Of Moses & Mangione

The UnitedHealthcare CEO’s assassination tale bares similarity to Moses’ murder of the Egyptian Taskmaster. Laying in wait was the modus operandi for both. In the Moses’ case, it was an unnamed Hebrew Slave’s rebuke of Moses that saved Western Civilization.

Mr. Lugi Mangione is the alleged CEO assassin. His background has much in common with Moses. Good looks, growing up in privilege, and perceiving an injustice are the similarities. Allegedly for Mr. Mangione, and in fact for Moses, they share a history of committing a cold-blooded murder. Finally, after their crimes, they both fled; one to a McDonalds while the other to Midian.

The two tales however diverge. Mr. Mangione is now bandied about by some as a hero. Not only touted on social media, his actions are defended. Many sycophants have exacted vengeance on his behalf. Perceived snitchers on Mr. Mangione have been subjected to social media punishment. Businesses cooperating with authorities have been tagged with poor online reviews. The McRib in Pennsylvania apparently is no longer Michelin Star quality.

In contrast, Moses was met with contempt after his action. The fact that Moses murdered abusive Egyptian Task Master did not arouse celebration. After the murder, Moses, perhaps emboldened by his “do gooder” crime, criticized a Hebrew’s treatment of a fellow Hebrew. In response, he was rebuked by the Hebrew. The Hebrew Slave, aware of homicide, queries Moses: “Who made you ruler and judge over us?”

Pontificating morality is far different from exacting moral judgment. The taking of human life must be done with extreme caution. Just societies establish competent Courts of Law to execute such extreme punishments. The court of public opinion, contrary to some, is not empowered to execute this form of justice. Vigilantism places an entire society in danger.

Thus, it was only after Moses fled to Midian that he began to evolve. At a well, he defends women. He takes on a family and has children. He spends time with his father-in-law Jethro, a Midian Priest. To survive, he learns to be a shepherd. Finally, he meets God of Israel who conscripts him to be the deity’s spokesperson.

Moses past crime did not get erased from the books, however. Some commentators believe that the Torah addressed some form of justice with respect to the murder. In Exodus 4:24, it states: “ At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him.  But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said “bridegroom of blood,” referring to circumcision.)”

Moses emerged from his exile and returned to Egypt as an individual who would confront power “face to face”. Despite his speech impediment, he would use words to exact justice for his nation. In particular, “let my people go” were the words he employed. These are words which still resonate as a call for freedom.

Are the unnamed Hebrew Slave’s words to Moses: “Who made you ruler and judge over us?” also relevant today? For those embracing Mr. Mangione and his cause, one must ask “who made him ruler to judge over others?”

While Moses may be a symbol for the power of words, the unknown Hebrew Slave’s words arguably shaped Western Civilization.

Be well!!

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