An Interview with Oswaldo Soriano

By: Haramia KiNassor

(This interview was originally done for an Italian newsletter)

Dear Friends of Italy,

I had originally planned to present the results of my poll, which I did in my February article, but I have decided to hold off on that so that I could bring you this very special interview. In the recent light of the Supreme Court’s ruling to discontinue the execution of juveniles, I wanted to give you a candid look at the plight of a juvenile offender before he leaves death row. Today, I bring you Oswaldo Soriano.

Oswaldo entered death row on May 9, 1994. It’s been 12 years for Oswaldo; he’s seen the atrocious execution of many and experienced the brutal transition of death row moving from Ellis One to Polunsky Unit, but he has endured. I met Oswaldo in 1998, but we’ve been fortunate to be housed next to each other recently. I chose Oswaldo specifically, amongst other juveniles that are around me, because he has been one that has sought betterment in his life and sought to educate and enlighten those that he has come across. Now, Oswaldo will be leaving death row and I wanted him to leave a few words with us all. Here is our interview.

Haramia: I’ll tell you Oswaldo, I’m sure happy to see you guys leaving death row. Can you express to the people how you felt when the ruling came down?

Oswaldo: Well Kenneth, with all due respect to you, your readers and those who were executed as juveniles, my sincere love and gratitude goes out to each individual. I would honestly have to say I was emotionally thrilled and moved by such a ruling. I felt as if a big burden was lifted off my shoulders. I wanted to scream and utter a long, joyous cry. It was more like a burning sensation, an intense mix of sorrow and fortune.

Haramia: Since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, 22 juveniles have been executed. Now, in 2005, they have banned it. Did you know any of those juveniles and how do you feel about the fact that they didn’t make it to see this day?

Oswaldo: Out of the 13 juveniles who were executed, I probably knew a handful. I’m not to that good in recalling names, only faces. Keep in mind that I’ve had the opportunity to live with some of these men. But, of course, it angers me to witness that some of these great men didn’t get to see this day. It’s a strange feeling of emptiness, but in the same token, they gave me hope and strength. However, there’s one precious thing I will never forget in my years to come and that is the men who battled and sacrificed their life to                                     Oswaldo Soriano

bring a chance within the judicial  system. I just wish they were still alive to

 see this glorious day.

Haramia: Can you describe for the people what your 12 year experience has been like?

Oswaldo: Being the youngest juvenile Mexican National on death row is a rare feeling for me as an individual. Within these walls I have experienced the value of life to a much further degree than human comprehension. Being deprived of so much as a youth has taught me the greatest value of live, love, forgiveness and understanding. Experiencing the suffering of death within my family; the pain and tears of my parents and loved ones within my home; the lives that have been completely transformed by violence and other struggles in life that has caused pain and suffering within their homes; witnessing the tears of may that have been executed has left emptiness within my heart. It’s an unbearable nightmare, a living hell. That’s the bottom line. Life continues as we journey.

Haramia: How do you feel that you have changed from the time you was 17?

Oswaldo: I guess you can say I learned one of the most important things: “Love they neighbor as yourself.” Learning is the true meaning of life when we embrace and keep hold to it as we journey in the presence of one another. As it was, it took me a while to mature, for reality to sink in. I had to become aware of my ways in life as I was growing, because I didn’t know what the next day would bring me, or if it would come. But, even now, I continue to grow and mature with a greater power and force that comes from heaven. Nowadays, I spend my time consoling youths through letters and chat-rooms. I try to make them imagine if they were in a place like this. And that my friend, is something I’ve never done in life.

Haramia: The system says that all people sent to death row can’t be rehabilitated. Do you think that prisons promote the decay of prisoners?

Oswaldo: I’ll tell you Kenneth (Haramia), that alone aggravates me. How can politicians justify that all people sent to death row can’t be rehabilitated when they alone can’t fix their own problems within society? As to the decay of prisoners – I strongly believe that prisons do promote the decay of them. Just look around – Texas has the second most prisons in America with well over 100. That alone should tell us their purpose. The only way to achieve rehabilitation is to depend on ourselves and make our environment safer and more constructive. We’ll do this by utilizing any and all educational resources which can be provided with and only this will help us better our conditions.

Haramia: With the juvenile ruling do you think they have made the death penalty a more fair and secure process?

Oswaldo: Truthfully – NO! I don’t feel for one minute they have made the death penalty more fair and secure. Why, just because of the juvenile issue alone? We sure aren’t that naïve. They could have made a more profound ruling by ruling on the scientific research alone; that the part of the brain that might inhibit criminal behavior because it isn’t fully developed, and that teens lack the ability to make sound decisions thus are more prone to impulsive behavior. A ruling as such could’ve affected 18 and 19 year olds. Instead, the ruling was done on a pseudo-standard of where they feel a person is responsible enough. Keep in mind though – this ruling doesn’t secure a fair process for those who are innocent and were sentenced wrongly.

Haramia: What would you like to express to all those that have been fighting for this issue?

Oswaldo: I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to every single person who put the effort, willingness and dedication forth to bring about this victory. Most of all, thank you – for your leadership and concern for the people you are in charge of. I’m asking you to seriously consider the sacredness of human life and continue putting forth the effort to STOP the executions of those whom I leave behind, as prisoners, as friends, and most of all as human beings. You all have been a great inspiration and beacon of hope in my corner, day and night, for it is written: “Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for. It is a thing to be achieved.”

Haramia: How are you going to feel once you leave here and most likely get a contact visit with your loved ones?

Oswaldo: I haven’t given it much thought of how I will feel when I leave. I guess it’s safe to say, I’m not to that point yet. I feel that’s going to be one of the greatest, yet dreadful moments in my life (which I’m not looking forward to feeling), but all in all I am ready. The thought of being able to hug and kiss my parents is overwhelming. “Mi Querida Reina.” In other words – “my loving mother.” Think about it, it’s been 12 years. I’ve not been able to touch or hold her in my arms, know what I mean brother?

Haramia: Yes, I do know. Any last words to the people? And would you still like for people to contact you?

Oswaldo: My message to all is that violence, drugs, abuse and street gangs are not the true way of life. We can question why drug abuse could have such an influence in our way of life, behavior etc. Where does the violence originate that takes a hold of a youth so easily that it brings life to a complete stop? Truth is, no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, if you truly want to change, it can happen. You must be strong, have self-discipline and work hard. As my life goes on, I realize it has taken this place to break the bondage of evil and slavery that has kept me chained up for years. It’s a journey I may never comprehend, but it has given me a new meaning in life. Yes, please write to me. Thank you!