By C. J. Garbo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
A recent poll revealing that 41% of young voters find the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson acceptable is deeply troubling.
This statistic underscores a dangerous shift in societal values, one that signals a disregard for the sanctity of life and a fundamental misunderstanding of justice. Such attitudes are symptomatic of a society in moral decay, where divisive rhetoric and a growing disillusionment with institutions have fostered a warped perception of right and wrong.
Political polarization and incendiary rhetoric have created an environment where individuals increasingly see themselves as arbiters of justice. When leaders frame opposition as not just wrong but inherently evil, it legitimizes extreme responses. This degradation of civil discourse erodes faith in the judicial system, leaving many — particularly young people — feeling as though justice is unattainable through lawful means.
When people believe that the courts and law enforcement cannot or will not act, they may feel justified in taking matters into their own hands. This dangerous mindset has been cultivated by years of publicized injustices, from inconsistent enforcement and application of the law to systemic corruption, leaving a generation skeptical of the rule of law.
Throughout history, society has witnessed egregious failures of justice. These examples, while often tragic, highlight how systems meant to protect and serve can falter. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study, for instance, saw African American men denied proper medical treatment as part of a government experiment, undermining trust in public institutions. The Holocaust was a systemic extermination of millions under a regime that manipulated justice to serve its ideology. In modern times, corporate scandals like Enron or the 2008 financial crisis demonstrate how powerful entities often avoid accountability, leaving victims feeling powerless.
Similarly, the COVID House subcommittee’s response revealed a glaring lack of accountability in managing the pandemic’s impact, with conflicting reports and mismanagement that undermined public trust. Each of these instances underscores the fragility of justice when systems fail.
However, these examples also remind us that justice cannot and must not be replaced by vigilante actions or moral relativism. Murder — a deliberate, premeditated act — is inherently evil and cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Brian Thompson’s life, like every human being’s, holds intrinsic value. His role as UnitedHealthcare CEO may make him a figure of scrutiny, but it does not diminish his humanity. The devaluation of life, evident in this poll, reflects a chilling cultural shift where people are judged solely by their perceived societal impact rather than their inherent worth as individuals.
The distinction between murder and killing is crucial here. Killing, such as in self-defense or wartime, may be legally and morally justified under certain conditions.
Murder, on the other hand, is premeditated and rooted in malice. It represents the ultimate disregard for life and the ethical principles that underpin society. Accepting murder as a solution — whether to perceived injustice or personal grievance — destroys the very fabric of morality and civilization.
To counteract this disturbing trend, society must restore faith in institutions through transparency, accountability and reform within the judicial and political systems. Ethical leadership is vital, as leaders must model respect for human life and reject divisive rhetoric that dehumanizes others.
Education on morality and ethics must become a priority in schools and communities, teaching the value of life, the concept of justice and the profound wrongness of murder. Encouraging civil discourse can bridge divides and challenge the normalization of extreme attitudes.
The normalization of murder, as evidenced by this poll, is a dire warning. It calls for an urgent re-examination of our values and a recommitment to the principles of justice, morality and respect for life.
As individuals and as a society, we must reject the notion that murder — the ultimate violation of humanity — can ever be acceptable. Human life is sacred. It is not ours to take, regardless of personal grievances or systemic failures. Let this poll serve not as an endpoint but as a catalyst for change, reminding us all of the imperative to uphold the intrinsic value of every person and the moral absolutes that define our shared humanity.
C. J. Garbo is a cyber security executive for a global technology solutions company and a native of Colorado, holding a bachelor’s in political science from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a master’s in human resource management from Regis University. He is the vice chair of the Douglas County Planning Commission and the senior legislative aide to Representative-elect Max Brooks of House District 45. CJ is also a 15-year former law enforcement veteran. He has worked on local campaigns, and as campaign manager for Joe Andujo (District 8, U.S. House) and Greg Lopez (governor). Additionally, he is a former chair of the Douglas County Young Republicans.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.