Thoughts on terrorism and the death of George Tiller

George Tiller is a victim of terrorism.

Tiller was murdered today in his church. He was an usher. He was also one of the nation's three doctors who perform abortions after the 21st week.

Tiller was prominent on many anti-abortion hit lists. He was protected by federal marshals for several years. In 1998 he was shot in both arms by a would-be murderer. His clinic was fortified with concrete walls and bulletproof glass, and he rarely left without a bodyguard. Earlier this month he asked the FBI to investigate when the security cameras at his office were disabled.

Today a man who had been noted as one of the regular protestors of Tiller's church walked into that church and killed him. Tiller's wife was in the choir.

We can disagree on issues of pro-life and pro-choice. We can engage in spirited debate. We can assemble with like-minded activists and state our minds. But we cannot terrorize.

And that's what happened to Tiller: he is a victim of terrorism.