The Execution of Wanda Jean

HBO : America Undercover ^ | first showing Sun 3/17 10:00 PM EST | Liz Garbus

[cashion]

Twelve years after committing her second murder, Wanda Jean Allen--an African American lesbian whose low I.Q. indicated borderline retardation--faced the ultimate penalty: death. This compelling documentary follows Wanda Jean in the last three months before her execution in a case that attracted national media attention and the support of anti-death-penalty activists, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Through interviews with Wanda Jean, her clemency team, and members of her family and of her victim's family, this film presents a stirring look at an appealing, attractive young woman with a complex history, as well as examining the moral and political dilemma of the death penalty. Co-produced and directed by Liz Garbus, who received an Oscar(R) nomination for her acclaimed 1999 documentary The Farm: Angola, USA.

[cashion]

I'll never forget one scene in the film where one of the "youts" responds to his mother's suggestion that he get a job with a fury you would suppose would be reserved only for those who suggest you anally penetrate yourself with a red hot poker. I fall down laughing every time. I taped the program and show it to all my friends who respond the same way. Unintentional recruiting material for the VRWC.

I've got the same show taped and have watched it numerous times for a good laugh. BTW, I think the mother's suggestion came after the young-un's request for some money so he could walk into town for a Pepsi and some 'baccer. Great stuff!

[Tickle Me Pank]

Uhhh, don't forget the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.... :)

[balrog666]

We flipped between this and a two-hour expose on Jackie Gleason. Gleason was better.

I'm with you. But there was overkill on "The Honeymooners" which I never cared much about.

[Diamond]

I didn't see this, thankfully, but just changing a few details, I'm thinking of another documentary, but one that will never appear on HBO:

Even though committing no murder herself, Wanda Jean --an African American whose low I.Q. indicated borderline retardation--faced the ultimate penalty: death. This compelling documentary follows Wanda Jean in the last three months before her execution in a case that attracted no media attention or support of anti-death-penalty activists, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Though Wanda Jean could not be interviewed, she did not have a clemency team, and members of her family had turned against her, this film presents a stirring look at an appealing, attractive young person with a complex history, as well as examining the moral and political dilemma of the death penalty for preborn children.

Cordially,

[Destructor]

Boy, Whitie is really tryin' to keep her down! I'm talkin' 6 feet under!!

[aculeus]

I don't buy the Stupidity Defense.

How about the Appealing Atractive Young With a Complex History Defense? (Or are you simply a mean person?)

[dighton]

(Or are you simply a mean person?)

As Joe Queenan said, while trashing the autobiography of Kitty Dukakis, I am a meanoholic.

[martin gibson]

an African American lesbian whose low I.Q. indicated borderline retardation--

I knew it, I knew it...she was a political prisoner!!

[lsee]

Not too surprising that they'd attempt to make the murderer a sympathetic character. HBO is owned by AOL/Time-Warner with Ted Turner, vice-chairman and senior advisor....

[lsee]

I meant to add that it would be fairly simple for an intelligent person to fake a low IQ simply by deliberately doing poorly on the exams. Also, even with an IQ of 69, a person would have the mental abilities of a 9-12 year old. Children of this age are capable of knowing right from wrong and the concept of consequences. If she had been any other race, her case wouldn't have received nearly as much attention .