October 21, 2026 - 9:00 pm

The Friday letter by R.J. Liepins indicated that live-streaming the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad would not be objectionable, because the execution would depict no more “horror” than the bloody images that are seen in movies when a “bad guy” is shot. But the issue is not simply whether the images are intrinsically objectionable or horrific. Rather, the issue is whether we want to be a country that is comfortable broadcasting and viewing unseemly events.

Mr. Liepins’ opinion is flawed, because he disregards the fact that movies are fiction, whereas executions are not fiction — they are reality. He also overlooks the fact that movies are intended to entertain an audience, whereas executions are not so intended.

The United States is the greatest country in the world.…