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[pantsu]

George Tiller was shot to death this morning at his church.Hopefully this is on-topic enough, but I want to know what you all think of this. Obviously it's unfortunate, at least in my opinion, because it goes against what we are all fighting for - the right to life. Even though his death may end up saving thousands, if not hundreds of thousands

Comments

[rhetoricfem]

My first thoughts were a mix of sadness for this man and the people in his life that he cares about/those who care about him, and disappointment that it's probably a pro-life extremist who is responsible.

I haven't read anything about the suspect's intentions yet, but considering that the doctor survived a 1993 shooting outside his clinic, and that his clinic was also bombed in 1998, it just seems probable.

And I'm not happy about it.

[pantsu]

Same. I believe it was probably motivated by Tiller's abortion-related actions, thus I also believe the perp was a member of the pro-life community. While I am sad for Tiller's family, as a death is always hard, I am also sad - if not more so - that this will be used against our aspirations and us as people. We won't hear the end of this for a long time.

[karmic_serenity]

While his performing late-term abortions goes against my personal beliefs, I am deeply saddened to learn of his death. His personal choices are no justification for murder.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[ceallaighgirl]

Mixed feelings here. Obviously part of my feelings are the same as those stated above by many people here.

Then on the other hand, I can't help but be reminded of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

[dustthouart]

I don't have mixed feelings. I first saw this on a friend's LJ, and I gasped in horror.

Regarding the "but lives will be saved!" defense--YOU CANNOT DO EVIL SO THAT GOOD MAY COME OF IT. End. Of. Story.

The only selfish reaction I have is a fervent hope that the murderer is not involved in the prolife movement and has murdered Dr. Tiller for other reasons, so that the movement will not be tarnished.

And I thank God that no one else was hit by the gunman. I only wish that Dr. Tiller had not been even hurt.

[pantsu]

YOU CANNOT DO EVIL SO THAT GOOD MAY COME OF IT. End. Of. Story.

While I generally agree, I can see why many would disagree. It's not a matter of factual placement, but rather one of philosophical objections. John Stewart Mill was big on doing "the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people." Other philosophers place emphasis on the ends being more important than the means, meaning it's okay to act immoral for the sake of morality or if the ends are more moral than the means are immoral. Again, I do not agree, but it's a matter of how you personally believe.

[natewillsheets]

No doubt, all of the pro-life groups will issue statements denouncing the killings, just like they've always done. Personally, I'm glad he's dead. My issue, as stated above, is that this could hurt the image of the pro-life movement, as if it weren't in enough trouble. People already seem to think that we're a bunch of doctor-shooting assholes--so hey, here you go. I think we're going to see more of this kind of violence under Obama as well. Just like under Clinton, some pro-lifers got desperate and took matters into their own hand (though I'm surprised it's happened this early).