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MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 02:51 PM Dec 5

I'm Confused. So, When Is It OK to Shoot Someone in the Back on the Street?

I thought the answer was never. However, I seem to be seeing some people who think it's OK sometimes, at least when they agree that the person killed is a bad person.

The trouble is that different people think different people are "bad persons."

So, is it only OK when you and I agree that the dead person was a bad person, but not otherwise?

What if other people think someone else is a "bad person," but you don't think that person is a "bad person?" Is it OK if the person who thinks that person is a "bad person" shoots him or her in the back on the street? Or is that only for people you and I think are "bad persons."

It's confusing.

I think I'm just not going to shoot ANYONE in the back. Whether I like them or not. Whether I think they are bad or not. That seems to be the way the rules were all of my life, so maybe I'll just keep following those rules and not kill anyone. Yeah...that sounds like the best plan for me to follow.

246 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I'm Confused. So, When Is It OK to Shoot Someone in the Back on the Street? (Original Post) MineralMan Dec 5 OP
Never, why would you ask? Think. Again. Dec 5 #1
Are you sure no one has said that, or implied it? MineralMan Dec 5 #7
it seems to me that you and a few others are really trying hard... Think. Again. Dec 5 #18
Nope. I'm just pointing out a bit of a contradiction. MineralMan Dec 5 #41
and many people disagree with your premise. Think. Again. Dec 5 #50
And that's just fine, isn't it? MineralMan Dec 5 #52
Seriously. Think. Again. Dec 5 #54
Have you ever been shot in the back by someone you disagreed with on DU? Scrivener7 Dec 5 #64
Nope. I haven't. MineralMan Dec 5 #71
Well, you're talking about DUers shooting you in the back. Scrivener7 Dec 5 #75
This message was self-deleted by its author Amanita Pantherina Dec 6 #218
It's not ForgedCrank Dec 5 #79
I really, really, don't see that. Think. Again. Dec 5 #106
Did you see the post that says the shooter should be treated as a "folk hero"? onenote Dec 5 #183
no, I didn't, there are too many posts on this for me to keep up with.... Think. Again. Dec 5 #188
Ditto iamateacher Dec 5 #116
Well, the body of your own post claims it was good. Patton French Dec 5 #104
What the poster doesn't realize is the CEO will be jimfields33 Dec 5 #115
What laws are those? choie Dec 5 #203
Whatever congress passed. Whatever the board of jimfields33 Dec 5 #205
Not paying for some care isn't "preventing" care. Groundhawg Dec 6 #229
Being happy someone is dead is not the same as suggesting people go out and commit murder MadameButterfly Dec 6 #212
I think what people are attempting to conveying is,... magicarpet Dec 5 #21
For all we know the shooter was a jilted lover or somethng. Think. Again. Dec 5 #24
Let's not go too Fuks Newszy and blow things way out of proportion.. magicarpet Dec 5 #42
...actually it would be perfectly okay. thomski64 Dec 5 #86
And anywhere else for him to do it. The Supreme Court said so! DeeDeeNY Dec 5 #128
Yea, PXR-5 Dec 5 #181
A poster below said he was "fair game" Patton French Dec 5 #114
I see a post that says... Think. Again. Dec 5 #121
It appears that's what the poster implied. Patton French Dec 5 #130
The response to this has been appalling mcar Dec 5 #2
You got that right MustLoveBeagles Dec 6 #232
Oh hypocrisy is quite common... WarGamer Dec 5 #3
insurrection to keep Trump out of office? Skittles Dec 6 #207
Looks like when you are paid big bucks multigraincracker Dec 5 #4
Well ,... if you are djt and on 5th Avenue fire away..... magicarpet Dec 5 #5
The obvious answer is 'never'. 33taw Dec 5 #6
Yes. We're still not sure about the motivation. MineralMan Dec 5 #9
I think trump and GOPers might answer, "Yes." I'm surprised at some Democrats for doing same. Silent Type Dec 5 #8
Yeah. Me, too. MineralMan Dec 5 #10
I haven't seen that here. Think. Again. Dec 5 #19
You haven't been looking and dispite your effort I won't link to posts. That violates TOS. Silent Type Dec 5 #94
It's my opinion that you are confusing what people feel about... Think. Again. Dec 5 #98
Congress is responsible for the healthcare system we have. This guy -- even if an A-hole -- is operating within Silent Type Dec 5 #105
Congress is also responsible for the massive gun availibility in the U.S. Think. Again. Dec 5 #109
Exactly. But you are apparently willing to endorse the 2nd Amendment solution if you don't like someone. Silent Type Dec 5 #149
I don't understand what you mean... Think. Again. Dec 5 #174
No, although your posts do sound enabling/approving. BTW, where were you yesterday? Silent Type Dec 5 #177
Do they? really? Think. Again. Dec 5 #179
That's bs, most of us don't need rules to not be a monster questionseverything Dec 5 #141
So are you endorsing the trumpian 2nd Amendment solution? Silent Type Dec 5 #150
When your life and the lives of those you love are in danger Asa13 Dec 5 #11
Self Defense or Defense of Others? MineralMan Dec 5 #28
'That's pretty much universally accepted by societies' SamuelTheThird Dec 5 #164
Do you honestly believe that man personally made all the sinkingfeeling Dec 5 #67
Was he the one personally denying claims no Asa13 Dec 5 #145
At my core, I'm against the death penalty. Dennis Donovan Dec 5 #12
The guy who got it a couple days ago certainly deserved it Callie1979 Dec 5 #17
Yep. Lunabell Dec 5 #112
Yes. That is a core value for me, as well. MineralMan Dec 5 #30
Agree 100 per cent. The death penalty is a barbarous relic. Celerity Dec 5 #62
It is not OK - but KT2000 Dec 5 #13
I have close personal knowledge of someone who died MineralMan Dec 5 #37
I'm glad you agree that people can feel good when abusers, such as the dead guy, are stopped. Think. Again. Dec 5 #45
fighting a denial of care KT2000 Dec 5 #59
Exactly. intheflow Dec 5 #175
Negligence is different from malign action. harumph Dec 5 #191
Good answer pfitz59 Dec 5 #134
Doctors at a medical web site comment section say the dead insurance executive brought it upon himself with rampant,... magicarpet Dec 5 #193
+10 Emile Dec 7 #240
When the murder of people by CEOs is legal and lauded, eventually there is blowback. Coventina Dec 5 #14
Yes, amid all the sanctimony I'm not seeing any examination of how we got to this place. BannonsLiver Dec 5 #26
I don't think it was lawful. I just don't give a shit. nt LexVegas Dec 5 #15
How dare you not give a shit! BannonsLiver Dec 5 #23
Right? Think. Again. Dec 5 #31
Some might call it grandstanding. BannonsLiver Dec 5 #36
+1 leftstreet Dec 5 #43
The American Revolution gab13by13 Dec 5 #16
Record me it is bad to shoot someone TexLaProgressive Dec 5 #20
This message was self-deleted by its author BannonsLiver Dec 5 #22
Only Trump can legally do that! Emile Dec 5 #25
It's never OK to shoot someone in the back on the street. That's murder. And, when caught and convicted, sop Dec 5 #27
Agree with your take. dchill Dec 5 #88
Unless he's a cop shooting a black guy in the back. Solomon Dec 6 #233
Words matter. Gore1FL Dec 5 #29
Never, and... Mike Nelson Dec 5 #32
Who here shot someone in the back? What did I miss? Scrivener7 Dec 5 #33
Just for the record, it wasn't me. Think. Again. Dec 5 #48
Not I XanaDUer2 Dec 5 #56
Are you SURE? Scrivener7 Dec 5 #169
Lol XanaDUer2 Dec 5 #171
Of course. I am heavily depending on the concept of "spheres of influence and spheres of concern" to get me Scrivener7 Dec 5 #180
Could be any reason XanaDUer2 Dec 5 #185
Message auto-removed Name removed Dec 5 #34
... Kali Dec 5 #137
Message auto-removed Name removed Dec 5 #153
Not a good thing at all, but trump can do it, or order it done... brush Dec 5 #35
Excellent point. Think. Again. Dec 5 #49
It's so dreary to even think about that the SCOTUS 6 is so corrupt that they listnen to trump's attorney... brush Dec 5 #80
It sounds like he wanted to be a vigilante by killing people. People like him used to Ping Tung Dec 5 #38
Do insurance execs mourn anyone's death? dalton99a Dec 5 #39
I can't answer that. I don't know anyone in that position. MineralMan Dec 5 #44
It's not. Susan Calvin Dec 5 #40
Never, but the method of his death doesn't make him a saint, either ms liberty Dec 5 #46
You're such a good person Prairie Gates Dec 5 #47
Not necessarily, but I do have some hard and fast rules I follow. MineralMan Dec 5 #51
Oh, I thought you posted this because you wanted people to say that Prairie Gates Dec 5 #53
Well played radicalleft Dec 5 #69
As opposed to all the DUers running around shooting people. Scrivener7 Dec 5 #83
Good guy with a gun syndrome Aviation Pro Dec 5 #55
Well, we still don't know the shooter's motive. MineralMan Dec 5 #57
Bull. We know his general motive, if not the specifics. He left a trail that specified it. NoRethugFriends Dec 5 #120
No, we don't. MineralMan Dec 5 #122
Meh. there's a difference between "it's okay to do that" and... AkFemDem Dec 5 #58
It does not matter the rationale for any murder. As an sinkingfeeling Dec 5 #60
Yes - absolutely correct FakeNoose Dec 5 #140
God said.. k0rs Dec 6 #238
Agree claudette Dec 5 #61
What is this about? Cirsium Dec 5 #63
Apparently DUers are running amok, shooting Scrivener7 Dec 5 #66
Right Cirsium Dec 5 #77
You nailed it!!!! Coventina Dec 5 #111
Yup! XanaDUer2 Dec 5 #163
Obviously murder is wrong. dawg Dec 5 #65
Did you want a bonfire to go with your strawman? Voltaire2 Dec 5 #68
Oh, hi there! MineralMan Dec 5 #72
This message was self-deleted by its author Amanita Pantherina Dec 5 #202
why don't you just answer? Skittles Dec 6 #208
You're better. Demobrat Dec 5 #70
It became OK on 2 specific dates maxrandb Dec 5 #73
you get it Skittles Dec 6 #209
One thing is for certain. Omnipresent Dec 5 #74
Oh please Woodwizard Dec 5 #76
You're very polite, but I have nothing for you, I'm afraid. MineralMan Dec 5 #78
That's fine I will survive. Woodwizard Dec 5 #124
If an assailant is about to murder children and I have the drop on him from behind Orrex Dec 5 #81
"But NO ONE is celebrating..." sarisataka Dec 5 #82
You found one!! Congratulations!! Scrivener7 Dec 5 #84
The posts are not hard to find, sarisataka Dec 5 #87
We're all very proud of you. Scrivener7 Dec 5 #89
No need sarisataka Dec 5 #96
Of course. Because of all the murdering people here will do Scrivener7 Dec 5 #99
. sarisataka Dec 5 #110
No, really. I was standing at the door, shotgun in hand, and only YOUR wise words stopped me! Scrivener7 Dec 5 #139
This message was self-deleted by its author Scrivener7 Dec 5 #90
This message was self-deleted by its author Scrivener7 Dec 5 #92
Thanks. On this matter -- shooting someone in back -- feel like I'm on some trump site promoting 2nd Amendment solutions Silent Type Dec 5 #97
Thanks. MineralMan Dec 5 #108
Hi still proud of my comment and stand by it Asa13 Dec 5 #155
Nor do I expect you to change your position sarisataka Dec 5 #161
I'm pretty sure it's self defense or possibly saving the life of a potential victim that might be legal. Hope22 Dec 5 #85
Assassination is never OK. LisaM Dec 5 #91
No need to fight you. BannonsLiver Dec 5 #118
Nazis are always fair game JoseBalow Dec 5 #93
It's not okay. cer7711 Dec 5 #95
It is confusing. Patton French Dec 5 #100
I'm not sure I'd say it's NEVER okay.... Happy Hoosier Dec 5 #101
Never Keepthesoulalive Dec 5 #102
NEVER ColinC Dec 5 #103
So murdering Hitler would have been wrong? NoRethugFriends Dec 5 #123
That's an excellent question. MineralMan Dec 5 #126
And your answer? NoRethugFriends Dec 5 #190
Here's my answer. What's yours? LAS14 Dec 6 #222
Yes ColinC Dec 5 #138
Well....since this guy was a rich CEO ($10M per year) they'll be a HELL of a lot more than Bengus81 Dec 5 #107
OK has nothing to do with it - Nigrum Cattus Dec 5 #113
When is it okay to kill thousands of people at your day job and think karma won't come knocking. onecaliberal Dec 5 #117
"It depends" - TBF Dec 5 #119
Feels like sealioning. nt GenThePerservering Dec 5 #125
Oh, come on! This is a discussion board. The question prompted an interesting discussion. nt LAS14 Dec 6 #223
Not OK -- but my grief is elsewhere occupied Betty Boom Dec 5 #127
NRA Rule #1: All it takes is a good guy with a gun to stop a bad guy with a gun. LastLiberal in PalmSprings Dec 5 #129
Now theplayer Dec 5 #131
Maybe you should ask a preacher. markodochartaigh Dec 5 #132
From what I have read here, I think you are equating the murder of someone being okay and those that PortTack Dec 5 #133
This. progressoid Dec 6 #236
No one has said murder is okay. Linda ladeewolf Dec 5 #135
Whoa theplayer Dec 5 #142
To be honest, I personally do agree with you. Linda ladeewolf Dec 5 #146
Spot on. It's a consequence of the predatory system we have. harumph Dec 5 #156
Let me make it clear theplayer Dec 5 #136
I am also confused edhopper Dec 5 #143
I dont know. MineralMan Dec 5 #157
You would not celebrate edhopper Dec 5 #192
Celebrate? No. MineralMan Dec 5 #196
We do feel differently edhopper Dec 5 #199
Is THIS enough reason? paleotn Dec 5 #144
Not in my ethos, no. MineralMan Dec 5 #159
And if your ethos brings us to do nothing but prattle on about the problems we face.... paleotn Dec 5 #167
The question isn't 'is it ok?' Aussie105 Dec 5 #147
But that was my question. MineralMan Dec 5 #160
Your question is ridiculous GenThePerservering Dec 5 #148
OK. But it's my thread. MineralMan Dec 5 #162
The state sanctions murder every day Mr.WeRP Dec 5 #151
Difference from people not feeling a sense of compassion with condoning the behavior, which you imply. LizBeth Dec 5 #152
You make a distinction that is obvious to most, but that some folks here don't seem to be able to grasp. Scrivener7 Dec 5 #166
Ya, I tend to feel it is the second.... Has me about rolling my eyes. I work for health insurance LizBeth Dec 5 #182
AND there's nothing wrong with that. Contrary to what some here will say. Scrivener7 Dec 5 #184
The words "justice for all" hasn't applied to the USA in decades. When that changes we can have a right or wrong yaesu Dec 5 #154
We can punch "up" without supporting murder. ALBliberal Dec 5 #158
The only "good" to come out of an abhorrent act I do not condone.. Pacifist Patriot Dec 5 #165
A person shot a CEO. If it was anyone else, we wouldn't hear about it. The irony is that he affected more lives than Evolve Dammit Dec 5 #168
Never. AllyCat Dec 5 #170
Some Americans are getting enured to violence Marthe48 Dec 5 #172
Imagine all health insurance companies SharonClark Dec 5 #173
Congress. MineralMan Dec 5 #189
Of course it's not okay to shoot someone in the back on the street. But I don't give a shit that Autumn Dec 5 #176
There needs to be a LOT more pearl clutching over deaths caused by the insurance industry. Babajida Dec 5 #178
Ironically most doctors support the GOP. Big Time LeftInTX Dec 6 #210
I assume it's just a loud minority who support that. ecstatic Dec 5 #186
No excuse snowybirdie Dec 5 #187
Well, yes, which is why none of us did it. Scrivener7 Dec 6 #213
If you are Don Old it's okay, but no one else. Hassler Dec 5 #194
What about Hitler? oldmanlynn Dec 5 #195
Yes. People tried. Many people. MineralMan Dec 5 #197
Is anyone here saying that this person should not be charged for what happened? Lancero Dec 5 #198
I'm confused OP ThePartyThatListens Dec 5 #200
That straw man dpibel Dec 5 #201
A comment left on UHC's facebook thread Babajida Dec 5 #204
It's not Okay to murder someone Bettie Dec 5 #206
I find it enormously disquieting to learn so many are callous and indifferent to this murder. summer_in_TX Dec 6 #211
I bet dozens of people were murdered the same day as this guy. People to whom you and I have no Scrivener7 Dec 6 #214
Those others are not being mentioned MineralMan Dec 6 #215
So, what you care deeply about is other people's opinions and reactions, then. Not the guy himself. Scrivener7 Dec 6 #216
You are always ready to tell me what I think or care about. MineralMan Dec 6 #221
Just pointing out what you, yourself have shown us. Scrivener7 Dec 6 #231
Somehow, you're missing something. MineralMan Dec 6 #239
When one starts a post saying "I'm confused" Amanita Pantherina Dec 6 #237
Knowing about it is all it takes. summer_in_TX Dec 6 #226
Well said MustLoveBeagles Dec 6 #230
Anger, fear, and contempt is a hell of a stew. summer_in_TX Dec 9 #246
Yeah, I'm not going to engage in the ghoul dancing, either. Tommy Carcetti Dec 6 #217
Life is complex. We can assure ourselves (probably with justification) that... LAS14 Dec 6 #219
Any method of killing another is wrong nini Dec 6 #220
I'm not a religious man but orangecrush Dec 6 #224
It is not wisdom but authority that makes a law. Amanita Pantherina Dec 6 #225
Not my point orangecrush Dec 6 #228
When the cops do it! atreides1 Dec 6 #227
Thomas Jefferson and the founders would disagree Quixote1818 Dec 6 #234
the black and white requires a never answer... stillcool Dec 6 #235
A question, please, to further the discussion. hamsterjill Dec 7 #241
I too wouldn't lose any sleep if he's not found. Emile Dec 7 #242
Good Question. MineralMan Dec 7 #243
I accept your premise but I differ on one main issue. hamsterjill Dec 7 #244
Yes, of course. It is his responsibility. MineralMan Dec 7 #245

Think. Again.

(19,114 posts)
18. it seems to me that you and a few others are really trying hard...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:07 PM
Dec 5

....to stir up something very ugly.

Some here, myself included, have no personal connection to this man and only know that he will no longer be doing the very bad things he had been doing to many people, but I haven't seen anyone claiming that assasination is okay, or good, for any reason, in any post.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
41. Nope. I'm just pointing out a bit of a contradiction.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:23 PM
Dec 5

Many people are recognizing that I'm doing exactly that.

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
64. Have you ever been shot in the back by someone you disagreed with on DU?
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:40 PM
Dec 5

That's awful! Seems like a DU crime wave that I've totally missed!

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
71. Nope. I haven't.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:46 PM
Dec 5

I had one guy threaten to come to my house and kick my ass, though. I wrote back, "Come on by. I'll pour you a cup of coffee." Never heard from him again.

This thread is not about people attacking me, though. It's about something else. I guess I didn't make it clear enough, eh?

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
75. Well, you're talking about DUers shooting you in the back.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:51 PM
Dec 5

I thought it was an actual concern.

But it's just a strawman. What a relief!

Response to Scrivener7 (Reply #75)

ForgedCrank

(2,388 posts)
79. It's not
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:53 PM
Dec 5

just a "bit" of contradiction. It is blatant promotion of murder.
There are days when I question my affiliations.

Think. Again.

(19,114 posts)
188. no, I didn't, there are too many posts on this for me to keep up with....
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:19 PM
Dec 5

...it's a very busy topic here, I imagine the instigators will show up soon too.

Patton French

(1,186 posts)
104. Well, the body of your own post claims it was good.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:18 PM
Dec 5

“he will no longer be doing the very bad things he had been doing to many people”

jimfields33

(19,317 posts)
115. What the poster doesn't realize is the CEO will be
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:32 PM
Dec 5

replaced with the same laws and rules the insurance company has. So the excuse is strange.

choie

(4,705 posts)
203. What laws are those?
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 09:10 PM
Dec 5

The law that they can prevent their customers from getting the care they need?

jimfields33

(19,317 posts)
205. Whatever congress passed. Whatever the board of
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 10:56 PM
Dec 5

Directors passed and whatever the insurance bureau passed. I’m sure there are ton more who gets to put in laws and regulations.

MadameButterfly

(1,953 posts)
212. Being happy someone is dead is not the same as suggesting people go out and commit murder
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 04:06 AM
Dec 6

i am happy this is causing such outrage and publicity of the problem. In his death this man is doing more for humanity than he did in his life.
I'll save my mourning for the victims of his crimes. I don't condone their murders either.

magicarpet

(16,974 posts)
21. I think what people are attempting to conveying is,...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:11 PM
Dec 5

As JFK said sometime ago,...

"Those who make peaceful protest impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable."

magicarpet

(16,974 posts)
42. Let's not go too Fuks Newszy and blow things way out of proportion..
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:23 PM
Dec 5

Also too,.. the days of bringing a plastic butter knife to a gun fight are long behind us.

These Nazis have captured full majority control of every branch of our government....

These Nazis mean business and
intend to go on a rampage of harm and violence if any effort is made to stop them.

The days of "owning the Libs" are also behind us,.. now we enter the "descimate & eliminate the Libs" phase.

thomski64

(582 posts)
86. ...actually it would be perfectly okay.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:03 PM
Dec 5

.. if DonOld Doucebag did it on 5th Avenue...
in an official capacity of course..m

Think. Again.

(19,114 posts)
121. I see a post that says...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:36 PM
Dec 5

"Nazis are always fair game", I didn't see any saying this guy was though.

Do we know if the dead guy was a nazi?

WarGamer

(15,762 posts)
3. Oh hypocrisy is quite common...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 02:54 PM
Dec 5

* for me but nor for thee...

Insurrection bad... except to keep Trump out of office.

Gun violence bad... except when it's political violence

Free speech good... except when we don't like the content

multigraincracker

(34,328 posts)
4. Looks like when you are paid big bucks
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 02:56 PM
Dec 5

by someone who will make more big bucks.

always follow the money

magicarpet

(16,974 posts)
5. Well ,... if you are djt and on 5th Avenue fire away.....
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 02:56 PM
Dec 5

.... no repercussions no punishment,... go play a round of golf and enjoy yourself.

33taw

(2,922 posts)
6. The obvious answer is 'never'.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 02:56 PM
Dec 5

It will be interesting to know the motivation of the UCH killing. It is hard to sympathize with someone who supports insurance companies denying coverage. But, the motivation could be anything from domestic violence to corporate greed.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
9. Yes. We're still not sure about the motivation.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:00 PM
Dec 5

Murder is ugly. Whether or not we liked the corpse when alive.

I'm against it.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
10. Yeah. Me, too.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:02 PM
Dec 5

I never fail to be surprised from time to time. It's hard to maintain a constant ethical standard, I guess. All those exceptions, eh?

There are only a few things I think are pretty much absolutes. But there are some.

Think. Again.

(19,114 posts)
98. It's my opinion that you are confusing what people feel about...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:14 PM
Dec 5

...the death of a person who used to hurt people for money, with the way that person died. Those are two different topics.

Silent Type

(7,339 posts)
105. Congress is responsible for the healthcare system we have. This guy -- even if an A-hole -- is operating within
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:18 PM
Dec 5

laws enacted by GOPers AND Democrats.

Silent Type

(7,339 posts)
149. Exactly. But you are apparently willing to endorse the 2nd Amendment solution if you don't like someone.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:18 PM
Dec 5

Think. Again.

(19,114 posts)
174. I don't understand what you mean...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:05 PM
Dec 5

...I don't care that this man died, but what are accusing me of?

Edit to add: Do you think I'm the shooter?

 

Asa13

(43 posts)
11. When your life and the lives of those you love are in danger
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:03 PM
Dec 5

The truth is through the actions of his company he was a threat to people. With the ascension of Trump and his facist cabinet let's be honest we are in a fight they'll do it to us without shedding a tear. They've proved that through the years and that was without having people with their values in control of government

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
28. Self Defense or Defense of Others?
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:13 PM
Dec 5

Yes. If someone is in immediate danger of violence, then that person or someone else is justified in doing whatever is require to stop a violent act. Absolutely.

That's pretty much universally accepted by societies.

But, it is the immediacy that is the salient factor.

If the threat is diffuse, however, and not necessarily connected to an individual set on doing harm right then, shooting that person in the back on the street is not defensible. Nope.

SamuelTheThird

(179 posts)
164. 'That's pretty much universally accepted by societies'
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:40 PM
Dec 5

No, it actually isn't. Buddhism and Jainism, for instance, don't teach that.

So, let's just admit these are all SUBJECTIVE. So it's not very persuasive to just make declarations of right and wrong as if you're the arbiter and have some lock on objective morality.

sinkingfeeling

(53,257 posts)
67. Do you honestly believe that man personally made all the
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:41 PM
Dec 5

decisions for UnitedHealthcare by himself? He was a part of a huge corporation. Are you advocating that people murder every employee?

 

Asa13

(43 posts)
145. Was he the one personally denying claims no
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:11 PM
Dec 5

But he was part of the people putting those policies into place that kill and injured innocent Americans who pay their hard earned dollars to these companies

Dennis Donovan

(27,458 posts)
12. At my core, I'm against the death penalty.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:03 PM
Dec 5

So, no matter the crime, I believe in incarceration that fits the crime, not the taking of one's life.

Callie1979

(284 posts)
17. The guy who got it a couple days ago certainly deserved it
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:07 PM
Dec 5

Raping & killing a 9yr old doesn't deserve a life sentence.

Celerity

(46,866 posts)
62. Agree 100 per cent. The death penalty is a barbarous relic.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:39 PM
Dec 5

Our stance is not popular with many on this board, but I stand by it.

KT2000

(20,951 posts)
13. It is not OK - but
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:03 PM
Dec 5

we can understand why it happened, which is not to condone it.
Let's say a loved one dies because of denied access to medical care. The proper response is to accept it and move on. That's just the way it is. Some might see that as acquiescing to a heartless overlord and fight back. I can understand that and be grateful I have not been put into that position.
Maybe we should be looking at the root cause of this event.

Fasten your seatbelt. This country is armed to the teeth and corporations have gained a lot of power over us. Not everyone is going to take kindly to that.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
37. I have close personal knowledge of someone who died
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:19 PM
Dec 5

in a care facility due to neglect and ignorance of normal precautions. That person died unnecessarily. Nobody responsible of the negligence got killed because of that, though. Instead, that care facility and the organization that ran it is now bankrupt and shut down. Relatives of the victims took legal action. A very large sum was awarded that exceeded the ability of the care facility to pay. So, that was the end of that facility and the organization.

It is the fear of that sort of consequence that keeps people doing their best to avoid such incidents.

That, of course, does nothing to easy the grief of the family of the person who died. But, that is not guaranteed. Justice, however, can be delivered.

KT2000

(20,951 posts)
59. fighting a denial of care
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:35 PM
Dec 5

is a different animal. Unless you can get media to cover the story, or have lots of money to spend on lawyers, the insurance company is in charge. Insurance companies are in no fear of consequences. There is no justice when the patient has died - just grief and anger.

Insurance companies are loaded with lawyers and they will fight to the death for their employers. The average person does not have a chance.
These are life and death for all involved.

intheflow

(29,055 posts)
175. Exactly.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:05 PM
Dec 5

The illustration provided was about a single person at a single care facility. This dude lead a company that killed thousands with their claim denials. It doesn't matter if it's a fast assault or a slow one. Death by a thousand cuts is still death, and each one of those dead patients were killed by a thousand metaphorical paper cuts.

pfitz59

(10,991 posts)
134. Good answer
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:53 PM
Dec 5

the 'little people' are fed up with the greed and indifference of the rich.

magicarpet

(16,974 posts)
193. Doctors at a medical web site comment section say the dead insurance executive brought it upon himself with rampant,...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 07:13 PM
Dec 5

... denyal of care policy.

○■○■○■○■○■○■○

Moderators Delete Reddit Thread as Doctors Torch Dead UnitedHealthcare CEO

Doctors in one of the Internet’s top medical communities have turned on the murdered UnitedHealthcare (UHC) CEO Brian Thompson in such brutal fashion that Reddit moderators deleted a thread on the killing.

The moderators of r/medicine closed the thread, posted Wednesday after news broke that Thompson was shot dead outside the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, after it racked up over 500 replies.

The commenters overwhelmingly criticized—and satirized—the insurer’s alleged denial of coverage to sick and dying Americans in order to juice profits.

The top comment, which received hundreds of supporting upvotes from other users, mocked UHC’s notorious track record for refusing to pay out insurance claims and is written as a lengthy, spoof rejection letter from the company.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/medical-subreddit-deletes-thread-unitedhealthcare-155829903.html

Coventina

(28,013 posts)
14. When the murder of people by CEOs is legal and lauded, eventually there is blowback.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:03 PM
Dec 5

One type of murder is OK.

One is not.

This creates a lot of resentment and morally ambiguous behavior.

BannonsLiver

(18,217 posts)
26. Yes, amid all the sanctimony I'm not seeing any examination of how we got to this place.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:13 PM
Dec 5

It’s just tsk tsk mourn harder.

Think. Again.

(19,114 posts)
31. Right?
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:14 PM
Dec 5

People are murdered every day, but I guess rich, white, male ceo's deserve sympathy and non-stop air-time. For some reason.

gab13by13

(25,412 posts)
16. The American Revolution
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:07 PM
Dec 5

Was good for Americans but bad for the British.

Corporations like United Healthcare create monopolies, and its clients become slaves.

Would the rich slave owners have given their slaves freedom without the Civil War?

How long before a hard rain’s a gonna fall?

Response to MineralMan (Original post)

sop

(11,590 posts)
27. It's never OK to shoot someone in the back on the street. That's murder. And, when caught and convicted,
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:13 PM
Dec 5

the shooter will face a long prison sentence.

It's also not OK for a CEO to make million$ in compensation for hastening the death of sick policyholders by denying them coverage when they need life-saving medical care. Sadly, in this country that's not considered a crime, much less "murder,." It's considered good business.

dchill

(40,768 posts)
88. Agree with your take.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:07 PM
Dec 5

I'm curious how it's possible to be guilt-tripped for observing some hard consequences. Consequences that, by definition, are bound to occur, statistically speaking.

Gore1FL

(21,996 posts)
29. Words matter.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:14 PM
Dec 5

No one is advocating murder. No one is saying murder is justified. People are saying they are not unhappy that the victim of the unjustified murder is someone they have issues with.

Big Fucking Difference.

Mike Nelson

(10,374 posts)
32. Never, and...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:15 PM
Dec 5

... thank you. Some of the posts I see suggest otherwise. I said some. I said suggest. On a parallel line it is NEVER okay to rape someone in jail. Even if they did something horrible. Even if they are guilty. Rape is wrong.

XanaDUer2

(14,619 posts)
171. Lol
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:01 PM
Dec 5

I am 100% positive no DUer is shooting anyone. Unless they're saving the lives of the innocent. This man lived in luxury heading a pretty scummy company. Don't think he should be shot, but don't really care too much either. UHC almost killed a friend.

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
180. Of course. I am heavily depending on the concept of "spheres of influence and spheres of concern" to get me
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:11 PM
Dec 5

through the day these days.

If I don't have any influence over it, I am not going to get in a twist over it.

If I could have stopped the shooter, would I have? Sure. But I have no influence over it. So I have little concern about it. I can only watch it from the sidelines and think, "Huh. Denzel Washington made a move about this decades ago. Surprised it didn't happen sooner."

XanaDUer2

(14,619 posts)
185. Could be any reason
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:14 PM
Dec 5

Gambling debts. Whistleblower. Insurance money (wife?). But maybe the peons are getting fed up finally..itll be interesting.

Response to MineralMan (Original post)

Response to Kali (Reply #137)

brush

(58,042 posts)
35. Not a good thing at all, but trump can do it, or order it done...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:18 PM
Dec 5

as an official act.

Thanks, corrupt SCOTUS 6 for giving him impunity immunity.

Think. Again.

(19,114 posts)
49. Excellent point.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:28 PM
Dec 5

I used to post a lot that I think the immunity ruling must be overturned. No chance of that now.

brush

(58,042 posts)
80. It's so dreary to even think about that the SCOTUS 6 is so corrupt that they listnen to trump's attorney...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:54 PM
Dec 5

Last edited Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:54 PM - Edit history (1)

with that weird voice utter the words that a president can kill if it's an k 'official act' and be. immune to punishment.

They listened, loved it and ruled that a president can kill. They granted him dictatorship, as if they knew what the outcome of the election would be.

H-m-m-m-m? I better shut up now. The DU conspiracy theory naysayers will be on my ass (I once posted some Sarah Kenzior stuff to look at, not saying I agreed with it all).

Ping Tung

(1,432 posts)
38. It sounds like he wanted to be a vigilante by killing people. People like him used to
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:20 PM
Dec 5

wear white sheets and pointy hats.

ms liberty

(9,881 posts)
46. Never, but the method of his death doesn't make him a saint, either
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:26 PM
Dec 5

Last edited Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:37 PM - Edit history (1)

He was a bad man who made decisions that were just as cold blooded and murderous as the person who killed him. After the way regular people have been getting screwed by insurance companies it is surprising it hasn't happened before now.
I wouldn't do it, but it was inevitable that someone would in today's world. I'm not going to apologize for seeing reality as it is. Nor am I going to act like I'm sooo upset some uber-rich ahole paid the ultimate price for their avarice. I feel bad for his family but at least they didn't lose their loved one and then also lose everything after getting drowned in medical bills. They're still richer than the rest of us put together.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
51. Not necessarily, but I do have some hard and fast rules I follow.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:30 PM
Dec 5

Even when I don't want to follow them.

Prairie Gates

(3,570 posts)
53. Oh, I thought you posted this because you wanted people to say that
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:31 PM
Dec 5

OK. You're such a hard and fast rules person! Kudos!

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
83. As opposed to all the DUers running around shooting people.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:57 PM
Dec 5

It's quite disconcerting how everyone else is shooting up the place.

If only everyone else here would follow those same hard and fast rules as you do! If only they would quit with all the murdering!!

Aviation Pro

(13,570 posts)
55. Good guy with a gun syndrome
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:33 PM
Dec 5

Only in this case it's vigilante with a gun.

This is what happens when 450,000,000 privately owned firearms collides with a healthcare system that puts profits over people.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
57. Well, we still don't know the shooter's motive.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:34 PM
Dec 5

We may never know. I maintain that it is wrong to do what he did, regardless.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
122. No, we don't.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:39 PM
Dec 5

We might find out, if he is arrested alive. But, we don't know yet. We're speculating about it.

AkFemDem

(2,194 posts)
58. Meh. there's a difference between "it's okay to do that" and...
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:35 PM
Dec 5

"I'm not going to waste any tears on that particular meatbag."

Like, sure, arrest the killer because we are a nation of laws and as a species we're supposed to protect one another from being killed or harmed. but also, I'm not going to actually waste much time or energy actually caring about this guy. No different than when I hear a school shooter gets taken down or a drunk driver takes himself out in the process of taking out a whole family on their way home from a ball game. If you're in the business of threatening and shortening the lives of other people, one logical consequence is one of those people may take that seriously and react with violence.

sinkingfeeling

(53,257 posts)
60. It does not matter the rationale for any murder. As an
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:36 PM
Dec 5

atheist, I seem to recall 99.9% of all religions say taking another's life is a moral sin.

FakeNoose

(36,011 posts)
140. Yes - absolutely correct
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:03 PM
Dec 5

Murder is a mortal sin - Catholics are taught that. And I don't know of any other religion that doesn't teach it.
Murder is also against the 5th Commandment, "Thou shalt not kill."

k0rs

(96 posts)
238. God said..
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 03:00 PM
Dec 6

..."Abraham kill me a son."

Abe said "Man, you must be puttin' me on."

God say "No."

Abe say "What?"

God say "Now Abe you can do what you want but next time you see me comin', man you better run..."

claudette

(4,671 posts)
61. Agree
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:38 PM
Dec 5

I am astounded by some of the remarks here. It is NEVER ok to kill a person like that. It’s certainly not self defense. It is cowardly revenge.

Cirsium

(1,158 posts)
63. What is this about?
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:39 PM
Dec 5

I don't think anyone here is advocating shooting people in the back. People are saying that he is a bad actor, and that they are not shedding a tear over his death. What is your objection to that?

I guess we could debate whether or not Reinhard Heydrich was a bad person, eh? I mean after all, some people thought he was bad, and some didn't. What a dilemma! Would you have scolded people for not mourning his death? Would you have accused them of promoting murder?

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
66. Apparently DUers are running amok, shooting
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:41 PM
Dec 5

each other and others in the back!!1!

It's a bloodbath!!!

Cirsium

(1,158 posts)
77. Right
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:52 PM
Dec 5

I don't think the person is "confused" at all. Claiming to be confused is just an excuse to take cheap shots at other DUers, the DUers who are the most critical of the healthcare industry.

If a person disagrees with those who are critical of the healthcare industry they should express their disagreement in a straightforward way rather than playing games with pearl clutching and fake outrage.

dawg

(10,775 posts)
65. Obviously murder is wrong.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:41 PM
Dec 5

This is a harbinger, however, of the world that the oligarch class is building for itself.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
72. Oh, hi there!
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:47 PM
Dec 5

No bonfire here. It's pretty cold, though, outside. But, my furnace is in working order, so I'm staying nice and toasty.

Response to MineralMan (Reply #72)

maxrandb

(16,004 posts)
73. It became OK on 2 specific dates
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:49 PM
Dec 5

January 6, 2021 and November 5, 2024.

The American people sent the message clearly. Violence is a winning strategy.

How many people, upset about some of the callous and despicable responses to this shooting, yucked it up with and voted for a guy that joked about an 80 year old getting his skull crushed in by a hammer?

We shouldn't be surprised by the callousness. It is what we just validated to the highest office in the land.

The shooter should announce a run for president. Then prosecuting him would be dismissed as a political witch-hunt.

Society functioned in a civil manner, because man's basest deplorable instincts were unacceptable by society.

Those days are gone!

We are about to witness, first hand, "how it happened in Germany"

Woodwizard

(1,035 posts)
76. Oh please
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:51 PM
Dec 5

What happened was tragic but I have as much compassion for him as I do Fred Phelps.

Many many families had needless death and bankruptcy from the actions of the company he headed while he bankrolled millions.

Let's cut the virtue signaling.

We can say it's wrong while not feeling sorry for a SOB.

Woodwizard

(1,035 posts)
124. That's fine I will survive.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:40 PM
Dec 5

There are literally thousands of people dying every day from greedy bastards whether it war or neglect. I would be awesome if they got the same ffing attention!

Orrex

(64,328 posts)
81. If an assailant is about to murder children and I have the drop on him from behind
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:57 PM
Dec 5

For example.

Other cases may not be “all right,” but some are certainly less worthy of performative lamentation. Especially when compared to the de facto murder of thousands via ravenous pursuit of shareholders’ financial interests at the expense of all else.

That dead CEO was the direct cause of suffering for countless innocent people whose families don’t have ten-figure net worth to comfort them through the tough times.

I see no reason to mourn his death, and I’ll laugh in the face of anyone who presumes to scold me for it.

sarisataka

(21,284 posts)
82. "But NO ONE is celebrating..."
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 03:57 PM
Dec 5

"I hope they find him and give him a medal"
https://democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=19791329
{Link posted with permission}

There are many more around DU however since it only takes one to disprove the statement, I need not bother.

To answer the question, I'm not sure yet when it is ok, but having seen posts about how good it is to make CEOs watch their back and "French solutions" it is clear that murder is tolerated. As long as the person is "bad".

sarisataka

(21,284 posts)
87. The posts are not hard to find,
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:06 PM
Dec 5

they are quite plentiful. I note this one because the poster gave me permission to link to it so I am not violating any call-out rule.

sarisataka

(21,284 posts)
96. No need
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:13 PM
Dec 5

if fact I am rather ashamed that on a Democratic site it is necessary to have to say "shooting people is wrong" and "murder is wrong"

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
99. Of course. Because of all the murdering people here will do
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:15 PM
Dec 5

if you don't say that to them. Thank God you're here!

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
139. No, really. I was standing at the door, shotgun in hand, and only YOUR wise words stopped me!
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:01 PM
Dec 5

You say you wish it weren't "necessary to have to say "shooting people is wrong" and "murder is wrong""

But it IS! You MUST say it! To save us from ourselves and our murderous impulses!

Response to sarisataka (Reply #87)

Response to sarisataka (Reply #87)

Silent Type

(7,339 posts)
97. Thanks. On this matter -- shooting someone in back -- feel like I'm on some trump site promoting 2nd Amendment solutions
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:14 PM
Dec 5
 

Asa13

(43 posts)
155. Hi still proud of my comment and stand by it
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:31 PM
Dec 5

I feel no shame for laughing and enjoying this assholes death. These fuckers wouldn't have the same regret and remorse if the gun was against our head.

Hope22

(3,106 posts)
85. I'm pretty sure it's self defense or possibly saving the life of a potential victim that might be legal.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:03 PM
Dec 5

That being said I’m sure the orange monster could shoot anyone anywhere and get away with it. So the correct answer to your question is…when you own the courts. Not OK but legal for the anointed one. For the moral thinking minority the answer is…never.

LisaM

(28,748 posts)
91. Assassination is never OK.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:08 PM
Dec 5

That includes Osama bin Laden, and go ahead and fight me on that.

cer7711

(531 posts)
95. It's not okay.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:11 PM
Dec 5

Last edited Fri Dec 6, 2024, 08:23 AM - Edit history (1)

Just like it's not okay to use an AI with a 90% error rate to deny coverage and treatment to customers. Which they do. Daily.
More broadly, thousands of people a year die in the US due to claims-denial tactics used by the for-profit health care industry. Tens of thousands.

You don't see these health care execs shedding any crocodile tears for their victims, do you?

Happy Hoosier

(8,558 posts)
101. I'm not sure I'd say it's NEVER okay....
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:16 PM
Dec 5

I mean, if I'm a resistance fighter in 1943 France, I'd think shooting some Nazis would be okay.

It's not that many of us think it's "okay," it's that any of us think that guy was a bad dude, and kinda reaped what he sowed. I wouldn't encourage anyone to shoot people vigilante-style, but I don;t shed a tear for the dead bad guy either.

Keepthesoulalive

(811 posts)
102. Never
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:17 PM
Dec 5

It is wrong to use your wealth and power to kill people for profit. Let’s condemn both because they are equally bad. I hope they find the person who took his life and I would like to see people who profit from denying care , both should be prosecuted. It is a dream because this country is too far gone, rich people have no rules and will never be held accountable.

LAS14

(14,789 posts)
222. Here's my answer. What's yours?
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 09:43 AM
Dec 6

In Hitler's case there was no longer a rule of law. We haven't quite reached that point in the U.S., though we may fear it. In Hitler's case the society had reached a state of internal warfare, good against evil. It raised it to the level of "saving a life" pointed out many times up thread.

ColinC

(10,954 posts)
138. Yes
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:01 PM
Dec 5

Although there are many ways in which the killing of Hitler can easily not be considered murder.

Bengus81

(7,497 posts)
107. Well....since this guy was a rich CEO ($10M per year) they'll be a HELL of a lot more than
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:20 PM
Dec 5

the standard thoughts and prayers BS and then back to work as normal in a school shooting or the Vegas shooting that killed 58 and had 500 injured.

But...of course what will be missing later is a FULL BLOWN investigation of just how many have DIED from UHC 32% claims denial record or ran others into medical bankruptcy.

Here the scoop on him and UHC:

"Thompson's tenure as chief executive of United Healthcare, the company's profits rose, with earnings from operations topping $16 billion in 2023 from $12 billion in 2021. Mr. Thompson received a total compensation package last year of $10.2 million, a combination of $1 million in base pay and cash and stock grants."

Nigrum Cattus

(230 posts)
113. OK has nothing to do with it -
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:28 PM
Dec 5

Kyle Rittenhouse got away with murdering (2) unarmed protesters.
Wait till we have a president who is immune from prosecution for
any crimes, you haven't seen anything yet. Rule of law starts at
the top.

onecaliberal

(36,334 posts)
117. When is it okay to kill thousands of people at your day job and think karma won't come knocking.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:33 PM
Dec 5

I’m very sorry but actions have consequences.

Betty Boom

(224 posts)
127. Not OK -- but my grief is elsewhere occupied
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:48 PM
Dec 5

I find that my grief is not limitless at this point in my life. I’ll reserve my grief for his wife and his children I suppose. But there are so many to grieve for these days. Multimillionaires are doing fine for the most part. I choose to grieve for women in Texas, who are dying because they can’t get medical care. I’ll grieve for people who are bankrupted by insurance companies that deny them care.

And just for the record, I’ll have no grief whatsoever if something happens to Trump. Bring on the feast and the music if that happens.

 

theplayer

(27 posts)
131. Now
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:50 PM
Dec 5

I haven't read everybody's posts but let me chime in when you're the CEO of a company that makes billions upon billions of dollars and denies emergency care because your f****** Bean counters think it would cost too much money then f*** you f*** you. I hope you die. Actually I hope the people you love die. That's how the Greek tragedies worked. China executed a CEO years ago... A ceo.. because his company sold tainted baby food and babies died. Guess what ...no more tainted baby food in China. This is the same justification that the IRA had when England was decimating Ireland starving their children etc. So that's when it's okay. Got it?

PortTack

(34,831 posts)
133. From what I have read here, I think you are equating the murder of someone being okay and those that
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:52 PM
Dec 5

Don’t feel a lot of sympathy for someone who everyday day of his miserable life was handing a death blow to those that UHC was entrusted to do right by, and didn’t.

Big difference

Linda ladeewolf

(492 posts)
135. No one has said murder is okay.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:55 PM
Dec 5

It is however, inevitable when the justice system has failed repeatedly to supply justice. Just as we have justices that will never hold the wealthy accountable, there are always going to be people who will take it into their own hands to dispense some form of justice be it right or wrong. It just is that way. I’m not endorsing it, it’s just a fact.

 

theplayer

(27 posts)
142. Whoa
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:04 PM
Dec 5

I say it's okay. Wait till your family is turned down medical Care that they paid every month for and then they die because of it. Let's hear what you have to say then. And by the way nothing like that has ever happened to me. I don't have to suffer personally to empathize with all the people f***** over by those for-profit healthcare pieces of s***

Linda ladeewolf

(492 posts)
146. To be honest, I personally do agree with you.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:14 PM
Dec 5

These people kill millions and never suffer a consequence, not one. They get paid handsomely to find ways to refuse care and people die or live in pain for the rest of their lives and these people live literally in luxury on the profits that should have been used to provide care, that’s what the money is supposed to be used for, patient care. I think this is the possible beginning of revolution, it may be slow to start, but it may be the only way. We sure can count on the justice system. I find myself wondering who may be next.

harumph

(2,402 posts)
156. Spot on. It's a consequence of the predatory system we have.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:33 PM
Dec 5

It's going to happen. Sometimes we will recoil in horror and at other times.., not so much. I find the virtue signalling of some
posters annoying. "It's never OK!" Yeah, we got that. What is "OK?" What do they mean to say when they say it's not OK. It's illegal?
It's not moral? Is all killing murder? What they seem to be saying is that extrajudicial killings are not OK. So, let's start there.
What if the "judicial" system is corrupt? What about situations where there is no judicial remedy for systemized killing - as in the cases of denied care that leads to death? What the posters who are opining on the impermissibility of extrajudicial killings fear is of course - the mob. We all fear the mob, the chaos, the unpredictability of punishment, of chance harm to ourselves or our families. This is only natural. We are in the hands of a criminal mob who now have power over our lives and deaths. The criminal mob has a mind and a defined agenda, and most of their clueless followers have neither. The social contract is broken already.

 

theplayer

(27 posts)
136. Let me make it clear
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 04:56 PM
Dec 5

The words for profit healthcare are a contradiction in terms. If you like your for-profit health care you're just f****** lucky.. so far.SO FAR

edhopper

(35,049 posts)
143. I am also confused
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:06 PM
Dec 5

when is it not okay to not be indifferent or a little gleeful at the death of a scumbag responsible for thousands of deaths?

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
157. I dont know.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:33 PM
Dec 5

Personally. I don't celebrate anyone's murder. Never have. Never will.

You might feel differently. That's your thing.

edhopper

(35,049 posts)
192. You would not celebrate
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 07:02 PM
Dec 5

the murder of Putin, or the death of a certain Sick Fuck? I sure as hell will,

paleotn

(19,532 posts)
167. And if your ethos brings us to do nothing but prattle on about the problems we face....
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:43 PM
Dec 5

And accomplish zero in resolving those problems. Of what use was the ethos? There's a time for peace. And then there's a time for war.

Aussie105

(6,477 posts)
147. The question isn't 'is it ok?'
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:15 PM
Dec 5

It never is.

The discussion is more on the motivation of the shooter, ie possible reasons for it.

Using a gun to satisfy a grudge is far too common in some uncivilized third world countries.

GenThePerservering

(2,675 posts)
148. Your question is ridiculous
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:15 PM
Dec 5

and it's not a question - you just don't like the rough music following this man's death.

You've never heard of gallows humour?

Mr.WeRP

(661 posts)
151. The state sanctions murder every day
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:22 PM
Dec 5

Also our gov’t believes it is A-Ok to allow people to die unnecessarily to allow a company like United Healthcare to increase profits. We live in an evil system. When the oppressed have been abused enough, murder of the oppressors and cheering by the oppressed is what you get.

LizBeth

(10,893 posts)
152. Difference from people not feeling a sense of compassion with condoning the behavior, which you imply.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:25 PM
Dec 5

When is it ok to allow thousands, upon thousands to die because of greed?

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
166. You make a distinction that is obvious to most, but that some folks here don't seem to be able to grasp.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:42 PM
Dec 5

Or, maybe those folks just feel really virtuous and superior when they steadfastly refuse to grasp it.


LizBeth

(10,893 posts)
182. Ya, I tend to feel it is the second.... Has me about rolling my eyes. I work for health insurance
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:11 PM
Dec 5

and my CEO had the audacity to send out a weeping email about how sad it is and we should all be mourning and a moment of silence for life lost. I see SOME of what is going on at fuckin 20 an hour, 2000 deductible. And nah... just no. I mean not rooting and cheering lost life but certainly my empathy goes towards the doctors and patients being fucked.

Edit to add: I am just really a bit angry at that email we got a couple hours after his death yesterday. Rubbed me the wrong way. And we are working implementing AI. I see nothing good with it.

yaesu

(8,360 posts)
154. The words "justice for all" hasn't applied to the USA in decades. When that changes we can have a right or wrong
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:30 PM
Dec 5

discussion about crime and punishment.

ALBliberal

(2,881 posts)
158. We can punch "up" without supporting murder.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:33 PM
Dec 5

He worked for a horrible for profit health insurance company that screwed people over. Denied claims left and right at a very high percentage.

If we have stories to tell we tell them.

Doesn’t mean we support murdering the guy.

It’s a false equivalence imo. To have us stay silent. We can object to murder and still have issues with him and his company.

Pacifist Patriot

(24,912 posts)
165. The only "good" to come out of an abhorrent act I do not condone..
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:41 PM
Dec 5

Is more public discourse about our broken healthcare coverage system.

Evolve Dammit

(19,072 posts)
168. A person shot a CEO. If it was anyone else, we wouldn't hear about it. The irony is that he affected more lives than
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 05:44 PM
Dec 5

most in the USA, in a negative way by denying treatment and payment of claims.

Marthe48

(19,338 posts)
172. Some Americans are getting enured to violence
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:04 PM
Dec 5

I hope my empathy outlives me. I look for one headline every morning. When someone is murdered in cold blood on the street, it will always be unacceptable.

SharonClark

(10,351 posts)
173. Imagine all health insurance companies
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:04 PM
Dec 5

were dissolved and the US had universal healthcare. Who would be the bad person making decisions that kill thousands of innocent hard-working people every year?

Autumn

(46,667 posts)
176. Of course it's not okay to shoot someone in the back on the street. But I don't give a shit that
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:06 PM
Dec 5

he was murdered. He hurt a lot of people and he fucking deserved it. I'm not going to whine about it or lose any sleep over him. Good riddance to a real piece of shit.

Babajida

(75 posts)
178. There needs to be a LOT more pearl clutching over deaths caused by the insurance industry.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:08 PM
Dec 5

How long have Americans been putting up with this broken system, allowing for-profit insurance companies make life and death decisions over the advice of medical professionals? How many deaths have been caused by those policies?

LeftInTX

(30,627 posts)
210. Ironically most doctors support the GOP. Big Time
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 12:55 AM
Dec 6

They "don't want no socialized medicine".

ecstatic

(34,519 posts)
186. I assume it's just a loud minority who support that.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 06:17 PM
Dec 5

This entire topic is super cringey. There is only one death I'd ever celebrate, but the weird part is: back when we almost had that on those 2--actually 3 occasions (if you count covid), there seemed to be a lot more outrage towards those of us who weren't interested in being fake about our feelings on that. There is less outrage about how the late CEO is being treated than there was about how tsf was treated EVEN THOUGH HE DIDN'T EVEN DIE. So something is off...

Anyway, no. It's not OK to shoot anyone in the back.

oldmanlynn

(511 posts)
195. What about Hitler?
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 07:33 PM
Dec 5

Would it have been OK to kill Hitler? I’m sure some people thought he was a great guy. or is it only OK to kill him after you go through a court case and find him guilty

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
197. Yes. People tried. Many people.
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 07:56 PM
Dec 5

He ended up offing himself.

I was in the USAF. Never in any combat zone. That's why I enlisted in that branch. I'm not someone who wants to kill people.

Lancero

(3,109 posts)
198. Is anyone here saying that this person should not be charged for what happened?
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 08:01 PM
Dec 5

People aren't obligated to shed tears of sadness when others die, or to proclaim that their death is a loss to the entire world. Even if they die in a unnatural manner.

200. I'm confused OP
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 08:30 PM
Dec 5

Who, at least on this site, has ever stated that it was OK to do such a thing?

I sure haven't seen it.

Babajida

(75 posts)
204. A comment left on UHC's facebook thread
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 09:46 PM
Dec 5

"the dead UHC CEO won’t see your jokes making light of his murder, but other CEOs could"

Bettie

(17,390 posts)
206. It's not Okay to murder someone
Thu Dec 5, 2024, 11:23 PM
Dec 5

but, it is OK not to feel particularly sorry about a man who made a fortune from the deaths of others. He made his fortune by keeping others from getting needed care in order to boost his own bank accounts.

summer_in_TX

(3,294 posts)
211. I find it enormously disquieting to learn so many are callous and indifferent to this murder.
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 01:15 AM
Dec 6

Or any murder. It bothers me more than the death of this person who probably was loved by kids, family, friends, maybe employees, working to provide for his family perhaps.

People are complex. Most of them are a mix of good traits and bad ones. I suspect in many settings he was a pretty decent guy, and in the role he played with UHC he was not so decent.

However it is, it's the apparent death of something in our own character that bothers me the most.

I despise United Healthcare. They are the worst of many bad insurance companies. In observing the discussion surrounding the murder, it's like the whole guilt of this corporation has been transferred to this one guy and has erased his humanity and seemingly ours too.

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
214. I bet dozens of people were murdered the same day as this guy. People to whom you and I have no
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 07:35 AM
Dec 6

connection.

Do you mourn them all? Do you strive to be concerned about all of them and not indifferent? I don't. Our paths have never crossed and I don't know them.

I am sad that murder is a reality. I am sure their deaths are very difficult for their loved ones. As all deaths are. But are we really required to be concerned about the deaths of people we have nothing to do with? Do you really do that?

If so, that is very emotionally unhealthy.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
215. Those others are not being mentioned
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 07:59 AM
Dec 6

In public discussions here and elsewhere. Nor are those other people being attacked here. Nor are their deaths being celebrated.

Scrivener7

(53,203 posts)
216. So, what you care deeply about is other people's opinions and reactions, then. Not the guy himself.
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 08:11 AM
Dec 6

And not the murder itself.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
221. You are always ready to tell me what I think or care about.
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 09:42 AM
Dec 6

Really, though, I don't need any assistance in understanding myself.

 
237. When one starts a post saying "I'm confused"
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 02:56 PM
Dec 6

One should not be confused when others try to unconfuse him.

summer_in_TX

(3,294 posts)
226. Knowing about it is all it takes.
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 10:40 AM
Dec 6

The attention this one is getting makes it more likely that I think more deeply about it. But I always think of the loved ones left behind.

But really my post was more about grieving for who we Americans have become in the last 40 years under the malevolent influence of disinformation, culture wars, legalized bribery, and injustice. Even us Democrats. I understand how we got here, but I miss the days when our culture was more open, tolerant, and gave one another the benefit of the doubt more as a rule than the exception.

summer_in_TX

(3,294 posts)
246. Anger, fear, and contempt is a hell of a stew.
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 12:48 AM
Dec 9

I wish I thought we were always the good guys.

Cars overturned in the first days after Trump was first elected, riots with both sides taking part, the spitting at Betsy DeVos, harassing Trump admin officials at restaurants. We gloss over the things we do that can pour gasoline on fires. We justify it to ourselves for all kinds of reasons. (I did some justifying it myself in my mind.)


Bomb threats to his family reminds me of Alex Jones and what he and his followers did to Sandy Hook parents. I hope that the bomb threats were from those who from RWers or apolitical types. I just don't know, human nature being what it is.

Tommy Carcetti

(43,608 posts)
217. Yeah, I'm not going to engage in the ghoul dancing, either.
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 08:20 AM
Dec 6

Don’t get me wrong.

I 100% understand the motive here. It’s quite evident.

But I’m not going to celebrate the actual act.

LAS14

(14,789 posts)
219. Life is complex. We can assure ourselves (probably with justification) that...
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 09:33 AM
Dec 6

... we wouldn't shoot someone in the back (lives of others not being directly threatened.) We can affirm the notion that the killer should stand trial and go to jail (the word "killer" here assuming guilt) for the sake of the rule of law. But we can acknowledge in ourselves that we're not one whit sorry it happened. We can acknowledge that we feel a bit of satisfaction that for once this isn't a "senseless" killing. That for once the bad guy gets his due.

nini

(16,741 posts)
220. Any method of killing another is wrong
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 09:39 AM
Dec 6

Some get away with it hiding behind their insurance CEO positions however, and I feel no pity when those ‘murderers’ get theirs. I’m in the out if fucks to give stage of my life.

 
225. It is not wisdom but authority that makes a law.
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 10:37 AM
Dec 6

I’m good without fear of god or fear of the law to keep me from killing people.

Quixote1818

(30,431 posts)
234. Thomas Jefferson and the founders would disagree
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 11:38 AM
Dec 6

Thomas Jefferson “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

stillcool

(32,806 posts)
235. the black and white requires a never answer...
Fri Dec 6, 2024, 11:54 AM
Dec 6

the gray area requires never with a caveat. Where there is no black and white, there just is. A there but for the grace of god go I situation. But those things can not be said in public. Unfortunately there is no truth to any of these discussions regarding the shooter in NY.... it's all hypothesis. But, I guess that's all that is ever discussed.

hamsterjill

(15,525 posts)
241. A question, please, to further the discussion.
Sat Dec 7, 2024, 09:51 AM
Dec 7

What then should someone do who may have direct involvement with a loved one who was hurt by the actions of this CEO?

Do you think that person could honestly, reasonably expect to get justice in a court of law today?

No, murder is not okay. But I could understand a person who felt that a billionaire has the means to escape justice and felt they had to act. Please note that I said "understand", not " condone". I won't be shooting anyone.

This is a complicated situation and I admit that I wouldn't lose sleep if this gunman isn't found.

Emile

(30,803 posts)
242. I too wouldn't lose any sleep if he's not found.
Sat Dec 7, 2024, 10:05 AM
Dec 7

A jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty for killing two peaceful protesters. So if he is caught, maybe a NY jury will find him not guilty too.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
243. Good Question.
Sat Dec 7, 2024, 11:31 AM
Dec 7

I'm afraid I don't have a good answer, though. Cases in court do go in favor of the patient. Not always, but it does happen. We don't hear about those.

I doubt that any CEO has much to do with individual cases. Typically, decisions are made according to some set of criteria. The CEO might have some hand in what those criteria are, but I can't imagine that they ever deal with individual cases.

One of the problems with health care is that outcomes can't be predicted with very good accuracy. Often, decisions about what treatments to use or not use are pretty arbitrary, at every level of health care. Will the new, very expensive, medication solve the problem? No way to tell without trying it. There are statistics, but each case is an individual one. Will some heroic surgery save the patient's life? It might, but it might not. Again, some statistical data are used to make those decisions as well, both at the clinical and insurance level.

The problem is that we humans get sick and we die. Sometimes, treatment can extend a life. Sometimes that is a good thing for the patient, but sometimes it merely extends someone's misery. Often, decisions are made that appeal mostly to family members, rather than to the actual patient. Other times, the patient is unable to make a well-informed decision. That's just the way it is in human medical treatment.

As you say, murder is not OK. Personally, I believe that it is never OK. But, that's just my own ethical belief. Every day, some rather large number of people die. Some of those might live a little longer with heroic treatment. Some might get past a health crisis and get a little more time. Some want that, but others do not. It's all a matter of how people look at things and what their expectations are.

So, there is no good answer to the question. People get sick. People die. Some people get a reprieve from death through medical care. Others do not. We have a strange system in the USA. We pay for our own medical insurance in most cases, or our employer does, or the government does. In other countries, everyone is covered by a government-paid system of health care. That is paid through taxes in some way or another. In the end we all pay for it in both systems.

Government-paid health care systems also have algorithmic rules that say yes or no to treatment methods. Decisions get made about individual cases. Those decisions do not always lead to a return to health. Sometimes the patient dies, but everyone dies at some point.

That might sound like a cold-blooded answer, but it's just reality. There is no health care system that can prolong life indefinitely. So, there will always be questions about individual cases.

It's not fair. Life's not fair.

hamsterjill

(15,525 posts)
244. I accept your premise but I differ on one main issue.
Sat Dec 7, 2024, 11:59 AM
Dec 7

The CEO is the person in charge and is paid to do a job; not just collect bonuses. If this guy’s job wasn’t to take care of his customers, then what was he doing? Yes, I know…taking care of his shareholders and his own pocketbook.

But my point is that the buck stops WITH the person in charge. I don’t dismiss that responsibility. I hear Republicans all the time defend CEO’s by saying “well, he didn’t know…”.

My response is always “well he’s paid to know”.

MineralMan

(147,990 posts)
245. Yes, of course. It is his responsibility.
Sat Dec 7, 2024, 12:17 PM
Dec 7

Like I said, I have no good answer. The entire healthcare system in the USA is out of hand, it seems to me.

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