The Death Penalty-America's Killing Machine

Does my belief in basic human rights make me deluded? Am I being ruthless by trying to help prisoners cope with life "on the row"? Well, I guess people have the right to freedom of speech. However, it makes me very angry when people air their views (often in a very threatening and abusive way) without having all the facts first.

I have become to understand how the media operate - especially over the last few months. The truth rarely makes a noise and lies and malicious gossip sell papers. Some people still believe that what is written in a paper is all factual and the truth. Regardless of how well you try to bring your points across to them, they will twist and turn everything you say and even put words into your mouth. Some are bullies, some will write anything they want without ever having spoken to you. My downfall is that I am too trusting, open and honest with people. A mistake I will not do again - at least I hope not.

As for my fiance, John C. Marquard, he has been on Death Row in Florida since November 1991, convicted of First Degree Murder. I am not claiming that he is innocent, but there is reasonable doubt about his trial and the misrepresentation by his attorney. J.C. was shackled and handcuffed in front of the jury and since then a law has been passed that deems this unconstitutional. Also, none of his witnesses were called on the "gut instinct" of the Judge and almost all evidence is purly circumstancial. His co-defendant also received the death sentence, but later recanted his testemony, confessing to the crime, incriminating J.C. and receiving a lesser sentence - life (in America, life means life).This is also known as a plea bargain, which was offered to J.C., but at the time (and even now) he told his attorney that he will not confess to something he knows he didn't do. That of course leaves him on death row still fighting for his life.

Since then I have come across many (too many) cases like J.C.'s. The death sentence is a poor mans sentence. If you have money you can hire an experienced lawyer that specialises in Capital Punishment. If you have nothing, the State will appoint you with an attorney. Usually these attorneys are working on hundreds of cases and rarely have the time to look in to any of these in depth.

Some of the men and woman on Floridas death row have been there for many years. Some for 10, 15,20 or more. Whilst they are awaiting news of their appeals, they are put through the most sub human living conditions, physical and mental abuse. They are stripped of any rights and dignity. I have heard of cases of guards raping inmates, torturing inmates for "fun". The most famous and hiddious incident of guards abusing inmates is that of Frank Valdez, who was incacerated on death row in Floridas State Prison. He was on X-wing, a wing of death row inmates who were considered a danger to guards, inmates and themsleves. Frank wadiagnosed with mental illness and on July 17th 1991 was "found" dead. He was brutally beaten to death by prison guards. The official cause of death reads "accidental" - apparently he fell of his bunk onto his head. The autopsy revealed that his skull was crushed and almost every single bone and organ in his body were smashed. Fallen of his bunk? I think not.

X-wing is still open now, the abuse continues.

Next to the Florida State Prison is the Union Correctional Institution where J.C. is housed. His cell measures 9 by 6 by 9.5 high. He has a bed, a sink, a toilet and a small locker - all bolted to the bare concrete floor. His only luxuries are a colour tv (that does not work properly) with an inbuilt radio, a small electric fan and a canteen sheet, where he can order snacks and tobacco - if he has money. Flordas prisons, death row inparticual, have no airconditioning, so temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees in the summer. They have no windows they can open. To cool down, most men dowse the concrete floor in water and sleep naked on the floor. They can only shower every other day - even in the summer. They can go to the recreation yard as and when the guards feel like they can be bothered. The rec-yard consists of a small triangual shaped slab of concrete, surrounded by razor-wire fences and the latest addition - a high voltage electric fence. The view is that of the death chamber at the FSP.

The food that is served by Aramark is often inedible. It is rotten, undercooked and hardly ever consists of portions big enough. By law the inmates have to have a certain calorific intake each day. They seldom get this. For those inmates who have no money and no famalies or friends to send them some, they have to live of this food. Some are malnourished and ill. Even when they have money, the food from the canteen is mostly just snack food. No fresh fruits, no vegetables. All foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, not to mention salt and gods know what else.

When on D.C. (disciplinary confinement), the first week theinmates are served what is called a "management meal". It is all leftover foods baked in a loaf, cut into little slices. They get this three times a day. That's it. On D.C. they can't substitute their food by ordering from the canteen. Conditions are "lock down". 24/7 for up to three months.

Again, if they have money, they can buy stationary and stamps to keep in contact with the outside world. They are not allowed to make phone calls, so writing is the only life-line they have. Both incoming and outgoing mail is opened and read by staff and any materials deemed "inappropriate" is removed. Some letters never make it to the inmate, depending on the mood of the prison post room. They can receive books and magazines, but only through book shops. Amazon is very good. The books have to be paperback and of a non-sexual,non-violent nature. Again, the books are checked for any improper content.

The highlight for any inmate is when they have an upcoming visit. The thought of being able to spend some time with a loved one sustains most. For a few hours they will be treated like a human being. Luckily Floridas death row still allows contact visits, however contact is limited to a short kiss and hug at the beginning and the end of each visit. Each visit is six hours long and usually on either saturday or sunday. If you travel further than 200 miles you can apply for a two day visit, which isn't always granted. You can sit at a table, buy food from the canteen and just try to forget where you are.You can have your picture taken, which has to be checked by the guards in case you showed any "indecent" behaviour. During the entire visit there are usually 6 - 7 guards walking amongst the tables. Some are nice, some are nasty. You just have to try and block all of that out of your mind. They want o spoil your visit. They don't think that the inmates are deserving of visits or any kind of happieness.

To be sure, Death Row is daunting. It is depressing, dehumanising and a killing machine of the super power known as the U.S. of A. I have only highlighted a few things here - there is much more that goes on behind the walls of any death row prison. Anyone wanting to start corresponding with death row prisoners should think very carefully. It is not something you should look at lightly. The emotions involved are very tense and you have to ask yourself "Will I cope with this in the long term?"

Why am I even mentioning this? JC has just started his last appeal. If this will be denied, he can, at any time, have his death warrant signed and be eligible for execution. I don't know if I am a particularly "strong" person, all I know is that I WILL be there, regardless of what will happen. What kind of person would I be if I bailed out now? I'd give up not only on the man I love, but thousands of others currently sitting on death row, awaiting execution.