Hang 'em High

In the 1976 satirical film Network, longtime news anchor Howard Beale (portrayed by Peter Finch in his final screen role) is told that his program is being canceled due to low ratings. A despondent Beale responds by announcing to his live audience that he will commit suicide on-the-air the following week.

Network officials want to fire him on the spot, but the head of the news division intervenes when Beale promises to apologize. However, instead of issuing the apology, Beale urges his viewers to throw open their windows and shout, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" Beale’s unhinged rant causes ratings to temporarily soar, but when they eventually fall again, a network executive arranges for him to assassinated on air by a terrorist organization.

Well, folks, I am not suicidal, nor do I consider myself to be unhinged. However, I readily admit to being “as mad as hell” and refusing to take it anymore. So, what drove me to the edge, but not quite over it?

On June 22nd, a car was stolen from the Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights, Michigan. Deputy Bradley Reckling, a veteran investigator who had recently joined the auto theft unit at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, was one of three officers searching for the stolen vehicle. Around 10:50 PM, Deputy Reckling spotted the stolen 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and began trailing it in an unmarked cruiser.

Suddenly, the thieves stopped, got out of the stolen car, and opened fire on Reckling, hitting him in the head and chest. Though the perpetrators were quickly apprehended and arrested, Deputy Reckling died of his wounds, leaving behind a pregnant wife and three other children, ages 5, 4, and 1. Reckling’s widow will now have to raise those precious girls on her own and they will grow up without their loving father.

Since there is zero doubt about the murderers’ guilt, here is my “I’m as mad as hell” recommendation…

The three killers should be granted a 15-minute trial, pronounced guilty, sentenced to death, and publicly hanged the same day. No appeals, no last meals, and no mercy. Just a short visit from a prison chaplain to explain God’s plan of salvation and then on with the execution.

The American people – and law enforcement officers in particular – shouldn’t have to take this kind of lawlessness anymore. I say “hang ‘em high” in the town square as a lesson to all current and future criminals… and I think Howard Beale would agree.

(Look for “Howard Beale’s America” next week!)