Mr. Lockett is first to be injected with midazolam, a benzodiazepine intended to render the prisoner unconscious and unable to feel pain. This would be followed by injections of vecuronium bromide, a paralyzing agent that stops breathing, and then potassium chloride, which stops the heart.

This combination has been used in Florida, but with a much higher dose of midazolam than Oklahoma is planning to use. Without effective sedation, the second two drugs could cause agonizing suffocation and pain.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court last week stayed the executions over the state's refusal to disclose where it got its drugs, saying it wanted time to study the matter. The Governor overrode it.

Last Monday, the Supreme Court said that to avoid a miscarriage of justice, it would delay the executions until it had time to resolve the secrecy matter. The next day, Governor Fallin, a Republican, said the Supreme Court had overstepped its powers, and directed officials to carry out both executions on April 29.

How does a Governor have the authority to essentially veto a decision of the state's highest court? No matter, the Supreme Court then quickly decided the issue (in favor of the Governor's position) and said the executions could proceed.

And get this: One of the inmates to be killed tonight had his last meal request refused because it cost more than $15.00.

For his last meal, he requested Chateaubriand steak, fried shrimp, a loaded baked potato, garlic toast, an entire pecan pie and a liter of Coke Classic. His order was denied because its cost exceeded the state’s $15 limit, said Jerry Massie, spokesman for the Department of Corrections.

(Anyone remember the song from the Depression, One Meatball? I posted the lyrics here.