Chris Kyle, 1974-2013

We’ve just heard that the renowned Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the most effective sniper in American military history, has been murdered in Texas. Details are scant. Our deepest condolences to his young family.

5 Comments

  1. I knew there was a reason why this post’s title made me uncomfortable.

    [Note: The original title of this post was “Live By The Sword”, since changed. – MP]

    Posted February 4, 2013 at 7:33 pm | Permalink
  2. Malcolm says

    Yes, Ron Paul’s taking heat for tweeting that. But it’s not really a pejorative of any sort (or at least that’s certainly not how I meant it); it’s just naturally the first thing you’d think of.

    Posted February 4, 2013 at 7:53 pm | Permalink
  3. I suppose my discomfort stems from the fact that the phrase offers a vision of karmic justice. To use that phrase in the context of a sniper’s being downed by a bullet sounds almost like a declaration that that sniper’s death is somehow just, or is at least a function of the natural balance: if you choose to live a violent life, you can expect to die violently. Oh, well.

    So, yes: I wasn’t sure how to take your title.

    Posted February 4, 2013 at 9:12 pm | Permalink
  4. Malcolm says

    You are absolutely right, and I should have thought a little more carefully before using the title.

    Many people no doubt will see Chris Kyle’s death by gunshot in exactly the way you describe.

    Posted February 4, 2013 at 9:15 pm | Permalink
  5. Malcolm says

    In fact, I’m changing the title, to avoid giving the wrong impression.

    Posted February 4, 2013 at 10:28 pm | Permalink

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