By John Q. Hosedrinker 
An Emerson College poll revealed that while a majority of voters (68%) found the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson unacceptable, a significant 41% of 18-29 year olds viewed it as acceptable or somewhat acceptable. Across all age groups, 17% found the act acceptable. The alleged killer, Luigi Mangione, faces life imprisonment for the act of terrorism, which sparked national debate about healthcare access and the insurance industry. Mangione’s actions have garnered both condemnation and surprisingly widespread online support.
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A recent poll revealing that a majority of young voters (aged 18-29) found the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson “acceptable” or “somewhat acceptable” has understandably caused a stir. The immediate reaction might be shock, but a deeper look reveals a complex issue far beyond a simple condemnation of violence.
The poll’s findings aren’t entirely surprising when considering the widespread frustration and anger directed at the healthcare industry, particularly large insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare. Many feel these corporations prioritize profit maximization over the well-being of their customers, leading to denials of essential care, exorbitant costs, and even death due to inaccessible treatment. This isn’t a new sentiment, with generations grappling with the challenges of navigating the American healthcare system. Decades of fighting with HMOs and struggling with unaffordable or inadequately covered healthcare have fueled a sense of injustice and resentment.
The perspective of young voters is further shaped by their lived experiences. Growing up in a post-Columbine world, accustomed to active shooter drills and the ever-present fear of gun violence, has arguably desensitized some to the horror of violence itself. The normalization of violence in schools, paired with the perceived ruthlessness of large corporations prioritizing profit over human lives, might foster a mindset where the killing of a CEO responsible for causing significant suffering and even death is seen as justified, if not acceptable, by some.
The response to the poll highlights a deeper societal malaise. The outrage isn’t just about the murder itself, but also about the systemic issues that contribute to such sentiments. The corporate culture that values profit above human life, the pervasive inequality that leaves many feeling hopeless and voiceless, and the normalization of violence in daily life all contribute to a breeding ground for extreme reactions. The fact that many feel the outrage should be directed towards the corporation’s actions rather than focusing solely on the act of violence is telling. The CEO, in this view, was a symbol of a larger problem.
It’s easy to condemn the views expressed in the poll. Murder is unequivocally wrong, and taking the law into one’s own hands is never justifiable. However, ignoring the underlying reasons for this sentiment would be a grave mistake. The poll isn’t just about the acceptability of violence; it reflects a profound disillusionment with the system and a lack of faith in institutions to address the very real suffering caused by corporate greed. The reaction highlights the urgent need for systemic change, particularly within the healthcare industry. The current system is failing many, and the simmering anger might manifest in unexpected and troubling ways.
The poll should be seen as a wake-up call. It’s not simply about a shocking statistic; it’s a symptom of a much larger societal illness. Until there is meaningful reform, until corporations are held accountable for their actions, and until the pervasive inequality is addressed, such extreme views will likely persist and potentially intensify. The lack of widespread surprise at the poll results points to a failure to understand the desperation and anger felt by many. This is not merely a matter of young voters; older generations also express similar frustrations.
This isn’t about excusing violence but understanding its root causes. The disconnect between the wealthy elite and the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens is vast and contributes to a sense of hopelessness and resentment. This is particularly acute in healthcare, where the fundamental right to care is often subject to the whims of corporate profit margins. We need to move beyond mere condemnation and engage in a serious dialogue about the systemic issues fueling such anger and resentment. Addressing those issues is critical to prevent future acts of violence and to build a more just and equitable society. The poll, unsettling as it may be, presents a crucial opportunity for reflection and change. The apathy of those unaffected by the systemic injustices highlighted in the poll is perhaps as concerning as the expressed tolerance for violence itself. We must strive to create a world where the pursuit of profit doesn’t come at the cost of human lives and well-being.