Like many Americans, I was deeply troubled last week by the attempt on the life of former President Trump at a rally in a Pennsylvania field. I have delved into past assassination attempts, particularly those involving former President John F. Kennedy. I never envisioned that a President’s life would be threatened again in such a direct manner as a shooting. I have believed that the Secret Service and intelligence agencies would prevent such an occurrence from repeating; at least, that was my perspective.
I guess I am ignorant. I believed after September 11, 2001, when it was discovered our government entities knew about the threat and forthcoming attack (the left hand of government and law enforcement never knew what the right hand was doing), that we had fixed the communication problem in this country. Thus, the event unfolded before our eyes, more or less due to communication breakdown. After all those 9-11 hearings and adjustments after that horrific day, I thought our protective services would have improved. Clearly, there are still issues.
Have we so quickly forgotten about the Congressional Baseball game in 2017 that ended in mass bloodshed? I find it interesting that this is rarely talked about in the media.
We are aware that those who serve our country face threats constantly. In my naive understanding, I assumed that any future attempts would have to be more sophisticated than what occurred on Saturday from a basic firearm. This situation opens the door for speculation, doubt, questioning, anger, sadness, and so much more. It is going to take time for America to grasp what we saw, especially as more videos are released daily from 30,000 attendees with cell phone cameras from different angles.
In the midst of the hate and pure evil I witnessed last Saturday, I must admit that what troubles me the most is some of the content I encountered on social media and YouTube. I could not believe when a staffer of Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi, stated on social media “the shooter should have aimed better.” The staffer has been removed from his team, but it should be noted he also was pushing for cutting the Secret Service from convicted felons in government earlier this year. I will admit I know little about his office, but I am unaware of an apology issued thus far.
I have also noted a handful of businesses around the country, now being boycotted online, as owners and staff made similar remarks, wishing terminal harm on the former President.
While a significant portion of what I came across originated from distant places nowhere near the cornfields of Northwest Ohio, there were deeply disturbing LOCAL comments that shook me to my core, even on some of our LOCAL town Facebook groups where citizens like to bicker with one another. Some of these comments have now been taken down.
As a local publisher, I wholeheartedly advocate for free speech. I may not personally align with your political views, lifestyle choices, etc. I might not personally hang a flag that contradicts my faith and join personally in your event. However, I will ALWAYS defend your right to free speech, and I will stand side by side with you on this important subject matter.
One of the most concerning issues in America, and indeed in much of the world, has been the suppression of free speech during the pandemic, the last election cycle, and even now. This is a topic for another newspaper column, but I firmly believe this is a slippery slope in a society that prides itself on being free.
With this mindset stated, I cannot express the anger that I felt when reading comments where LOCAL citizens more or less stated President Trump had it coming, and some even wished the bullet would not have been missed.
While I know there are a very minuscule number of extremists on both sides of the aisle that may wish to actually enact harm on those serving, I’m blown away that while still a small group, so many voiced their support in such actions.
Well, I suppose I need to stick by what I wrote above; you have the right to free speech, but so do I.
It is not a political belief. It is not an ideology. It is not a personality trait or anything else. If you wish harm upon another human being, desiring evil to take the life of a past President, even if you cannot stand the man, you are the problem. Can I be any more clear?
Whether you are white, black, hispanic, gay, straight, Republican, Democrat, communist, atheist, flatworlder, fat, skinny, identify as something different than you were born as, an average Joe, or have an extremist view — if you have this level of hatred in your heart, I’d suggest taking a long walk and to look into your soul. As many problems as our politicians have, and trust me, I’m not a fan of politics, to wish the death of a human being says a lot about you.
One of the most impactful comments I heard last week was “ballots not bullets”. I wholeheartedly resonate with this sentiment – express your concerns through your vote and by supporting your chosen candidates in a peaceful and, frankly, American manner.
On a different note, it’s worth noting the absence of rioting following the shooting. This observation is quite intriguing, considering the recent history of American cities being engulfed in flames after almost every unfortunate incident involving loss of life and unfavorable court proceedings.
I’m personally an Independent. I have endless concerns with much of what is represented by both parties. I agree with most Americans, who I believe are somewhere in the center of the political arena. Maybe you lean slightly left. Maybe you lean slightly right. But our differences and even ideas at the end of the day are not really that far apart. And I believe most Americans, at least here in Northwest Ohio, would help someone who aligns politically differently on the other side of the aisle. We would help those with different political ideals change a tire or by taking them out for a cup of coffee when they are having a bad day. That’s the America I know.
Though I doubt it will stick, this week, I saw shades of post-September 11, 2001, as political foes agreed to tone down the rhetoric while publicly stating they were praying for one another. There was rare unity, even if for a moment. This is a good start. I heard it from the left. I heard it from the right. It was a pleasant calm.
I thought President Biden did a good job addressing the nation and, in a later interview, acknowledging both campaigns need to tone down the rhetoric. President Biden admitted that using the term “bullseye” in reference to Trump days before the shooting was a mistake. The Trump campaign equally has a long list of history where strong divisive language has been utilized.
Those in my circle know that I believe in math. Math is the same no matter what your opinions are on a subject matter. If you are excited about something, the math is the same. Fearful, the math is the same. I believe a lot in life should be based on math or at least used as starting point in important decisions processes. Emotions will lead to good and yet often bad decisions; consistent math will give you a step in the right direction.
While 99.9% of Americans would never react to rhetoric shared by a political camp this leaves 1/10 of 1% that may take words to the next level. How can those who protect these politicians eliminate that many extremists from reacting? Do the math on that number. If if 1/100 or 1/1000 or 1/10,000 of 1% are crazy enough to react.
I would love to see this respect be the norm in our country; we certainly would achieve more. Politicians can do better. We can do better. The word hate is thrown around constantly in our society. Let’s call this hate out and tone it down.
As my prior columns this year noted, if you are a person of faith, please continue to pray for our great nation, our leaders (including those you do not align with), and the very soul of our country.