Speak Out

Re "Treat criminals accordingly" (Speak Out, Jan. 21):

Letter writer Don Thornton cannot know the depth of my appreciation for his letter concerning the lethal injection issue now before our Supreme system. This unwarranted concern for felons must come to a stop and once again we must protect the innocent victims.

I have just returned from Atmore, where the Supreme Court again ruled in favor of the felon and completely forgot the price the victim’s family has paid for so long.

My family was informed that the stay on James Harvey Callahan had been lifted, but we would not know until the last minute if the execution would go forward. What could we do?

On Thursday morning, we left for Atmore not knowing what the outcome would be but believing the execution would be stayed. We traveled the long journey in terrible weather and met with the people who would escort us to the prison and inform us of the procedure.

I have another daughter who was supposed to be present with me. The system will allow only two members of a victim’s family to attend. I called my daughter, Karen Greer, who now lives in Tennessee, and told her. Like myself and my other children, she has waited patiently for the time to come for justice for Becky and our family.

She was to be the second family member allowed to attend. Due to the short notice, she was not able to make travel arrangements in time. She suffered great emotional stress because she was not able to be there in support of her sister.

We were in the prison waiting to be escorted to the execution chamber. At exactly 10 minutes till 5 p.m. we were informed that the execution had been stayed. Only one hour and 10 minutes till JUSTICE …

Thanks again, Mr. Thornton.

Beth Coheley
Ohatchee

Protecting patients’ rights

My mother, who lives in Ohatchee, and has also been a resident of Anniston for the past 79 years, has just been a patient at Regional Medical Center. I am also a former resident of Anniston for 40 years, and I was with her at Regional Medical Center.

I have never been so appalled by the lack of cleanliness and professionalism by a hospital in my life. With the high costs of health care, something has to be done for the patients’ rights.

Myra Cheek
Rydal, Ga.