The assassinations in Minnesota have left a chilling effect because of how quickly this atrocity moved through the media cycle. We are becoming desensitized to political violence just like school shootings.
Violence is destroying our political process as fear and anger replace compromise and unity. We should not feel threatened by someone who disagrees with our political or judicial position. Differences will never be resolved through violence as there is no justification for someone to kill us because they are displeased with our way of life.
Violence doesn’t happen in a vacuum, nor is it of unknown origin. Representatives from both parties condemned the Jan. 6 insurrection, but sadly very few, if any, Republicans had the courage to object to pardoning those who physically attacked the Capitol. That attack was the epitome of political violence against our Congress while it was conducting required duties, including those who were injured or killed defending them.
The message sent by Trump and the silence from Republicans conveys political violence is OK as long it aligns with your party’s advancement. The electorate bears some blame for violence by electing a convicted felon over a prosecuting attorney. Unfortunately, political terrorism has found a place in our country.
As more citizens feel that political violence is an acceptable form of protest, it breeds more violence and creates a deadly cycle. Condemnation of political terrorism must start now with our local leaders and last forever. We must do more than reach for guns or raise our fists to resolve differences.
Evelyn Gallegos
Brighton
