NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch recently called for a restoration of "moral clarity," asserting the need to clearly distinguish between those who commit acts of terror and those who bravely respond to them. Her remarks, made during a press conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, addressed what she described as a dangerous blurring of lines in public discourse.
Tisch stated, "The men who attacked this city were terrorists. The men and women who ran into the towers to save innocent lives were heroes. Twenty-five years cannot be allowed to blur that distinction, and shame on those who do." While not naming individuals, her comments were widely interpreted as a critique of public figures, including Mayor Mamdani, who have been perceived as hesitant to condemn certain acts or ideologies.
The commissioner's statement comes amid broader societal discussions about distinguishing between right and wrong, particularly in light of high-profile cases. The article references the public support for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the jury deliberations in the case of Lindsay Clancy, a nurse convicted of murdering her three young children. In both instances, the author suggests, a lack of moral clarity has led to misplaced sympathy for perpetrators over victims.
This perceived erosion of moral distinction is explored through historical and theological lenses, comparing contemporary societal trends to ancient conflicts between "heathens and believers." The piece argues that while the manifestations of harmful actions may change with the times – from ancient pagan sacrifices to modern eco-terrorism or the glorification of violence – the underlying human capacity for both great good and extreme evil remains constant.
The author posits that modern society's inclination to analyze "root causes" and seek "emphatic solutions" can sometimes obscure the fundamental need to identify and condemn atrocities. Tisch's call for clarity is presented as a vital reminder that in every generation, the challenge lies in maintaining the distinction between those who commit evil and those who fight against it.