THE TILLER MURDER - AT 8:22 P.M. ET:  As many of you know by now, Dr. George Tiller, a controversial abortion provider and one of the few providers who still performed late-term abortions, was murdered today in Wichita, Kansas.  A suspect has been taken into custody.  First reports say he had some association with parts of the pro-life movement.  President Obama denounced the murder in a measured statement.

Now we will see how the nation reacts to this unacceptable crime.  After 9/11 we were told not to blame all Muslims for the actions of a few.  That was correct.  But let us see if that same standard is applied to the pro-life movement, which is overwhelmingly non-violent.  Don't hold your breath. 

Tiller was a public figure, often a lightning rod for protests because he was willing to perform those late-term abortions.  Some believed he was violating the law and tried to bring him to justice.  It was entirely proper for commentators to either praise or denounce him.  It was obviously outrageous for anyone to kill him. 

This was a criminal act.  It must be seen that way, not as a reflection of any movement.  The saddest thing would be for the pro-choice people to try to exploit the crime for their own ends.  The debate over abortion should continue in a civilized manner, unaffected by this single expression of lawlessness.

May 31, 2009