Letter: Media exploits McVeigh’s death

Thursday, June 21, 2001 | 8:44 a.m.

I witnessed the early-morning media coverage of the execution of convicted bomber Timothy McVeigh.

While I could have just turned the television off, I felt I also had a right to watch as it all unfolded. I don't know why I did, except that I try to be very informed on current events.

I resented the fact they executed him, because I oppose the death penalty. They made such a media event out of it.

It was hideous how at least eight different reporters from various publications came to the microphone on a make-shift staging area, and described, in detail, how a man was put to death. How he looked, his reactions -- or lack of -- almost every little detail. Even that his skin looked yellow after the drugs were administered and ended his 33-year life.

How is someone supposed to look when they die?

Can anyone prepare to die? How do we know he wasn't in some discomfort? Would it have sounded better to go out of this world kicking, screaming and yelling? Even though he was convicted of this most awful crime against our country, who dictates such protocol?

We live in a strange world!

If they were going to kill him for killing 168 people and hurting many others, then they should have done it and left the press and notoriety out of it. Notify the victims' families, if you must. We know it exists, but do they have to splash it all over the media?

G. WILLIAMS