If there were a device that measured human envy and jealousy, it would be redlining right now. A story known in all languages, a tragedy exhibited in all cultures, a tale played out across the entire history of mankind, has unfolded over the past month or so. This human defect was most masterfully and acutely chronicled in Genesis. 

In the story of Adam and Eve’s first two sons, Cain and Abel, God renders judgment over the offerings they bring Him. Cain brings God an offering “from the fruit of the ground,” whereas Abel’s offering came “from the firstborn of his flock and from their fat portions” (Genesis 4:3-4). God is pleased with Abel and his offering but displeased with Cain and his offering. Cain grows jealous, and his jealousy develops into resentment, and his resentment leads to anger and then, eventually, to violence. In his rage, Cain murders Abel. 

To all reasonable people, Cain’s actions are identifiably evil. He transgressed the moral law. The Lord punishes Cain, placing a curse on him and sending him into exile. That is the consequence of transgressing the law. There is no excuse for such evil. One cannot justify Cain’s actions by pointing to surrounding circumstances like the fact that he worked in the soil. Yet, many people right now are not only defending adjacent actions as morally justified but elevating such a figure as a hero for committing murder. 

I am, of course, referring to the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Suspect Luigi Mangione has been charged in relation to the killing. His written justification was shorter than this column. What was his little manifesto complaining about? American healthcare, of course. And what did killing a father and husband in cold blood change? Absolutely nothing. Except now our modern Cain is very, very famous.

It is unsurprising that, since the slaying, there are many people who have lionized this cognitively inept dullard as a hero against the evil capitalists. This is not unique. Folks constantly blame the business world for their circumstances. What is surprising, however, is just how popular this sentiment is. Frequently sprinkled with envy and resentment for rich people, the range of supposed justifications for the murder is plentiful. Yet, under scrutiny, not one of these justifications is tenable. 

The most common justification is that insurance companies–like UnitedHealthcare–deny claims, and thus, the CEO is a murderer and was punished accordingly. First, a denial is not inherently wrong. Not all things are covered under all policies. Insurance companies cover what is included in an individual’s policy. They assume and diversify risk. They are not a charity.

Now, in order to avoid straw-manning an already ludicrous argument, the bulk of people claim there is a pervasive issue where these denials are refusing to cover things outlined in the policyholder’s plan. First, this is wholly contested. The chief lawsuit (filed in 2023) claiming they used faulty AI for these denials is still ongoing. 

But let’s pretend for a moment that there is a pervasive issue where these evil insurance companies are systematically reneging on their coverage. There are already legal and peaceful remedies. For example, you can appeal your denials. And it is extraordinarily effective. Medicare Advantage Organizations, which includes UnitedHealthcare, overturned 75% of their own denials when appealed. But, for all the hooting and hollering about denials, beneficiaries and providers appealed just 1 percent of denials to the first level. 

While it is the hope of this author that most people will be able to parse the immorality of Mangione’s actions by simply using their conscience, it is clear ignoramuses like Bill Burr will continue to shout thoughtless emotional appeals regarding this subject. So, given that we just celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I ask those people who support Mangione to remember MLK Jr.’s own story. He faced far more inauspicious and burdensome circumstances in the Jim Crow South than Americans today, yet he still effectuated legal change peacefully. That is real heroism.