There has been another tragic incident in violence as we watched a 20-year-old shoot former President Donald Trump with a high-powered rifle from a roof top during a political rally. An attendee of the rally was shot and killed, and two other individuals were wounded and hospitalized. This 20-year-old shooter, Thomas Crooks, who has been identified as a rather mild-mannered, quiet misfit was also killed by law enforcement. Here is another mass shooting that has become a trend in our country.
In recent days we have witnessed such divisive political rhetoric that seems to be escalating in its high threat and lack of civility. Unfortunately, in our society, there is too much opportunity to resort to significant violence that has now entered our political spheres. This tragic attempted assassination has left such a poor reflection on our country to our citizens and the world that use to look to America as an example of democracy.
We also witnessed a significant mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama that resulted in 7 dead and 10 injured this same weekend. This has become a trend in our country that is frightening and far too frequent. We are turning to violence as a response to our conflicts. Likewise, our political leadership is a significant reflection of emotions like revenge, contempt, lack of compromise and consequential violence.
Predictably, as a result of this high-profile tragedy there are outcries against political violence and a call for our country to unite. Those outcries are merited but seem like a distant dream because of the prominence of all the other messages that permeate the political landscape. Also, the blaming has already begun as there is continued political polarization at a time when we desperately need to come together in support of one another.
What is unrealistic and missing from meaningful change is the values and practices around creating peace. When we become genuinely engaged in the prioritization of peace (and I should say peace-making) there will be hard work and significant compromise. It means that peace becomes more important that our politics or disagreements. What we give up for the sake of peace is the real remedy for the kind of division and violence that has become so prominent.
When we think of how a democracy works it means that everyone is at the table. No matter what our disagreements and differing perspectives are, the tasks of listening, compromising, problem-solving, negotiating and finding common ground should be a dynamic part of the process. The values of peace involve a great deal of work, effort, momentum and insistence on making sure all voices are heard whether the decisions are made in their behalf or not. Peace does not happen without serious peace-making efforts for the cause of the greater good.
All l the pleas and insistences on ending political violence will not remedy such a polarized political climate. It will only change when our leaders become intentional to adopt the values of peace and work together to implement the principles and practice of peace and reconciliation as we hold high the true essence of democracy in how we build navigate our conflicts! We need it, our kids need it and our country needs it!
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
