An Alarming Lack of Civility
Hatred and intolerance have struck again with yesterday’s murder of conservative British Member of Parliament, Sir David Amess, who was fatally stabbed as he addressed his constituents in a local Methodist church. Although authorities believe the attack may be tied to Islamist extremism, many of Sir David’s colleagues warned of an alarming lack of civility in today’s society that has led to increased intolerance for those who hold opposing political views, the likes of which have never been seen.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was shocked and saddened at the loss of “one of the kindest” people in politics, saying Sir David had an “outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable”. Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said the killing “represents a senseless attack on democracy itself”, and “questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our country’s elected representatives”. She has directed the police to review security arrangements for MPs “with immediate effect”.
Sir David, 69, had been an MP for Leigh-on-Sea, Essex since 1983 and was married with five children. He is the second serving MP to be killed in the past five years, following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.