The assasination of the Archbishop Thomas Becket
(21 December c. 1119 (or 1120) – 29 December 1170) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. He engaged in conflict with Henry II, King of England, over the rights and privileges of the Church and was murdered by followers of the king in Canterbury Cathedral. Soon after his death, he was canonised by Pope Alexander III.
Before Henry II became king he and Thomas Becket were youthful friends. They were hell raisers and scandalised the court.
When Henry ascended to the throne he became under fierce criticism from the Archbishop of Canterbury. Upon the death of the Archbishop Henry made an inspired decision and appointed his friend Thomas Becket as the new Archbishop.
But instead of helping out the king, Becket took the job seriously! He soon became a bigger thorn in the side of the king.
It is said that one evening, in a drunken rant, Henry supposedly said "Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?'
That night some of Henry's knights set out for Canterbury. When they arrived, they found the Archbishop performing his evening vespers. The knights flew upon him and brutally murdered him.
When they returned they had hoped to garner favor from the king but Henry was devastated and claimed he had not intended this.
Henry was forced to perform many acts of penance and self humiliation and narrowly avoided ex-communication.
This story has been related many times in theatre, cinema and literature. Peter O'Toole, as Henry, and Richard Burton, as Becket, were featured in an excellent movie "Becket."
That words matter, especially words of the ruler, is well illustrated in this tale. This is something Donald Trump doesn't seem to know and will likely never learn. Trump has never heard of this historical episode, he knows nothing of history. He has never read the literature, he is only semi-literate. He might have seen the movie but that is also doubtful, just doesn't seem to be one he would be interested in..
Today the suspect in the string of bombs planted in Florida has been arrested, He is a fanatical supporter of Trump and his van is covered in stickers and large posters backing Trump as well as a large portrait of the President.
Trump says he has no blame in this case. The facts say otherwise. At the very least, Trump's words inspired this episode. Does he, then, bear no responsibility?
