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ABE WON’T BE SILENT - Yes, humanity is on the line. Every day, we’re called to decide where we fall on the spectrum of what it means to be human, to be moral, to be good. For instance, if we were living in the original Land of Oz—circa 1939, the choice would be clear. Yet, after seeing the film “Wicked”, even that’s up for grabs. Who’s the judge and who’s the jury these days? The expression “trust no one” resonates more than ever when you see what’s happening in the news these days.
Luigi Mangione and Daniel Penny has thrust this conversation into the spotlight beyond the hysteria around our political skulduggery. Are these men heroes defending the vulnerable or criminals who crossed an ethical boundary? The answer often depends on your perspective, but it’s not as simple as right or wrong.
Vigilantes have always occupied a complicated space in our culture. From Bernard Goetz, the New York City Subway Shooter to Bonnie and Clyde, America’s favorite bank robbers, these folklore heroes have transcended the myth they’ve inadvertently created and been cast as defenders of justice. Or are they dangerous outlaws—full stop?
These are the narratives forming around Mangione and Penny. Supporters argue they acted out of necessity, protecting others when institutions failed. Critics claim their actions reflect reckless violence, perhaps fueled by prejudice or overconfidence.
[SIDEBAR] Not to mention the gun violence issue seems to have conveniently been swept under the rug in the case of Mangione and his many adoring fans he has amassed. I guess ripped abs matter.
What does this say about us? About where we stand on the spectrum of humanity?
As the child of Holocaust survivors, I am forever reminded of how easily humanity has fractured. I imagine the German people either turning a blind eye, or worse yet, gleefully participating in atrocities, erasing countless innocent lives with abandon. The atrocities of October 7th continues to show people reveling in the suffering of others, a haunting reminder of how fragile our humanity can be. Or is, with the celebration of violence and the justifications for taking a life, raping women, the polarization of moral debates.
But, this isn’t just about Mangione or Penny. It’s about us—our collective capacity to justify or condemn, to act or stay silent. Vigilantes arise when systems fail, but they force us to confront hard truths about ourselves. Are we cheering for justice, or for revenge? Are we standing up for humanity, or indulging our darker instincts?
And yet, this conversation is happening as we head into a time of immense political and social upheaval. An administration poised to test freedoms which will bring out the worst in many of us. Fear, frustration, and anger have always been fertile ground for vigilante actions. Now we must make choices and decide what kind of people we want to be—Dorothy!
The spectrum of humanity is not about being "better" or "right" but about where you stand when the lines blur. Being a good person in these times means grappling with the uncomfortable truths of guilt, complicity, and moral ambiguity. None of us escape this unscathed, but we all have a choice in how we respond.
So, as we examine the actions of these vigilantes, ask yourself: where do you stand? Are you defending humanity, or undermining it? The answer matters, because our collective humanity—fragile, complicated, and deeply flawed—is on the line.
“What a world!” Let me know which witch you are!
(ABE GURKO is the executive producer of a documentary “Won’t Be Silent,” about the extraordinary Women of Protest Music. He's an Opinionator who hosts a podcast, "Won't Be Silent," engaging in conversations from the edge of democracy. Abe is a contributor to CityWatchLA.com. [email protected])
