I was insane. But Welch now says that he doesn't want McVeigh executed. He has also joined the movement to end the death penalty and has been named the 1999 Abolitionist of the Year by a national association working to stop executions. He views the death penalty as vengeance, adding that his slain daughter would agree with him. The abolitionist movement views Welch and other crime victims as important to their cause.
Activists say they are frequently looked upon by others as caring more for killers than victims.
Bud is a victim. In his drive to abolish the death penalty, Welch said he has given speeches across the United States and even visited 40 death row inmates in Texas. I hate that word closure. It had the opposite affect on me. It didn't do it for me.