No one should be killed for their opinion, no matter how controversial they are
A strong disbelief of one’s views on an extremely controversial issue does not warrant taking their life.
And it never should. Ever.
Early in the morning of Sept. 11, anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon was shot to death outside Owosso High School. He was holding up a photograph of an abortion across the street from the high school, attempting to speak to students and was shot four to 10 times.
According to an article on MLive.com, Pouillon was known for publicly protesting abortion throughout the community by carrying graphic signs of babies and aborted fetuses.
So because he was against abortion, he will never live to see his grandchildren grow old.
Putting similar facts in a different scenario, will murdering someone still be the resolution to the conflict?
Just a year ago, the nation was in the midst of a potential – and now an actual – historic political change in the White House. In the months leading up to President Barack Obama’s election, there were jabs exchanged back and forth between Republicans and Democrats alike.
For some individuals in this lovely country of ours, politics are a very important issue. And the factors behind their decision to choose the next leader of the greatest country in the world they hold dear to their hearts – much like their stance on abortion.
Now, if an extremist on the left is so fed up with the viewpoints, arguments and beliefs of an extremist on the right and killed that person, are they any different than the person who killed Pouillon?
Let me answer that for you: No.
Second scenario: Football player Michael Vick.
I am by no means saying Vick’s involvement with dogfighting in 2007 was in any way acceptable. It is clear, though, he was not in the right frame of mind when he partook in those activities.
There’s no denying animal rights activists, and even some individuals within the PETA organization, probably wished death upon Vick for the outrageous operation he was involved in and even bankrolled.
And I am sure, if given the chance, some of those aforementioned people would have taken his life.
Is that person (or people) any different from Pouillon’s killer?
Again, no.
The easiest way to resolve such differences is to leave them alone. Or, agree to disagree, value their opinion - even if it may be wrong according to what you feel is right – and go on your way.
There is absolutely no justifiable reason to murder someone over their beliefs, no matter how poignant or misconstrued they may seem to be.
