===== Fan mail: =====
Thank you for your article which questioned the wisdom of allowing those whom we execute to give a final statement. I found it extremely thought provoking. After considering the issue, I just wanted to offer a thought as to why it may be important. I am not addressing the merits or lack thereof of the death penalty itself, merely this last ritual. I believe it has more to do with the dignity and humanity of ourselves and our justice system than what we may or may not hope or expect any individual to express. Despite the prisoner's utter lack of regard for his victims or their family members, despite the inability of his victims to give a statement of their own, the granting of the statement is a recognition that our society nevertheless does value each human life. It recognizes that, even assuming justice requires this most severe and extreme punishment, that unlike this prisoner, we acknowledge that there is some part of every human that should be recognized and treated as human. The pathological narcissism of the offender should not allow us to devolve into state where we ourselves become myopic and able to disregard anyone's pain in their final moments, even his. The ritual is a measure of our civility, not his.
===== Flame mail: =====
Bill, found your killer's last statement [column] lacking just like your articles. Thanks for the fire starter on a burn day. Oh yeah you probably have lots, look in one of them and reflect on who rambles for 171 plus words all the time.
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