Dear Editor,
On Saturday, July 13, political violence took an innocent American life. During the assassination attempt on the life of the then presumptive Republican presidential nominee, audience member 50-year-old Corey Comperatore lost his life as he attempted to shield his family from gunfire.
Although the intended target, Donald J. Trump, miraculously sustained only a superficial flesh wound, America’s political system had been more gravely injured.
Necessarily, we have to ask ourselves what is the best way to counter political violence. Toxic rhetoric shared on social media by people who feel their views aren’t represented is ammunition for a violent society. As we become callous to incendiary tones and inflammatory statements, we risk having more of them. Internet conspiracies eventually become concepts repeated in stump speeches.
So, how will the attack at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, affect the tone of the campaign? President Joe Biden said, “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence.”
Saying that Americans must “resolve our differences at the ballot box” seemed less than an adequate appeal. Donald Trump posted a more powerful call for national unity.
“It is more important than ever that we stand united and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allowing evil to win.”
Early indications suggest that the deceased shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was acting alone as he targeted Mr. Trump.
Nevertheless, in his failed attempt at ending the life of the potential next president, he may have awakened a new future for us all.
A brush with death can change one's view of and approach to life. I hope that as Donald Trump reflects on the providential moments that have sustained his life, he will adopt a new humanity and embrace this opportunity to lead an exemplary life.
Peter Wibell, Rutledge