re: #241 tradewind

There is laying down your life for a deeply held principle, and there is stupidity in exposing yourself to risk because you are in denial and/or unwilling to modify your lifestyle.
Martyrdom is not carelessly allowing yourself to become the target for a maniac when there are alternatives. The fact that other physicians were unwilling to take that physical risk for profit that Tiller took (and please spare the anecdotes of all the pro bono work… he was a very wealthy man because of his monopoly) does not qualify him for sainthood.

The man took all kinds of precautions. For years after being shot in both arms, he was guarded by federal marshalls. He wore a bulletproof vest (that’s why the head shot) and drove an armored SUV. And all this because he was providing a legal and necessary and life saving and health preserving service that fanatics were willing to murder him for providing. He should not have had to change professions, and he didn’t, even though in constant danger; he was desperately needed in the one he chose, and knew it.

And he was finally gunned down in the sanctuary of his church.