What We Need to Do Hasn't Changed

Saturday was traumatic for the country; the way forward is still the same.

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

Political violence is destabilizing and poison for democracy.

As is the spread of misinformation and lies, and the undercutting of norms and institutions.

While we can all reflect on our tones and the words we use, blaming Democrats for Saturday’s assassination attempt / almost mass shooting event is simply projecting by MAGA Republicans and MINO Republicans (MAGA In Name Only due to their own power ambitions and/or cowardice).

Regardless of the shooter’s motives, there is arguably a strong connecting line between Trump / MAGA rhetoric and actions and the events of Saturday (as there are other past actions of political violence, including the assassination attempt on former Speaker Nancy Pelosi).

The events of Saturday were also facilitated by our nation’s lax gun laws and ludicrous gun fetish.

Based on Republican reactions so far, Saturday will likely further ramp up the rhetoric, only adding to the hyper-partisanship and mistrust of our neighbors and institutions that already infects our nation. Though I would love to be proven wrong.

The increase in chaos, distrust, fear, and potential additional violence only serves to further weaken democracy and increase the coalition of power within the office of the Presidency; it only serves the cause of minority rule and ultimately authoritarianism.

Yes, we should pay attention to the words we use and likely focus more on the actions of people rather than name-calling for name-calling’s sake. Some curiosity as to why people believe what they believe or say what they’re saying is needed. It’s also likely a key to tamping down the hyper-partisanship and othering.

But we still must call out hate when we see it. Bigotry when we see it. Injustice and inequity when we see them. Lies and misinformation when we see them. People must still be accountable for what they say and do.

We must hold Trump, MAGA Republicans, and MINO Republicans accountable with our votes at the ballot box in November (at the state and federal levels). That hasn’t changed since Saturday, whether or not Biden is the Democratic nominee.