As I have written here recently, I am more and more disturbed by the use of violent language by politicians, commentators, and the press. With increasing frequency, I’m hearing references to crushing and outgunning opponents, attacking miscreants, and slaughtering adversaries. Most of the people using these terms are Republicans working under the leadership of Donald Trump. Most recently, Trump, as I reported earlier, in an obvious incitement to violence, wrote on his social media website that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) “has a DEATH WISH.” But even the Democrats are leaning into more pugnacious words.
I think that it is time that we as a nation expressly denounce violence and violent incitation. That means, among other things, condemning the push toward insurrection by Trump and his supporters.
Except for the January 6, 2021 insurrection led by Trump, we haven’t attacked each other with intent to inflict physical harm or kill since the civil war. Let’s not allow Trump and company to resort to violence after we have achieved so much as a nation.
The time to change course is now.
Tom Glenn, Writer 