So Tim McVeigh’s execution may be broadcast over closed-circuit television. (My apologies to my colleague Mosey for blogging Salon, but this was just too good to pass up.) This is fascinating for many pop culture and political reasons. The question really is, why weren’t all of GWB’s executions televised? I believe people should have to confront the results of their pro-death-penalty stance, especially when the condemned isn’t a famous evildoer whose death everyone is supposed to cheer.
And since watching someone drift away after lethal injection doesn’t make for very good television, I would suggest hanging. Or even better, firing squad. Let’s show five or six of those in a row, with state troopers pulling the trigger, and see how national attitudes change.