Sir, – As your editorial states, capital punishment is a “barbarous practice” (October 8th).
There have been two botched attempts by the United States to execute someone, with the world’s press now wondering what their next move is.
The US defence secretary, in a separate case, is demanding a public execution by firing squad of a serviceman.
One is acutely aware the US has lost all sense of proportion, all sense of compassion and is much the weaker for it. – Yours, etc,
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ALASTAIR CONAN,
Coulsdon,
UK.
Sir, – The US is being dragged back into the middle ages and into barbarity. Why isn’t there uproar in the US about this regime? Why aren’t people out on the streets?
There have been threats to invade Greenland, open hostility to their long-time ally and trading partner, Canada, and Donald Trump’s armed militia has been running riot in America’s cities, kidnapping and killing people.
But who in the US is resisting this? As with many fascist regimes, this leader was elected to office. Americans must now resist in every lawful way possible. – Yours, etc,
PETER DUNKIN,
Goleen,
Co Cork.
Sir, – You report that the US government intends to livestream an execution by firing squad (“US says firing-squad execution of Fort Hood gunman will be livestreamed”, World News, October 9th).
This represents a rare opportunity for social media companies to prove their claims that they have controls to protect children from harmful content. Unlike, say, footage of joyriding on motorways or violence, they will know the date and time of this incident being broadcast live online.
Whatever about children seeing this grotesque spectacle, any defence under freedom of speech or non-liability for sharing third-party material on the basis that this is not illegal material will expose the rotten core of social media. – Yours, etc,
DAVID JOHNSON,
Terenure,
Dublin 6W.
