A Tale of Two Murders

(Here is an article published June 5, 2009 in The Washington Flyer that is an interesting read; I had thought of the same thing earlier this week..... I wondered about the difference in response?!?!?!)

This past week Americans profiled two horrific acts of violence as Dr. George Tiller, known for his heinous acts against the unborn, was murdered in his church. A day later, America also witnessed a United States Army recruiter be murdered and another seriously injured, as they were fulfilling their duties in the great country they serve. Both acts of violence were horrific and unacceptable, yet the difference in response to both incidents is perhaps even more chilling. Within hours of the announcement of George Tiller’s murder, the President appropriately released a statement:

“I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services this morning. However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.”

Attorney General Eric Holder also dispatched U.S. Marshals to protect “appropriate people and facilities around the nation,” in response to the murder of George Tiller. While authorities believe Tiller’s murderer acted alone, precautionary steps were taken.

In response to the murder of a U.S. Army Private, William Long, on home soil, the President stated absolutely nothing. Attorney General Eric Holder also made no comment and no U.S. Marshalls were directed to other recruiting stations, despite authorities, including the FBI, unsure if the suspect, a newly converted Muslim, acted alone or as evidence may be suggesting had ties with other domestic terrorists.

It was not until three days after the attack and an outcry from conservative media links and American citizens alike, that the President released this statement:

“I am deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence against two brave young soldiers who were doing their part to strengthen our armed forces and keep our country safe. I would like to wish Quinton Ezeagwula a speedy recovery, and to offer my condolences and prayers to William Long’s family as they mourn the loss of their son.”

Understanding the busy schedule of the President, it is still difficult to believe a simple statement or condolences to the family were not a priority. In fact, the President was even given a superb opportunity to denounce the actions of the perpetrator and give his respects to the soldiers and their families not even 24 hours after the attack when he announced the new Secretary of the Army. Again, nothing was said or mentioned. Some critics believe the President did not make comments regarding the attack earlier, fearing its impact when he traveled to the Middle East later in the week to reach out to Muslims.

While the President may not have made his remarks as hastily as many would have hoped, others were perturbed even further by the choice of words the President used and his ignorance to denounce the reasons behind the attacks. Bloggers criticized his word usage in response to the attack on the recruiters claiming “senseless act of violence” was a ignorant view of the evidence that suggests the actions were not senseless but rather planned and operated with a goal in mind. The President’s comments of being personally “shocked and outraged” when learning of the death of an abortion doctor compared to his “deeply saddened” statement of the attack on the U.S. soldiers also seemed a bit out of touch with many Americans.

Benjamin Franklin once stated, “Words may show a man’s wit, but actions his meaning.” While the President addressed both horrible incidents in words, his actions to remain silent for three days when a soldier was murdered by a terror suspect, compared to his rapid response to the murder of an abortion doctor have brought some questioning of his meanings.