THE SENSELESS AND TRAGIC MURDER OF JO COX CHILLS BRITAIN'S POLITICAL SOUL, BUT...

When I heard about Jo Cox having been injured in a shooting incident, I was appalled, but, when, within a short space of time I gathered that she had actually died, I was shocked and deeply saddened that a young woman with such promise, should have had her life extinguished so callously.

Even now, it is not quite clear as to the exact or detailed chronology of events which resulted in this tragedy. It is likely that the Police will know more details than they are making public, for understandable reasons. So, in the meantime, it is, as tends to be the case, people have to make do with some facts and a lot of speculation at present.

The reports about the suspect who has been arrested, suggest that he has some extremist right wing political beliefs, and that he might have been acting alone. There are also some reports that he has and/or has had mental health issues  The old picture I have seen of this man, dressed in military fatigue, does struck me as being of a man who, for whatever reason, seemed at the point of crying when this photo was taken. The picture, to me, gave the impression of a troubled man.

The tragic death of Jo Cox should not be used as an opportunity to make profound political capital and pronouncement about British politics. The tragedy and implications of her death should be considered more in terms of it being the sad and brutal death of a young mother and wife, whose participation in the lives of her family, and her political contribution to the nation, have been wiped out by the pathetic and deranged actions of a man who, most probably, is suffering from some kind of mental disorder.

Although it is too early to say, it is probably unlikely that the suspect is part of any political group which in tends to make concerted or planned attacks on British politicians. It seems that it might be more a matter of someone who is demented and a fantasist,  though not to the extent of Anders Breivik.  

It would be very wrong for British politicians to use the tragedy as their opportunity to make grandeloquent speeches about the dangers which politicians face from extremists, since more 'ordinary people' have died from the actions of 'apparent lone-wolves' such as this suspect.

So, while Jo Cox's family and friends and thousands of people who are shocked by her senseless killing and the great lost it entails, mourn her death, it is important that the tragedy is seen in a balanced perspective.

May Jo Cox's family and friends find the strength and conviction to mourn her death and manage their grief, until they are able to continue to help to build the kind of society and world which she was committed to doing.