I very rarely agree with Sen. Bernie Sanders,I-Vt., but his recent statement against political violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination resonated with me. Political violence has a long history in America, going back to July 11, 1804 when Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton tried to settle their differences in a duel in Weehawken, N.J. In the 221 years since, there have been four presidential assassinations and countless acts of political violence including two attempts on President Trump’s life during the 2024 presidential campaign.
What Sen. Sanders failed to mention was that political rhetoric has been escalated by referring to President Trump and his supporters as “fascists”, which in the minds of unhinged or radicalized people seems to justify committing violence against American citizens. Some attacks have been antisemitic in nature, such as attempted arson that targeted Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Others have crossed political lines, such as the murder of the Minnesota house speaker.
Recently traffic in White River Junction was delayed by peaceful demonstrators who repeatedly pushed crosswalk buttons so drivers would have to read their signs as they paraded across downtown streets. I didn’t appreciate that inconvenience or agree with most of their positions, but I supported their right to do it. The right of “peaceable assembly” to seek redress of grievances against our government at every level is woven into the fabric of America. The right of freedom of speech facilitates my writing letters many may disagree with.
House Speaker Johnson has lamented the decline of civility, courtesy, and decency in politics and everyday living. We see it in how people drive, barreling through intersections seconds after lights turn red. Ultimate indecency would permanently silence the voices of those whose opinions we disagree with. Numerous theories abound as to why Tyler Robinson did what is alleged or whether he acted alone. Let’s wait for investigations to be completed and for the course of justice to be served. Let’s pray that flags need not be lowered again for this purpose and let ballot boxes serve their intended constitutional purpose.