This is really strange. I have a lot of links to Tim McVeigh, although I have never met him and if I had, would probably think he was a total crazy nutbag. As he was.
My ex-husband Kerry, grew up in Lockport, New York. Tim grew up in Tonawanda, the neighboring town. Tim was a couple years older than Kerry and Kerry never knew Tim personally but Kerry certainly knew his wackjob sister Jennifer, who also ran track, as my ex did.
My former father in law used to drink with Tim's dad at the local Fraternal Order of Eagles. By all accounts, Tim's dad was a nice guy.
Kerry, my ex-husband, worked in Republican politics. He was a mouth frothing right winger, but not racist at all. He at various times had worked for some questionable candidates, namely one who shall remain nameless who insisted on attending questionable white supremacist gatherings. Tim turned out to have attended some of these same gatherings.
Ex and I had dear friends who lived across the road in a gated lake community from "Mark from Dexter", the ham radio guy who spewed racist crap. He was arrested in connection to the bombing and although I think he may have given advice, he was never charged.
My son's name is Dexter.
Too many ties and links for me. How crazy.
Oooh, don't forget - now I live in Terre Haute - location of the federal prison where McVeigh was executed. Yes, I have driven by it many times, but there is not much to see. With the exception of razor wire in the distance, and a couple of guard towers, it looks a lot like Howell High! For being federal death row, it's surprisingly placid looking, and not very ominous at all. You wouldn't think it was super-duper-maximum security - except for the signs that say "absoolutley no stopping or parking" along the side of the road that leads past it. I hope I never stall or get a flat tire and get gunned down because the guards in the tower will think I'm a getaway car.
Posted by: Darr | October 18, 2004 at 04:48 AM
My Mom lives in Caro now, outside of Saginaw. Her partner's daughter was married to a guy who was friends with McVeigh (are you still with me?). The ex-husband got called as a witness in McVeigh's trial because of some things that happened during his last visit. McVeigh stayed on their couch and lectured them on bomb-making technology. Apparently Caro has a large Michigan Militia population. Ick.
Posted by: Stacy | October 18, 2004 at 08:23 AM