SNET Internet : Features : Survey : McVeigh Execution

Q: Should the execution of Timothy McVeigh be televised?

Yes - 1,943 (30%)
No - 3,521 (55%)
He shouldn't be executed - 502 (8%)
Who's Timothy McVeigh? - 103 (2%)
I don't care - 311 (5%)

Your comments:

"I believe the public at large that wants to view this execution have lost sight of the crime that was committed. This is not a live WWF event of Pay Per View. This is a man being punished for the most horrific crime in American history. Let's not sensationalize it and give Tim McVeigh celebrity status. Americans have a sick fascination with death, drama, blood and guts." Lisa, Middletown

"Society through the years has become more and more hardened. Television through its brief history has continued to push the limits. What is the message society extends by viewing the killing of another human being? I am not against capital punishment, but I strongly disagree that an execution should be part of the "reality tv" culture. I do believe the families of the victims should have the option to view via closed circuit television if they would find personal comfort by such." C.J.B., Pomfret Center

"Of course it shouldn't be televised. That would be a very foolish mistake indeed." L.T., Haddam

"I vote yes. Why not? The Oklahoma bombing was televised. How many times did the public have to view that? How many times did the victims' families have to relive that tragedy? What is so special about him, that his death would have to be private? At least give the victims families and friends some dignity and him none ... He deserves nothing!" Kim, Beacon Falls

"If it were shown on TV wouldn't that be 'unusual'? We don't watch people die anymore, hospitals don't film people dying. We only see death on live TV, like JFK. I don't think he sholud be killed -- he should have to think about it for life! That's just my opinion!" Jules, Storrs

"Hasn't the violence been enough? His crime was so devastating only the families who want to watch on close circuit should be allowed. Individuals wanting to watch such a horrible sight in viewing his death are giving him just what he wants -- attention in his life and to his death. Let him go quietly with no more about him ever again!" L.L.D., Waterbury

"It did not involve me so, seeing him die would not give me any satisfaction. It is sick that they want to make the whole deal publicized on network television. Let the people directly involved with the ordeal watch if they want to, other than that people should mind their own business." Joe King, Lisbon

"I am a 15-year old female, and do not believe in the execution of anyone. If a person commits murder, they should be put in jail, and tortured. Killing a person does not mean that that person is going to have time to think about what they did, feel bad and hear others' comments. It simply means that their life will be ended, and they will not suffer for what they did. They should not be able to pursue college educations and should be only offered the bare neccessities to keep them alive. They should also be mandated to surrender any monetary earnings to the victim's family." A.W., Naugatuck

"The way I think of it is if you don't want to watch it then don't watch it. Don't ruin it for the people who want to see him dead because of the things he did." Kieth, Lisbon

"It should be up to Timothy McVeigh." Mike, Lisbon

"He shouldn't be executed. How can he atone for what he's done by dying?" C.C., Danielson

"If McVeigh got the agent who murdered the woman and her child at Ruby Ridge, as McVeigh now said he contemplated, I'd say give him a commendation." A.J., Bristol

"If they televise the execution, he will be getting exactly what he wants. They should have just stuck him in a deep dark hole and fed him on bread and water till he died of a very old age, forgotten by everyone." J.B., Naugatuck

"I said no because I am not interested. I would also say I don't care. Make some more interesting surveys that has nothing to do with politics or killers!" S.A.S., Winsted

"Someone's execution should not be a spectator sport. It seems that some of us have not come past the era of violence for sport, e.g. gladiator days ... some of us remain and will always be barbarians regardless what century it is." A.M.R., Bridgeport

"No, this should not be televised. I feel that the media is making matters worse by all the added 'drama' and overkill on these stories. Let's not add to the 'dare' factor any longer, talk about it once and move on!" Rob, Danbury

"I think it should be placed on television because all of the people in the United States that had family there should be able to see who killed their family or friends." D.H., Danielson

"No, it should not be televised. Why? Because it will bring back memories of the day he bombed the FBI building in Oklahoma City. The people who were in it probably want to forget about it and continue on with their lives." C.Y., Fairfield

"I am glad to see that 'no' is the highest ratings at this time. This person wants to be made into a martyr. He seeks glory! However he is nothing but a killer." Hutch, Wallingford

"Why should we give someone like him any sort of glory, even in death? He did his crime and needs to pay his debt to society without any sort of fanfare. I am of the opinion that the death penalty should be used in all Capitol crimes, including terrorism, and when life is held by the actor in total disregard. McVeigh's execution should be seen only by the people who lost family, for a hopeful closure, and the officials that must be there to officiate his ultimate end. Any other sort of public viewing would only make millions of dollars for someone using the First Amendment as an excuse for the continuance of the suffering of the families and friends that lost a loved one in the bombing. Let us hope that this doesn't become a 'side show circus act' for the benefit of a few." G.M.K., Waterbury

"I feel that it should be televised so that all of America can have some closure knowing that this 'man' can never hurt another person ever again." L.K., Groton

"Yes, I feel as though it should be televised along with all other executions. However this one I feel is very important and has touched a lot of lives in the United States. I do not feel regular TV channels should broadcast this but Pay-Per View would. Why not. If people can watch all other things on television and pay to watch pornography. We should also be able to get the option of getting to see executions. There are alot of things on television these days, and a lot you do not even have to pay extra for. There are alot of things on television that should not be, this I honestly feel should be on there. Whatever money the cable company gets from the Pay-Per view event should give a portion of the money to the victim's families." Jennifer, Naugatuck

"As one who hasn't suffered a loss because of this man, I feel that Mr. M. will be getting just the publicity and controversy he wants and he will feel he is leaving this earth knowing the whole world will never forget him. I hate like hell to see him gain all that, but looking at things from the families suffering, I guess they have a right to see this evil soul die. Perhaps closed circuit just for that area would be good." Jeanne, Windsor Locks

"In my opinion this should be on TV Pay Per View. That way if you want to watch it is truly your choice. It might be helpful to some and not others. But let it be up to each one of us to decide. We watched all the TV news about the bombing and all the children that had to pass because of this disaster." Lora, East Hartford

"I feel that any person who is that sick to do what he did should be put to death. I also feel the American public has a right to see it. Put it on live TV. Let's watch him fry." G.B.M., Putnam

"I don't think Timothy MvVeigh should be executed. That's too easy. He should be put in solitary confinement for the rest of his life and let him ponder on his horrible doings." S.E.R., Bristol

"In a recent interview, Mcveigh said that his execution probably won't be televised because America is afraid to have it's justice system seen in action. Even though what this man did was one of the greatest atrocities of the last decade, I agree with him whole-heartedly on that point. While I have no desire to see anyone executed, it would be nice if America could show its scars for once." John, West Haven

"I think that Timothy McVeigh's execution should be televised as a precedent for all of the other sick criminals out there who do something bad enough to warrant the death penalty, because it doesn't seem that the threat of the death penalty itself is much of a deterrant. Maybe actually letting these people see it happen will scare some of them straight." B.L., Watertown

"Yes, I think the execution should be televised live on Pay Per View. The proceeds from the execution go to the families. It should also be done by electrocution and not by lethal injection." F.I., Wallingford

"I believe the public at large that wants to view this execution have lost site of the crime that was committed. This is not a live WWF event of Pay Per View. This is a man being punished for the most horrific crime in American history. Let's not sensationalize it and give Tim McVeigh celebrity status. Americans have a sick fascination with death, drama, blood and guts." Lisa, Middletown

"I feel that it would be morbid to have this on TV." Bill, East Hartford

"I don't think so! Isn't there enough violence on television now, without televising more. We all know he is guilty -- why give him more publicity for his death. I'm sure sooner or later there will be a movie made about him. Enough is enough. I think the people of Oklahoma have suffered enough. Time to put the past to rest." Mel, Windsor Locks

"It's against the Constitution to allow any sort of cruel and unusual punishment. To televise the execution of a us citizen would be an act of humiliation, hence being both cruel and unusual." A.B., Madison

"He should not be executed. He should be in solitary until he is very very old. There should not be anymore interviews with him. All he wants is attention." S.C.Y., Oxford

"He should be kept alive so that every waking minute is spent looking at pictures of the victims' mangled bodies. Plus he might have a good kidney or other parts that can be harvested for transplantation." No Name, Putnam

"I feel that he should die without anyone viewing this monster, this way he doesn't get what he looking for media coverage." Bernie, East Haddam

"Two reasons we should do exactly what the government chose to do. (Show on closed circuit to victims' families) We do not need to see it, and he wants it to be seen." A.S.R., Mystic

"McVeigh performed this horrendous act for publicity for his 'Cause.' Televising his execution will give him the publicity he killed for. It will also martyr him and teach others that they can promote their own causes by following his example. No convicted killer should be allowed to profit from his crime - financially or by publicity." R.J.L., West Haven

"There is no way the damage done to that building was caused by the type of explosive said to be in the truck. Therefore, I feel it's another Government lie. The real facts of what happened in Waco, Texas -- I saw on tv the day our Government shot a fluid into the compound and ignited it. Those are the real scum and they run this country." Joe, Shelton

"I think the broadcasting of Timothy McVeigh's execution would be completely immoral. We would probably be doing just what he wants -- to be known throught the world. It's getting too much publicity as it is. I think it would have been better if he hadn't been sentenced to death because he wouldn't have any more freedom. He would be secluded from life-taking all the joy away from him that he took from so many others." Me, Avon

"The families of the victims should be given the option of viewing on closed circuit television. Perhaps they would find closure by such. Viewing for the general public will serve no purpose but sensationalize the event. Gosh! does anyone remember the mockery of the Simpson trial? Maybe society is becoming hardened by commonality of violent death? Televising the event would only propagate the problem." C.B., Pomfret Center

"Who wants to televise it? This is a horrible thing to do, no matter what the crime Timothy is charged for. I don't even know what he did and this is still wrong! Remember in the 20s and 30s when people were able to come and see when a man was electrocuted? Doesn't that seem a little wrong or a little sick? If the man is dead, that should be enough. Watching his life leave him is immoral and stoops to the level of anyone deserving an execution." Kate, New Canaan

"People seem to be losing their minds-why would anyone even consider such a thing!? Is this another money making opportunity for someone in this U.S.A.( United States of Advertising??) I wouldn't want to watch his death any more than I would want to watch what he did! Shame on anyone who would! It's so disgusting-playing God and not even realizing it. What is this world coming to. It's really scary!" L., Torrington

"Yes, show it on pay-per-view for $1,000.00 a pop and give money to victim's families." Bobby, Groton

"I think that if it is televised it will show America what happens to you if you make wrong choices. Maybe it will make people think after seeing the pain and stuff he has to deal with because of his foolish mistake." K.W., New Britain

"Don't televise it, but will it be on the web?" J.H., Norwalk

"I think that after what Tim McVeigh did, in his last moment he should be humiliated on live TV." E.K., Windham

"It's about time you take that picture of Timothy McVeigh off your home page. Every day when I boot up I don't need him to say 'good-mourning'." George, Winchester

"I believe that it is unethical to show an execution on TV. Footage like that could be seen by small children. The idea of showing a person being killed on TV is horrible." P.K., Stamford

"The media covered Timothy McVeigh's execution of all those unsuspecting people in Oklahoma. If it is okay to show all the injuries and death he caused, then of course I would like to see him suffer." S.M., New Haven

"I think it is wrong to show his death on TV. It's degrading to him and his family to let the world watch him die. They were also talking about putting it on pay-per-view. Only a person with a sick mind would want to watch a man die and pay for it too. Its like paying to watch some one get hung. I think it's messed up that someone would even bring up the idea." S.M., Norwich

"Yes, it should be televised. maybe in some way it would stop someone before they would commit a heinous crime like the one McVeigh commited." E.M., Saybrook

"I think Tim McVeigh is as close to evil incarnate as you can get.The only regret I have personally is he can only be executed ONCE. Homegrown terrorism can not be tolerated at any level. God bless his parents, I feel sorry for them for the grief he has brought them." J.H., Deep River

"Nobody has the right to kill, not even the Government. The death penalty is not only wrong, it is useless. It prevents no crimes, it offers no real sense of justice to the families of crime victims, and it returns no dead people to life.

We need to find a more human way to deal with violent crimes than this useless, expensive, and immoral form of punishment." P.D., Newtown