There is a disconnect between people who describe themselves as pro-life yet kill physicians and other health-care providers who provide abortions. Some of the very same people who condemn medical providers for taking lives have stalked physicians and shot them in their own homes, often with their children in the same room.
Abortion is a divisive issue. Of that, there is no question. Whichever camp Americans identify themselves with, they have every right to conduct peaceable protests, lobby elected officials for changes in the law and seek legal interpretations. In the post-Rowe vs. Wade era, there continues to be lively debate, which is a healthy aspect of America's system of government.
In recent years, thoughtful debate has been marred by acts of violence. On at least 11 occasions, protesters have bombed abortion clinics or shot at practitioners, both at the workplace and in their homes. This past week, authorities captured James Kopp in France after two years on the run. He is accused of the 1998 sniper slaying of Dr. Barnett Slepian, a Buffalo abortion doctor, shot at home while talking with his wife and one of his sons. Federal authorities are now seeking to extradite Kopp, nicknamed the "Atomic Dog" in anti-abortion circles.
Although Attorney General John Ashcroft is personally opposed to abortion, he has said he is "totally committed to enforcing the law in cases like this." That ought to be the feeling of every lawful American.
Regardless of one's personal beliefs about abortion, senseless violence will do nothing to further the dialogue. If anything, it makes the job of legitimate pro-life advocates more difficult.
Premeditated homicide is not an ideological act. It is a violent criminal act, and the Kopps of the world need to be treated accordingly. Credit Ashcroft for his commitment to bring Kopp to justice.