George Tiller was the Victim of a Hate Crime

As a resident of Wichita the murder of George Tiller was a powerful alarm that echoed among the people of this city. For some it was welcome. For most, I believe, it was frightening that such violence could visit us in this way.

In Kansas we feel to a great extent insulated from the insanity of either coast. Yet this event brought home to us that the world of the fanatic is never far enough away in this time.

As I have considered the implications of the events surrounding the murder of a dedicated man, I have come to a few conclusions:

1. No one is immune from the actions of people who are able to be convinced that "the other" is a person who is fair game.

2. That there are those who derive such power and money from convincing the easily persuaded that such action is good and laudable that they will espouse any cause which gives them their bully pulpit. Further, that they will never surrender that position of power, nor accept the responsibility for the consequences of their words.

Last night the people of Operation Rescue had a prayer vigil for the soul and family of Dr. George Tiller. They had the gall to suggest that after hounding the man and his family for years with protests, hateful emails, and spurious legal charges, they now prayed for peace. They seem to feel they bear no responsibility for the death of another human being, in spite of calling him a murderer and asking for divine retribution for years.

It has always fascinated me how everyone, including me, proof texts the Bible; that is we take the verses we like, and use them to prove their arguments. It seems to me the folk who spout hatred of others whom they disagree with have missed a few verses. Matthew 5: 21 to 48 seems to me to say pretty clearly that if you lust after a woman you have committed adultery. The logical extension is that if you ever thought in your heart that George Tiller deserved Death for his actions, You are guilty of his Murder.

I am reasonably sure that people who believe that abortion is always wrong will find this argument lacking, and will continue to claim innocence. That does not bother me as much as the idea that I cannot shake that I failed to do anything to contribute to the safety of Dr. Tiller. I failed to do or to say anything in the public forum to announce that there are Christians that believe in the right of women to choose. I failed to combat the tyranny of those who would shackle everyone to their understanding, their fear, their desire to rule regardless of those who suffer because of anothers' beliefs.

What will I do to deal with the sense of failure I have? Maybe I will speak out. Maybe I will act. Maybe I will put some time and energy into something that will protect the right of a woman to choose for herself. Maybe I will risk some of my comfort, or my money, or even my safety.

What will you do?