Fear Factor Leftovers

Ten years ago today, John Wayne Gacy, one of the most vile, wicked monsters ever born into our species, was executed by lethal injection at the Statesville Penitentiary. The previous evening, the pasty, bloated serial killer had feasted on a last supper of fried chicken, french fries, cola and strawberry shortcake. Then, before the injection, Gacy was allowed to make a final statement. He opted for "Kiss my ass."

Death row inmates deserve neither a last meal nor a forum for last words. Why did we feed Gacy a nice meal and provide him with an audience? Tradition? That's not a reason. I say, "Screw tradition." Serve leftovers from Fear Factor.

I have always believed that the final meals of executed prisoners should be unsatisfying. The more humane the method of killing, the less impetus there should be to comfort the condemned as that moment draws near. Now, if you are going to draw and quarter them, fine, let them eat cake. Otherwise, if they deserve to die, they don't deserve a feast. And if they don't deserve to die, that fantastic final meal is no consolation whatsoever.

I also dislike giving the prisoner any more free speech rights. Most of the time, the prisoner just uses the forum to deliver one last big "Fuck you." Why let them? Before his execution last September for the slaying of an abortion doctor, Paul Hill boasted in his final statement that he would "expect a great reward in heaven." His victim's family must have been livid. I'm no fan of abortion doctors, but murdering them is at least as wicked as killing a fetus, and abortionist slayers deserve no soapboxes on their deathbeds.

Neither Hill nor Gacy should have been given a forum to speak. If anything, the victim's family should get some last words. "Kiss my ass?" No, no, no. Kiss your own ass goodbye.

Comments

[Ian is a fool]

From what source do you draw the claim that a convicted murdered has earned or deserves the RIGHT to whatever he or she wants as a last meal?

[Ian]

First of all, Gacys last meal was Shirmp, Fried chicken, cola, and fresh strawberries. Second it is the person RIGHT to have whatever they want as a last meal on this earth. Likewise with the last words. It doesnt matter what you think about this because really what you think doesnt change the human rights of a person. It doesnt matter what this sick bastards have done, in the end they are still human beings.

Yes, it is obvious that anyone who does not advocate giving a feast to convicted murderer also kicks dogs and pinches babies. You are a brilliant logician, Patricia Lee. You should be a college professor.

[Patricia Lee]

You're obviously another pro-death penalty advocate who does not know his facts. If you have ever read the last statements of those executed, you'd see that they usually consist of apologies. Maybe not of any interest to you, but many families of victims feel differently. Deny a man his last meal? I bet you kick dogs and pinch babies too. How sad that you have nothing better to gripe about than that.

[Lori]

I comletly Agree with you on Death row in mates not having their last meal and Last words. Did their Victims get that NO!! Thanks for you re time Sincerally Lori