lasting it could be on the victim.
What do you miss the most about being on the outside?
Freedom! Having freedom to do what I want! So I'd say freedom on all levels!
Who are your role models and why?
I don't have any role models yet I admire certain aspects about the individuals that I mess with the most.
If you were married, what would be your greatest asset?
My heart and my willingness! My heart because I would show her all the love I would have to offer and my willingness to be her other half in all areas like cooking, cleaning laundry etc...
If Jesus was with you right now and you could talk to him (not anything about your sentence) what would you say?
Why did I have to end up so messed up? (smile)
How does it feel to have a gun in your face?
It doesn't really feel like nothing! I felt more angry with myself for getting caught slipping in the first place.
What is the most powerful emotion in the world?
I'd say that it's hatred. I mean just look at how messed up the world is as a whole. There's war all over the place then the things that folks are doing to each other these days are crazy.
What do you find most difficult to deal with?
Controlling my irritation and frustration a lot of times. I tend to get frustrated and irritated too quickly.
If you could thank your mum for one thing, what would it be?
For giving birth to me because I never would've been able to experience the things that I have in life.
Would you ever join a gang if you could turn back time?
To be honest probably so! Because my gang activities didn't land me on Death Row. It was my drug use that ended up being my true downfall. Plus I'm probably just saying yes only because it's been a part of my life for 20 years and some so I'm just speaking from my heart and probably not out of common sense.
So that's an interview with a dude on Death Row. If you are interested in learning more about him or would like to ask any questions for the next blog, please comment below or write personally to:
Quintin Jones #999379
Polunsky unit D.R.
3872 F.M. 350 South
Livingston
TX
777351
USA
I appreciate your time in reading this and hope that you will see him as I see him - a diamond in the rough, who never really got to shine.
May I introduce, Quintin Jones, on Death Row for murder.
That may bring all sorts to mind - evil, deranged, psychotic - and you wouldn't be alone if you did think that but I'd like you to read how we got in touch and his interview and judge him based on his answers and not on his past actions. This may seem contrary to common sense but I only ask you to keep an open mind...
Earlier in the year I watched an amazing documentary on BBC3 called Life and Death Row, which featured a young Christian man sentenced to death, insisting God told him that he would not die on Death Row. I watched white-knuckled as he made his way to the execution chamber; I watched the spokesman deliver his final statement; and I watched the breaking news that the execution had been stopped.
Now I know what this man had done to get there was wrong. I am not condoning that and my sympathy goes out to the victim's family. But there comes a time when you have to look at the person in front of you and make a judgement on just that moment. To me, Anthony Haynes was charismatic, anointed and blessed. That's all I could see. I didn't see a murderer, I saw one of God's children.
I wrote to him to let him know how inspired I was by his faith and he returned my letter with the following: "This program has opened up your interest to what is going on here on Texas Death Row...you do not have to let your interest simply die..there are plenty of good men down here...I'd like you to consider writing the man I consider my best friend in this place... The person that he is today is not the one he was when he was arrested years ago... I would ask, even if you should choose not to be friends with him, that you would at least let him know your decision. It is horrible to be waiting at your door each night, waiting for a letter that never comes."
So with that, I Googled Quintin Jones and learned of the crime that had brought him to Death Row.
He had murdered his Great Aunt with a baseball bat for $30. I was stunned. I thought about whether I could write to this guy and before I knew it, I was sealing the envelope and posting the letter. I decided, regardless of his mistakes, that he deserved a second chance, who was I to judge?
I find his letters now to be such a blessing that we have become friends almost immediately and he is someone my husband and I keep in our prayers. I suggested we write this blog so that it can get the right kind of attention instead of the negative portrayal of a monster as the media often portrays.
I'll let his words do the talking...
What does waking up mean to you?
It means that I haven't been executed, so therefore I still have a chance at something positive occurring in, and or with, my case.
What lesson of love took you the longest to learn?
That someone can really and truly love you for real and not just for what you can do for them. I never thought or believed that I could be loved by anybody because I felt that if my own parents didn't love me then who else could, would or would even want to.
What advice do you remember your mum giving you?
This may sound crazy, but I don't recall my mom giving me any sound or positive advice... Oh, don't call me if you get locked up and she actually meant it too! Cause I called her when I got arrested for the first time at 17 and she refused to come get me out. So my cousin and his girlfriend ended up bailing me out.
What went through your mind when you were sentenced to death?
I was in a kind of shock and confused while I was standing there facing the judge because I didn't consider myself to be that bad to where I had to be killed.
How have you dealt with your Great Aunt's death? Do you ever think of her with fondness from when you were a child?
Well to answer your first question, I've dealt with my Great Aunt's death by letting go of it. Once I realized that she wouldn't want me to ever be executed and by believing that in my heart allowed me to deal with her death. Secondly, I think about the love and fondness that she showed me as a child whenever I tell a story about my childhood that involves her.
What is your day like?
It's a very boring routine most of the time. Because I'm stuck in my cell anywhere from 21 to 24 hours a day by myself.
Do you share a cell and how do you cope with that?
No I don't and I'm very glad too because I really like having my own space. (smile)
If you could turn back time and talk to your Great Aunt, what would you say to her?
I'm sorry!!!
For some folks, life is about serving God, getting rich or changing the world. What would you say is your purpose in life? Why do you think you're still here?
I would say that my purpose in life is to better myself and try to be a positive influence in others' lives. To be there for them when they're in need. And as far as why do I think I'm still here, I think that I'm still here so that I can get my heart right with God before I die.
What's the best thing that ever happened to you?
Meeting my ex-fiancee was the best thing that ever happened to me because she brought so much peace and happiness to my dark and troubled world that until the day I die, I'll forever be grateful to her.
Why are you such good friends with Anthony Haynes?
Because he tolerates me! Now for real though it's because he's a real loyal, caring and dependable individual whose kindness and realness reminds you that not everybody in the world is bad. Plus I can tell him anything and don't have to worry about it being thrown back into my face.
If you could live any other kind of life what would it be?
I'd be a square and get married, have kids and work a normal job until I could save up enough money to open up a own business of some sort. (smile)
What are your favourite colours and why?
They are blue and yellow! (smile) and they're my favourite colours because they're the colour of my set/gang.
What makes you cry?
When I read about any type of abuse (domestic/child abuse) that really saddens me on the inside because I know how hurtful and damaging as well as long lasting it could be on the victim.
What do you miss the most about being on the outside?
Freedom! Having freedom to do what I want! So I'd say freedom on all levels!
Who are your role models and why?
I don't have any role models yet I admire certain aspects about the individuals that I mess with the most.
If you were married, what would be your greatest asset?
My heart and my willingness! My heart because I would show her all the love I would have to offer and my willingness to be her other half in all areas like cooking, cleaning laundry etc...
If Jesus was with you right now and you could talk to him (not anything about your sentence) what would you say?
Why did I have to end up so messed up? (smile)
How does it feel to have a gun in your face?
It doesn't really feel like nothing! I felt more angry with myself for getting caught slipping in the first place.
What is the most powerful emotion in the world?
I'd say that it's hatred. I mean just look at how messed up the world is as a whole. There's war all over the place then the things that folks are doing to each other these days are crazy.
What do you find most difficult to deal with?
Controlling my irritation and frustration a lot of times. I tend to get frustrated and irritated too quickly.
If you could thank your mum for one thing, what would it be?
For giving birth to me because I never would've been able to experience the things that I have in life.
Would you ever join a gang if you could turn back time?
To be honest probably so! Because my gang activities didn't land me on Death Row. It was my drug use that ended up being my true downfall. Plus I'm probably just saying yes only because it's been a part of my life for 20 years and some so I'm just speaking from my heart and probably not out of common sense.
So that's an interview with a dude on Death Row. If you are interested in learning more about him or would like to ask any questions for the next blog, please comment below or write personally to:
Quintin Jones #999379
Polunsky unit D.R.
3872 F.M. 350 South
Livingston
TX
777351
USA
I appreciate your time in reading this and hope that you will see him as I see him - a diamond in the rough, who never really got to shine.
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