Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. So, it turns out that Frank Strada, the guy in charge of overseeing executions in Tennessee, has a bit of a history when it comes to, well, not exactly doing a great job with executions. Before the botched execution of Christa Pike, Strada had a history of overseeing execution missteps in two states. Yeah, you read that right – two states. I mean, who needs experience and competence when it comes to executing people, right? Bless their hearts.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that Strada would be stepping down later this month after the attempted execution of Christa Pike left her on a ventilator, unconscious in a hospital. Now, I’m no expert, but it seems to me that if you’re going to have someone in charge of executing people, you might want to choose someone who’s a bit more… competent. I mean, it’s not like this is a job where you can just wing it and hope for the best.
But, hey, at least Strada is consistent, right? In his previous role as an official in Arizona’s prisons system, he oversaw three executions that administrators and observers raised concerns over. And now, under his supervision in Tennessee, Pike is the second person this year who officials have failed to execute after problems with the IV injections. You can’t make this stuff up, folks.
The Tennessee Department of Correction declined to comment on Strada’s involvement in these prior execution problems. Because, you know, what’s a little thing like transparency and accountability when it comes to executing people? Somewhere in Atlanta, a producer thought this sounded terrifying, and now we’ve got a big ol’ mess on our hands.
Pike’s lawyer, Stephen Ferrell, told CNN’s Jake Tapper that the state of Tennessee needs to start telling its people exactly what it’s doing, so that the people of Tennessee can decide if that’s what they want to be done in their name. Ferrell said that this torturous execution leaves many questions that the state of Tennessee will refuse to answer. Yeah, no kidding.
Strada said that stepping aside is in the best interest of Tennesseans as the independent review moves forward. Because, you know, taking responsibility for your actions is overrated. He also said that he believes this review is entirely appropriate and necessary, and that he looks forward to doing everything he can to help determine exactly what occurred. Yeah, sure, Frank. Sure.
In the end, it’s just another day in the wild world of American politics, folks. Where the people in charge seem to be more interested in covering their own behinds than in doing what’s right. But hey, at least we’ve got a good story to tell, right? As I always say, you can’t make this stuff up. And with that, I’m going to go refill my coffee cup, because this story has left me feeling like I need a drink. Or two. Or ten.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
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