When ‘Evil’ Shows a Pleasing Face

While “McVeigh Called Model Prisoner” (Oct. 18) is curiously interesting, I fail to understand the purpose or value in reporting that Timothy McVeigh was considered a model prisoner. Are we to feel empathy for this monster who callously destroyed 168 lives and considered them all “collateral damage” simply because he was clever enough to act normal and appear “content with life” following his capture and conviction?

It is a hallmark of all evil to be disingenuous and clever--and appear normal and even personable. It is these very talents that enable monsters to move unimpeded among us until they can perform their monstrous acts. After they are caught, their clever behavior of “normality” feeds into their self-image of being martyrs.

I’m sure McVeigh would have been pleased to read your article, because it served his purpose to appear normal and calm as he awaited execution. This was the only way he had to convince us all that he was right and society was wrong. It was his last attempt to justify himself.

Monsters remain monsters by virtue of their monstrous acts.

Wayne D. Kerr

La Crescenta