Compounded Wrongs, No Right

By now, everyone is likely familiar with the slaying of late-term abortionist Dr. George Tiller. As a true pro-lifer, I find the act of murder, whether of a helpless baby or of a thoroughly despicable individual, a heinous crime. All life is sacred, and we should do all that is possible to preserve it. The murder of Dr. Tiller is wrong and shall not be condoned by anyone who legitimately calls him or herself pro-life. The following is an excerpt from today’s editorial in the deadtree edition of the Orange County Register:

Whatever one may think of his occupation, the slaying of Kansas abortion provider George Tiller – in church no less – was a heinous and disgusting act. The person who did it and anyone who condoned the act, even indirectly or with a “got what was coming to him” wink and nod, has forfeited the right to be called “pro-life” in any but the most hypocritical fashion. 

Unfortunately, the killing has been used to tar virtually the entire anti-abortion movement and to come close to suggesting that people with certain opinions should just shut up. The American tradition of tolerating free speech – yes, sometimes even offensive free speech – is thereby put in some danger.

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Thus we have a troubled individual who scrambled to find meaning for himself in quasi-political activity and eventually (though it hasn’t been proven in court yet) was able to justify in himself the murder of an abortion-providing doctor.

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Lighten up, people. Strong opinions forcefully expressed are the lifeblood of a free society. Criticize them if you will, but don’t try to eliminate or criminalize them.