Both Politicians And Citizens Must Do More To Curb The Violence

 

I have to agree with Mr. Basu. The trend for political violence in the United States will get worse before it gets better.

And the politicians in Washington believe that, also. Many legislators from both parties are cancelling or limiting their public appearances. I don't blame them. Except for the party leaders, they don't have government provided security when they leave the Capitol. They are currently discussing how they might remedy that.

The danger is especially dire for Democrats. Right-wingers are furious about the killing of Charlie Kirk, and social media is full of calls for retribution (and even civil war). And the most powerful politician in the country, Donald Trump, is using his bully pulpit to demonize them. He says all Democrats are dangerous radical leftist that must be dealt with.

The Republicans are also in danger, but they are responsible for creating that danger to themselves by giving tax cuts to billionaires while taking food from the poor and kicking millions off Medicaid (and raising Obamacare premiums). They have also joined Trump in demonizing Blacks, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community, and anyone who doesn't profess fealty to Trump.

Adding to the danger for both sides is the ridiculous proliferation of guns in this country - and the ease with which anyone can get one (regardless of how dangerous they might be).

Politics should not make us enemies. We are all Americans who want the best for our country and its citizens. And age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, color, or religion does not make us different. In a free country with free speech, we should be able to express and fight for our views without demonizing or hurting those who disagree with us.

Our politicians should lead in the effort to curb political violence. They should clearly state their opinions, debate them, and then compromise for the good of the country. They used to be able to do this and they must get back to it.

We should do better - and we must. Our democracy depends on it.