===== 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.
I really appreciate this format and reading others thoughtful comments to expand and broaden my own perspective. In this instance, the "Fan" comments were very enlightening and helpful to me.
I don't understand. If a person dislikes a column in the paper as much as Jennifer seems to dislike yours, why does she bother to continue reading it? I would think she could find better things to complain about.
Thank you for an opportunity to express my thoughts. This way, I don't have to just sit and scream at the paper or TV news!
Judie
There's some confusion here. I'm the Web editor here at The Bee and posted these e-mails for Bill while he's getting used to this publishing system.
Most weeks you'll see them published under his name.
I love Bill's columns. At least most of the times.
Thanks for reading.
Made my day when I read in this morning's Bee that you have joined the world of blog. Like your column, I will follow it faithfully as you are, without question, my favorite columnist . . . even when my take on a subject may not be the same as yours Your concept provides readers an opportunity to readily respond instead of filing our thoughts in the "get back to it later" file. Super!
I cant beleave how you can talk about people,And I bet half of thease peolpe are born christans, that love to here you talk about killing someone, executing them its all the same,seems to me you got a little of that blood in yourself.I think you need to do a little more investigating yourself and get your storys straight.Clarence did an Interview jan 10 2006,Where he did say he was sorry to the familys but the media never put it out there.since you did the coverage on the first murder trial you failed to report how lee furrow who suppose to of killed her was aquitted let go,free then he killed again the ryan family massacure police knows he did it,kevin cooper is charged with that murder been up there for 20 yrs.All thease murders is he said ,she said.Damm you got thease judges that are getting in trouble for kids porn,I wouldt dought if he prosecuted the guy ,and took there pictures .I dont see you talking about them.The Media wants there story so bad they make up stuff, like that reporter christine lazar saying abbott waived to clarence,Read san fran...newspaper the next day it was one of allens friends that waived shes the only one that said that, come on dude do your homework .They cry about tax payers money.There the ones that keep saving his life.Well Bill,You need to start having a little bit of respect for yourself and start realzing that there are human beings that have feelings to.Go get your interview about allens fifstinterview
I'm trying to find your article on the House of Hope so I can make some comments but can't find it. Help!
Bill's most recent columns, and his favorites, can all be found on his main index page at http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/mcewen/.
The House of Hope column is here:
http://www.fresnobee.com/columnists/mcewen/story/11744819p-12466773c.html
Hope that helps,
Jennifer
Bill McEwen is the greatest writer in the history of the Fresno Bee, the heart, soul and backbone of the entire newspaper. He is my idol, my mentor, my guru.
And he clearly cracked open an English text once in a while, which is more than we can say for Pallen.
about the english text,Iwas waiting for that one.
BILL, WHY DID MARGARET MIMMS SELL OUT TO MINOR? NO ADS, NO PUTTING MINOR ON THE BLOCK FOR HIS ATTEMPT TO RECEIVE A DIABILITY RETIREMENT FOR STRESS, NOR HIS COLLECTION OF MONEY FROM PERS FOR STRESS. SHE HAD A SHOT, BUT SOLD OUT FOR HER JOB.