Dying with Dignity

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/killer-ronnie-lee-gardner-executed-by-firing-squad-2003949.html

I would choose firing squad too, rather than be put down like an animal.

I would prefer a public execution too, so one can wave, nod and wink at friends, ask for a last cigarette, smoke in a public place ....

In Tudor times beheadings were reserved only for the aristocracy.  They made a final speech, put their heads on the block and then raised their arms to indicate they were ready for the chop.  Female members of the aristocracy were supposed to take it like a man too.

http://www.the-tudors.org.uk/anne-boleyn-execution-speech.htm

http://www.corvalliscommunitypages.com/Europe/england/catherinehowardall.htm

China: lethal injection will be expanded to replace gunshot executions

http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-01/03/content_6366528.htm

Contemplating the memento mori on my desk, it strikes me that the Chinese government is making a mistake.

Thinking of death from time to time as I do, if only to prepare myself better for this inevitability, it strikes me that there is a certain dignity to being shot rather than being merely put down, if anyone reading this remembers Dead Man Walking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaEGK1bbxCQ

http://www.realmilitaryflix.com/public/377.cfm

I will refrain from posting links to either a beheading or a hanging, but I think giving the condemned man the option of choosing adds interest and drama to the proceedings.

Readers are invited to say which they prefer and why.