Written by Death-Row Prisoners

140 W. South Boundary Street | Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 JULY 2010 | Volume 11 | Issue 55 (Bi-monthly)

Editorial – Mutual Understanding . . . . . . Page 2Victim’s Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3Editorial – Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3Blessed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4The Poetic Color of Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4God Has a Plan for Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Today’s Treasure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6Sponsorship/Participation Form . . . . . . Page 7Send Us Your Article or Letter . . . . . . . . Page 7Sentenced & Freed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8Momma’s Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8

There was a man who sought counseling from a psychiatrist and told him that he was suffering from depression. The man told the doctor

that he awakes tired and it only worsens as the day goes on, and he just did not know how much more he could take.

Just before the man left, the doctor recommended the man go to a local theater where an Italian clown had his audience convulsing with laughter nightly. The man sadly looked at the doctor, lowering his head and saying, “I am that clown.”

Often times the ones who make us laugh are the ones who need to laugh themselves. Perhaps those who advise others are in need of advice themselves. Unfortunately, we live in a world where people are too preoc-cupied to listen to the hearts and silent cries for help of others. The result is that many fall off the deep end because they had no compassionate ear to listen to their voice.

Being in prison, I have witnessed many men who do not have a M.D. or Ph.D. in back of their names, who perennially offer sound encouragement to the many men who struggle to get through another day behind bars. These noble men speak life to others daily, exhorting them to hold on and not give up on hope and faith. But no one sees the tears the encouragers shed when they are alone in their cells. So to you, I speak strength to your weary heart and mind, and peace to everything around you that tries to steal your hope, faith and joy. In your weeping, just know that it is only for a night, but in the morning, your joy will conquer the challenges that come to test your faith.

Freedom is not an option for the mind of Society, first know.However…The attainment of Freedom, is the desire of nothing.To desire nothing, you must abandon desire.To abandon desire, you must abandon self.To abandon self, you must abandon conceptual thinking.The insidious “I” must fall from its’ self-made/self-sustained perch,And plummet screamingly to its’ demise.Upon impact, Unconscious eyes of wisdomWill awaken to mind anewFreedom…Through selflessness.A perpetual stateOf unconscious consciousness.

Demarcus A. Sears Georgia Death Row Jackson, GA

Letters to the Editor are welcomed from all prisoners (this includes non-death row prisoners) and the outside community.

In submitting letters, we ask that com-passionate and introspective guidelines apply to your communications.

Limit size to 400 words or less. Letters may be edited for clarity and space considerations.

CONTACT US AT:Letters to the Editor COMPASSION 140 W. South Boundary Street Perrysburg, OH 43551

COMPASSION OUTSIDE COORDINATOREmail: compassionondeathrow@msn.com TEL: 419-874-1333 FAX: 419-874-3441

WEBSITE ADDRESS:www.compassionondeathrow.org

PUBLISHER Compassion

CO-EDITORs

Abu Ali Abdur-Rahman

Marcus Wellons

ASSISTANT EDITORS Al Cunningham, Nicole Diar,

Konstantinos Fotopoulos,

Siddique Abdullah Hasan,

and Melvin Speight

COMPASSION ADVISORY BOARD Death-Row Prisoners

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Azad Abdullah, Ke’ry D. Allen,

Anthony Bankstrom, Al Cunningham, Park Jang Ho, K. Wayne Holsey,

Cecil Corteze Johnson II, Demarcus A. Sears and Melvin Speight

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We are taught to hate, to be bitter, to beat one down. Where does this come from? Why do we encourage physical confrontation? Why do we deny the other to live in peace?

The story of today began yesterday. It is a story of suffering, prejudice, belittlement, abandonment, dishonor, misinterpretations, domestic violence, confusions, distrust and misunderstandings. The story of yesterday needs to end today. Fueling this dilemma will not improve the conditions for ourselves nor for this country.

Lack of understanding sometimes creates problems and disputes. Why are we con-stantly setting one another up for failure? Every human being, by birth right, has a share of this planet we call earth. To deny this right, regardless of the color of your skin, invites trouble and an unhappy fate. To support and fight for that way of thinking is suicide. It breeds victims. If we teach people that they are the least, the lowest, unredeemable and the last to be thought of, resentment and retaliation will excite the emotions. Why are we so unconcerned and so determined to destroy ourselves and others?

One idea is no less than the other idea. What is the best idea? The idea that will allow an individual to live free from being preyed upon or a target; the idea that will generate respect for all individuals; the idea that is free from interior motives; the idea that will produce a Peace Treaty between the different societies and clans in this country, the idea that will give assurance that the defenseless no longer have to live in fear. The women and our elders are our life support and deserve unconditional love.

We have been and, to a certain extent, we continue to be, a clannish people. Each clan wants to jockey for position and, if pursued without the thoughts of fairness, discrimination will come to pass. The desire to dominate, denying the other Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, teaches our children to turn on themselves and others, which means they will exhibit emotional unsettledness and self destruction. Be fore they care what you think children need to think that you care.

If a person says she or he belongs to a religion that is one way of expressing a great love for God and humanity as a whole. The person that has a great love for God, will not exhibit mischievous or unkind behavior. A person of religion is cultured and has profound understanding. He is a person who will not demean another person who may lack understanding. There is more to religion than just belonging to a body of people. There is the spiritual matter, which is a specific quality distinguished from the body. What lies behind us… what lies before us, is only a tiny matter compared to what lies within us.

We who had to endure physical and mental agony during the course and development of our lives, survived. To prevent others from being a victim of circumstance or a predator, the decision and policy makers must see and feel the need to address and reform the guiding principles relating to the root and causes of falling prey to what is deemed as criminal behavior. The voiceless stories have to be told. Speak.

I extend my hand in the name of peace and respect. I apologize for all my wrongdoings, consciously or unconsciously done. I ask for your forgiveness.

it, tighten your grip and feet on the knot and hold on tightly till the season changes. Job said, “I will wait til my change comes.” This is only temporary and perseverance, and patience show what you’re made of – who you really are. This is the perfect opportunity for grace.

At some point in time, regardless of what side of the razor wire you’re on, life kicks us all in the gut. On one side it may be an unfavorable court ruling, of funds, visits, mail dry up, or interper-sonal conflicts with the staff or family issues, to name a few. On the other side, people in the free world are faced with issues such as health care, bills, family, death, which is no respecter of persons, or any number of problems - regard-less of what season you are going thru. I want to encourage you, my brothers and sisters. The key word is thru. It’s temporary and will change.

Walk in unwavering faith, with hope, by the all sufficient power of grace. If you were ever at your lowest point, didn’t know how you made it, yet made it through, it was grace. As the old hymn by John Newton goes, “Amazing grace that brought you this far, and grace will lead you on” and thru your next season.

For more information visit mvfhr.org

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Thanks & More

Tina Duroy with a photograph of herself and her brother as children.

First, we thank all our writers for sharing your time and talents and encourage you all to continue. Many thanks, also, to our subscribers and donors for your support and generosity.

We extend an invitation to cartoonists and artists to share their gifts as well as submissions of humorous items. Laughter is good medicine!

The final announcement, before we delve into our EDITORIAL topic, is of great importance. If you are interested in helping our troubled youth from becoming another recidivist statistic in the juvenile criminal system you can assists by submitting an essay. Your words may help in deterring them from a life of crime. If your article is accepted it will be featured in a book and provided without cost to youths in detention facilities. Together we can make a difference, one child at a time.

Tina Duroy’s brother, James Colburn, was executed in Texas in 2003 after being convicted of the murder of Peggy Murphy. James had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 14.

“We had been trying to get help for my brother for years. After he was 18 and no longer covered by my family’s insurance, we couldn’t find a hospital that would take him for more than three days and then send him back out. My grandparents drained their savings and then there was nothing left. When my brother was arrested, I didn’t seriously believe that someone with such an extensive medical history would be sentenced to death. Watching my brother be executed was the hardest thing I ever had to do in life.

A Swiss photographer created a photo exhibit, “Diary of an Execution,” documenting Tina’s life before and after her brother’s execution. When the exhibit opened in Texas Tina spoke about the death penalty and mental illness.

Winter – Spring – Summer – Fall. A repetitive cycle. Each season comes with its own charac-ter, beauty and challenges. A rose with thorns, depending on one’s preference. The seasons are so reminiscent of life’s vicissitudes in their temporal nature. For example, during winter, it’s cold, bitterly, in some regions. Days are shorter, less sunlight, making people more prone to melancholy, plants improperly cared for die, trees more barren. - Then comes spring, then summer. Rain storms, climates warm, flowers bloom, new life, and longer days.

For those not so enthralled with the summer, here comes the fall. Cooler temperatures, the leaves change to yellow, orange, bright hues; a beautiful time of year.

The seasons were designed for a specific purpose by our creator. Solomon, one of the wis-est men, records “to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the sun”. In one season in our lives, plentiful, everything is going great. Resources and peace abound, relationships are blooming, future bright.

Then the season changes. Resources desic-cate, trouble and problems are on every side. Challenges and attacks seem never ending, darkness. No relief in sight. Feeling alone. God seems distant hiding off the showroom floor. Rub-ber meets the road. Patience, faith and resolve are tried by fire. Doubt creeps in. Will I survive this? You’re at the end of your rope. Tie a knot in

Execution of Mentally Ill Brother Leaves Sister in Disbelief

I see the sky as the reflectionof the earth’s waterI channel the heat of volcanoesthat touchthe tip of the highest of altitudesand ponder upon the voids of spacethatseparate sons from one anotherI gaze through the greenery of the forestand notice its other colorswhile diving to the depths of the leviathanto look withinthe deepest breathever takenonly to gaspand choke on pure thoughtbeing weaned on smogged illusionsmy iron lungsblackenedboastin bellows of connected notes

my sensesgifts unwrappedmy tearsemotions that movewhile my heart beats with broken rhythmhaving been shatteredbut my veins remain untouchedthough calamity plucks at themlike strings on her harpplaying psalms of lamentationsas a backdrop to the continuingsagathat is allbut epicbeing revealed in closed captionon the smallest of screensthankful to be heardand even morefor being seen.

Melvin SpeightPennsylvania Death RowWaynesburg, PA

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Half the funds from subscriptions and undesignated donations to Compassion are given as college scholarships to immediate family members (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling) of murdered victims.

If you or someone you know is a U.S. citizen and is either attending or planning on attending a college or university (academic or religious) as a student and had a family member murdered, please submit an application.

To obtain an application, write to Compassion at 140 W. South Boundary St., Perrysburg, Ohio 43551, or call (419) 874-1333. Please ask for Compassion’s office. Or visit or website at www.compassionondeathrow.org.

Thank You

Death Row PrisonersPlease Write To Help Youth!Compassion is gathering essays written by death row prisoners on words of advice on how juvenile offenders can best avoid going back into prison. Recidivism rates are very high among youth and your words of encouragement and wisdom may save a young person from having to reenter the prison system. This book like “Today’s Choices Affect Tomorrows Dreams” will be sent without charge to at-risk youth in juvenile detention facilities throughout the United States. Send your submission to:

New Book Compassion 140 W. South Boundary Perrysburg, OH 43551

Anything death-row prisoners write may jeopardize their future appeals.For articles Compassion wishes to publish, we request prisoners furnish us with their legal representatives’ names and addresses, if possible, so they may review their submission. Knowledge of these facts may limit the scope of a prisoner’s expressions.

All stories are subject to editing for grammar, sentence structure and clarity.

I’m not blessed by the wonders of the world, but by the faith and trust I have in my Lord, Jesus Christ.

My destiny is not written by man’s understanding and my life is not detailed by the road you see before me.

I’m not blessed by man’s praises or by what he sees in me, but by the Love of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

My life is more than my smile, more than the clothes I wear, for I walk not for man’s happiness, but for my Lord’s desire.

I’m not blessed by material gain from the world, but by the peace, love and strength that comes through trusting in my Lord, Jesus Christ.

My faith does not come from what man can create, nor from what man can take away, but from His heavenly love.

I’m not blessed by the things that my eyes can see, but by the spirit of His Love, by the revelation of the work of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Cecil Corteze Johnson II Tennessee Death Row Nashville, TNHis last submission November 20, 2009 Executed December 8, 2009

In this day there is real and lasting treasure. Somewhere in the circumstances, the people, the moments, the experiences of today there is a unique and valuable gem that can bring much richness to your life.

If you set out with the goal of just getting through today, you’ll likely pass

that treasure by without even seeing it.

If you spend your energy on anger, envy, worry, or gloominess your eyes will be blinded to the goodness and value

that could otherwise be yours.

For today is a day when you can make positive, creative and beautiful things happen, if you will. Today is a day when you can add much meaning and substance to your world, if you choose.

Like precious diamonds that are hidden beneath the ground, the most valuable treasures of this day are not immediately evident. Yet the more love, creativity and effort you put into life on this day, the more real value you will uncover.

The most valuable treasures won’t be found in those things from which you attempt to take. The real treasures of life will be in those to which you give the best of who you are.

Choose now to do more than simply get through this day. Choose to discover and to live its richest treasures.

Before I was incarcerated, I didn’t recognize that God loved me so much. Before I was conceived, God selected my father and mother. I had no say. I hung in the sheets instead of studying hard in school and attending church with my family, as was my parents’ desire. I worked hard six days a week; therefore I spent very little time in my Asian – Korean Community.

Against my parent’s wishes, I was determined to marry a woman with a child. In hind sight, I now realize this was not God’s plan for me, but my plan. After I was convicted, I came to Wasco California state prison reception center. That was when I discovered there are very few Korean inmates in California State prisons. I’m really a minority. I more closely identify and hang out with African Ameri-cans. I have this saying, “Korean and African American, one love,” However I realize we’re all brothers and sisters.

My God mother Rev Kong, and sister, Deborah are praying for me to return to home sweet home safely. I have grown up and have learned so much behind bars. The greatest is that God loves me and has a plan for my life and work for me to do. I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and believe that He died on the cross for me. Life is nothing without God. God has a plan for you, too.

Park Jang Ho Wasco State Prison Wasco, CA

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Death Row Prisoners

Donate Art

Please Donate to Our Scholarship Fund...

We Are In Need Of Prisoner Drawings and PaintingsProceeds from all artwork go to award college scholarships for

family members of murdered victims.Send your original artwork to:

Art for Scholarships Compassion

140 W. South Boundary St. Perrysburg, OH 43551

My days are full of feeling blue Especially when I dream of you I will never give up as your Babo Because we belong together rightfully soAs I control my eyes not to cry Looking upwards toward the sky Wishing somehow I could fly To watch you four grow before I dieThat dream seems far away Hoping it will be real someday So that I could see you all play Then my world would be just okayO Allah help me open this door I would wish for nothing more Only to love you like never before This my beloved I will always pray for

Azad Abdullah Idaho Death Row Boise, ID

(The above poem and colored pencil drawing dedicated to his four children whose first initials appear in the picture.)

My 4 Beloved

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Letter to the EditorEditors note: This is from a non death row prisoner for the recidivism book.

Hector Cifuentes Central Facility Soledad, CA

Decisions (A writing for youth)

Today’s decisions will affect your tomorrow. Always be

careful and make your decisions wisely. When deciding to share

your friendship always make sure that you choose your friends

wisely; always make sure that those whom you choose to be

your friends share with you the same desire and hunger for

knowledge and wisdom.

Always be attentive to the advice of those who care for you,

who love you and remain with you when situations are tough

and difficult.

Never take for granted what God and life has given you.

His gifts come in the form of people who love and care for you.

Those people want the very best for you and make sacrifices in

order to give you comfort and support.

If a family member brings to your attention something that

you have done wrong be kind and respectful in your response.

With humility accept responsibility for your actions and

always apologize for your wrong doings. When somebody does

something that offends you, take your time, and with words of

respect, and patience, approach him or her in a calm manner to

respectfully discuss the matter. This attitude will reassure him

or her that your intentions are peaceful and the response you

receive will be positive and of understanding.

Always be mindful of others’ feelings and emotions and

always use words of encouragement when you see a fellow

human being in despair and in need of comfort, understanding

and compassion. All these are decisions that will bring into your

life great satisfaction, peace and purpose.

Whenever you are faced with major decisions or find that

you are tempted to do something stupid or naïve, make sure

you take your time to meditate and think about it before you

decide. If, even after this, you still have the desire to go forward

with your decision then I recommend that you seek the help

and counsel of others, especially of pastor, priest, spiritual

advisor, your mom, dad, brother, sister, best friend or even a

police officer. The point is to seek help.

If you allow pride to control your decisions, actions,

thoughts, and emotions, you can be 100% sure that the

outcome will not be positive or pleasurable to your existence.

Dear youth, take my advice and you will be a happy,

successful individual. Your tomorrow will fill your heart

and mind with the sense of accomplishment, completeness

and self worth.

You still have the opportunity to accomplish great things.

Cherish your freedom and don’t miss the opportunity to live

your whole life in happiness or a free person with no regrets

about the decisions you made in your past.

Remember that regrets don’t give us the opportunity to

travel back in time to the moment where and when we made

our decision. Regrets will not spare us from suffering the

consequences of yesterday’s decisions.

There is no greater torment in our life than making a bad

decision and suffering its consequences. The torment disguises

itself as regret from yesterday’s mistake.

I was a youngster when I went to prison with a life sentence

and I have the evidence and experience to prove to you that

regrets can’t, and won’t, do you any good because it is too late

for that already.

So with that said I leave you to reconsider my words full of

wisdom; wisdom that is not obtainable overnight but obtained

through many years of failure, difficulties, struggles, tears,

regrets, mistakes, suffering, sadness and worst of all, loneliness

and despair.

If you believe in God, I encourage you to keep Him real close

to your heart and mind and make sure that you love Him with

all your heart, your mind, and your strength, because this is

going to be your proof that you are not lying when you say that

you love yourself and others alike.

May God bless you wherever you are.

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Please mail your writings to:COMPASSION

140 W. South Boundary St. | Perrysburg, OH 43551

“If you want to share someone else’s work, please be sure you include the name of the author or its origin.”

YOUR ASSISTANCE WILL BE APPRECIATED

LEAD DONORS ($5000 OR MORE):Catholic Diocese of Toledo, OHKen & Elizabeth Green, Kansas City, MOKen Cappelletty, Perrysburg, OH

SILVER DONORS ($1000 OR MORE):An Anonymous FriendHoly Family Parish, Calendonia, MIUnited Church of Christ, Cleveland, OHSt. Anthony of Padua Fargo, ND

BRONZE DONORS ($500 OR MORE):Saint Rita Church, Rockford, IL

PATRONS ($100 OR MORE):St. Michael Ridge Catholic Church, Defiance, OHSt. John Evangelist, Lima, OHMartha BaldoniPeace FoundationGrace Universal Community ChurchCatholic Diocese of YoungstownArizonans to Abolish Death PenaltyOSF Mission Activites

Compassion Donation/Participation FormHalf of all amounts below will be given in college scholarships to family members of murdered victims.q Benefactor – $10,000q Lead Donor – $5,000q Gold Donor – $2,500q Silver Donor – $1,000q Bronze Donor – $500q Patron – $100.00 To $499.00q Subscriber – $50.00q Prisoners Not On Death Row – $25.00q Other

Enclosed is $ for the donation/subscription checked on the left.q Please keep my gift anonymous.

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Please send tax deductible contribution to: St. Rose Peace & Justice / Compassion 140 W. South Boundary St., Perrysburg, OH 43551

PRISONERS OF DEATH ROW

Suggestions/Guidelinesq Write about an experience that had an

effect on you.q Write about how to minimize hate in a

diverse prison environment.q Write about what you can do to be a

better American.q Write a poem to share with

Compassion readers.

Thank you to our donors who are making this publication possible.

NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL

Father John Graden Word ConsultantsAn Anonymous FriendPeople of Faith Against the Death PenaltySt. Charles Borromeo, PT. Charlotte, FLSisters of Mercy, Cincinnati, OHUrsuline Convent of the Sacred HeartCatholic Diocese Jefferson City, MORev. Earl LoefflerDr. & Mrs. Steven FoxMargy PaolettiCorpus Christi Parish, Toledo OHCharles ShawRev. Robert DendingerRamona RipstonSisters of St. Joseph of CarondeletSisters of Notre Dame, Toledo, OHSue SchroederMartha MayWalter FosterCharlie & Peg McDanielSisters of the Precious Blood

St. Clarence Church, North Olmstead, OHSt. Johns Episcopal, Howell, MISisters of Mercy of AmericasRev. Arturo Perez-RodriguezAlison DavisSt. Thomas Aquinas, Derry, NHAlvera SamsSt. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, OHPastor Rick Jaycees, Ellsworth, KSSt. Katharine Drexel, Frederick, MDRev. Nicolas WeiblRev. Stephen BlumEmmanual Church, Dayton, OHRev. Rick FriebelRev. Neil KookootheRev. Paul DorleyMarietta Jaeger LaneRev. James PeifferRev. Doug Hennessy

Rev. Donald Feicht

ALSO THANK YOU TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS

COMPASSION IS SENT FREE TO ALL 3,300 U.S. DEATH-ROW PRISONERS. HALF OF SUBSCRIPTIONS AND UNDESIGNATED DONATIONS ARE GIVEN IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS OF MURDERED VICTIMS. PLEASE SEND YOUR DONATION TODAY! THANK YOU!

q Write in a way that will give your audience an informed understanding.

q Avoid writing about your individual case.q Avoid arguing against the death penalty.q Your article does not have to be religious

in nature.q Try to limit your article to 400 words or less.q If possible, enclose a photo of yourself.

How many miles, I wonder, have your feet accumulated in mileage walking in both

mother and father roles? Couldn’t have been easy. For life’s thorns lie religiously in the

path of traveling feet. Many times I took your love and affection for granted. Yet, when

I cried out from weaved web, your feet, rather tired, worn, or sore, were swift coming

to my aid. Thank you! Momma unlike your feet, mine understood not that there is

but a step away between life and death; therefore I walked in ignorance.

How many times momma, did your feet pause in their steps to pray that mine find

the right path? You never turned your steps away from me, even when my life brought

shame to our family name. Yet your feet did not shy away from me. Instead, they

brought me visits and a mother’s prayer. Thank you! For my love has summoned your

feet in places a mother shouldn’t have to go or visit. Bless You! And though your feet

have slowed down and aged in wisdom, I thank

God that they are still turning over. They may be

slow… but I know my momma Mary is coming.

Dedicated to my mother, Mary Holsey Jackson

St. Rose Parish215 E. Front StreetPerrysburg, Ohio 43551

Printing and Postage Paid for by: Compassion

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERRYSBURG OH

PERMIT 112

Half of all subscriptions and undesignated donations are given in college scholarship form to family members of murdered victims. Please help us. Contribute now so that we can maintain free distribution of Compassion to all 3400 death-row prisoners. See form on page 7.

An Appeal to the Outside Community

Spiritually, no longer on parole. Discharged from injustice,an unseen hoped for.Far beyond the sun and moon, three dimensional magnificence,revealed in second Corinthians twelve two.Cognizant now, that we’re all doing our Lord’s will…Thankful for my death row assignment,an Apostle, like Paul, Barnabas and John, whose surname is Markthe beloved prophet still…God ordained that Jesus be arrested, tooand remembering what the scripture foretold,if they persecuted me they’ll persecute you,I’m encouraged,Could this mean I’m a heavenly angel too?!?!

Anthony Bankstrom San Quentin Death Row San Quentin, CA