Following the tragic murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, I am appalled at the attempts of certain politicians like U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., to change the narrative about this heinous crime.
While both decried the specific act of violence, they implied that it could be justified because of the frustration of having claims denied by private insurance providers.
Anyone who knows me knows that I want universal health care, as do these politicians. But, I also want to live in a safer nation where people follow the rules.
If the suspect in the killing, Luigi Mangione, is competent to stand trial and is found guilty of first-degree murder, I would advocate for the death penalty.
Our justice system cannot afford to send a message to the public that a cold-blooded killer will get leniency if their victim was unpopular. Rationalizing these actions and showing mercy to those criminals create an environment where it’s open season on anyone who has ever worked in an unpopular job.
Moral superiority has been used as an excuse to put gay teens through conversion therapy, shoot at abortion clinics, and other dangerous practices and crimes.
We have to end this now. We have no other choice.
Evan Grollman, Camden
Note: New York State does not currently impose the death penalty.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com
Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.
