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May 31, 2009

The American Taliban reacts, begging the "waterboarding" question

A suspect has been captured following the murder of abortion-provider George Tiller. Upon reading about it I thought I'd surf around and see how the right-wing is reacting to the whole thing. So far many seem to be studiously ignoring the issue. Not that I can blame them. But there is some commentary out there that is revealing.

Freepers seem to so far be expressing approval of George Tiller's murder and justifying it with religious terminology, as Kos Diarist JMA notes. In fairness, there is some dissent being expressed. But that appears to be the exception rather than the rule.

Kos Diarist danceattakjg shows that FOX News readers are also expressing approval of Tiller's murder.

Little Green Footballs denounced Operation Rescue founder Terry Randall's public statement:

Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue states, “George Tiller was a mass-murderer. We grieve for him that he did not have time to properly prepare his soul to face God. I am more concerned that the Obama Administration will use Tiller’s killing to intimidate pro-lifers into surrendering our most effective rhetoric and actions. Abortion is still murder. And we still must call abortion by its proper name; murder.

“Those men and women who slaughter the unborn are murderers according to the Law of God. We must continue to expose them in our communities and peacefully protest them at their offices and homes, and yes, even their churches.”

Operation Rescue itself issued this statement:

“We are shocked at this morning’s disturbing news that Mr. Tiller was gunned down,” anti-abortion group Operation Rescue said in a statement on its Web site. “Operation Rescue has worked for years through peaceful, legal means, and through the proper channels to see him brought to justice. We denounce vigilantism and the cowardly act that took place this morning. We pray for Mr. Tiller’s family that they will find comfort and healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”

Which of course is mostly just double-talk. The assertion that Dr. Tiller was a criminal who needed to be "brought to justice" undercuts the mealy-mouthed claims of disapproval of his murder.

Patterico Pontificated a very astute observation:

Whoever did this is a fool. Not only does this hurt the anti-abortion cause and go against Christian teachings, but it validates the recent report warning of conservative domestic terrorists.

Indeed it does!

As far as I can tell it seems that those who are politically conservative because of ideological reasons are condemning this murder, while those who are conservatives because of religious beliefs (i.e., the American Taliban) are either expressing outright approval or are indirectly inferring approval.

So how 'bout it, conservatives? Should this captured suspect be waterboarded? Given the nature of his statement, should Terry Randall be waterboarded? Surely the FBI has a list of anti-abortion individuals and groups who are monitored on the basis of their potential to commit violence and murder for the cause. Should a new wing be set up at Gitmo and let the interrocations commence?

Update: Andrew Sullivan - O'Reilly's Target Shot Dead In Church

Posted by Kevin at May 31, 2009 02:43 PM