First a cage fight, now a livestreamed execution. America’s depravity knows no bounds

October 12, 2026 — 11:30am

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A cage fight on the White House lawn, celebrating a US president’s 80th birthday, was bad enough. It was crass mass entertainment that debased the office of the president and the dignity of the historic location. But the proposed livestream execution of an army officer convicted over a mass shooting at the Fort Hood army base in 2009 – announced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth – is much, much worse.

American adults, and their children, will see a man shot to death by firing squad if this event goes ahead. Australian children, despite our government’s efforts to restrict online access, might see it too.

Livestreaming an execution is the stuff of a medieval town square, grotesque theatre dressed up as retributive justice and deterrence. Only repressive regimes such as Iran still resort to such barbaric displays. Or did.

What is America coming to? The US is a nation forged in the violence of slavery and civil war, yes. But also historically admirable, wonderful, in its commitment to democratic ideals and world peace. US moral authority and purpose is lost by........

© The Age