The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has brought out unexpected reactions from some Americans. At least I didn't expect them.
Many people, including at least one former Washington Post personality, expressed happiness and even "joy" about the murder. How far have we fallen as a people when cold blooded murder on a city street is celebrated?
Brian Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April of 2021, after working for over 15 years in various executive positions in the company. UnitedHealthcare has been criticized as of late for denying insurance claims. Some people, including Thompson's killer, apparently blame Thompson for any and all issues they have with the company. They praise the murder as a good thing, somehow.
The alleged killer was captured in a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a customer recognized him from the TV coverage and called police. People on social media have called that customer a "rat," and a "snitch," for getting a murder suspect off the street. I hope they never lose someone they love to a murderer.
Healthcare CEO or not, Brian Thompson didn't deserve his fate on that street at the hands of that angry young man. He was a family man, leaving behind a wife and two sons. The ages of the boys have not been revealed, leaving one to believe they are minors who must finish growing up without their father. In a telephone interview, his wife said Thompson had reported getting death threats.
No one deserves to be murdered because of an issue with a corporation. No one should be murdered over a dispute, period. But those celebrating it are difficult for me to understand. Murder has never been acceptable in a civilized society. Those who celebrate this incident need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and examine what's inside them.
Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
