We, at United Families International, have been greatly saddened by what occurred in Tucson, Arizona, where six people were killed and more than a dozen injured. The tragedy in Tucson is a tragedy for us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. We add our condolences to those that have poured in from around the country and the world.
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., was gravely injured, but thankfully is recovering. Rep. Giffords was engaged in a meeting with her constituents – important work for elected officials. Acts of violence against political figures can destroy democracy itself. Unfortunately, around the world, elected officials, candidates and other leaders are killed or injured while performing their duties and seeking to make the world a better place. Although we may disagree with the politics of some, we thank all for their willingness to serve and pray for their safety.
As we reflect on what has occurred, many questions come to mind:
- Are all individuals who murder or harm innocent individuals emotionally and mentally compromised?
- As a society, what responsibility, if any, do we bear for the actions of others?
- What happens to a person that they could conclude that human life has so little value?
- What role, if any, does the violence depicted in TV, movies, video games, and other forms of media play?
- How numb and desensitized to violence has our culture and society become?
- Is this the least violent time in all human history, or have we reached a new low in civility and regard for human life?
We’re sure you could add many more questions to this list, but the question of basic respect and regard for human life looms large for us.
UFI has spent many years advocating for a universal respect for life. Protecting life at all stages– from its very beginning to its end- is essential if societies are to survive. There can be no exceptions to this understanding: animals are not more important than human life; environmental ideals are not more important than human life; abortion is not simply a choice, and there are no expendable human beings, no matter their age or their “quality of life.” As a society we must retain the understanding that each human life has intrinsic worth and value and is capable of a positive contribution to a community.
We at United Families International will continue to extend every effort possible to retain a respect for all human life in public policy around the world. It’s time for each of us to examine our commitment to the sanctity of life and to determine what we can do to teach this principle to our children and to reflect it in our lives. We can never have a safe and peaceful world without it.