Roeder Given Harshest Sentence Possible

The American anti-choice terrorist, Scott Roeder, had already been found guilty of murdering Dr. George Tiller as he attended a religious service at his local church. The law said he was to be sentenced to life in prison. The only real question was whether he would be eligible for parole after 25 years or after 50 years. At Roeder's age, 52, the 50 years before qualifying for parole would virtually assure that he would never be released from prison.

The prosecutor and Tiller's family spoke up for the longer sentence. Attorney Lee Thompson spoke for Tiller's family saying, "He's committed an act of terrorism, a heinous, atrocious, cruel murder planned, plotted and devised for years and years and designed and executed solely for the purpose of executing someone with whom he disagreed." Prosecutor Nina Foulston said, "I believe he should be given the longest sentence possible."

For his part, Roeder still doesn't think he has done anything wrong. He thinks that murder is an appropriate response to someone who disagrees with his religious beliefs. He told the court, "You have the power to acquit and if you were to obey the higher power, God himself, you would acquit me. . .The blame for George Tiller's death lies more with the state of Kansas than with me."

Then Roeder launched into a 40 minute anti-choice diatribe. Finally the judge cut him off, saying, "I'm sorry, I'm not providing you a forum for an all-night dissertation on the political debate on the issue of abortion." The judge then gave him the maximum penalty of 50 years before becoming eligible for parole consideration.

The sentence was appropriate, and I agree with the victim's family who said, "The crime was cruel and heinous not only because it took our husband, father and grandfather, but because it was a hate crime committed against. . .all women and their constitutional rights." That is true. While George Tiller was the immediate victim, the crime was directed at all women to deny them the right to control over their own bodies.

I can't feel sorry for Roeder. Anyone who can walk up to an unarmed stranger, put a gun to his head, and pull the trigger doesn't deserve the sympathy of decent people. He has the right to his own religious views, just like everyone in America, but he doesn't have the right to murder anyone to promote those views.

Trying to force others to adopt your own views through violence and fear is terrorism, and that's what Roeder is -- a terrorist. He has made his own bed and now he must lay in it -- for at least 50 years. That's justice.