Don’t let extremists control conversation
Like many Americans, I was shocked by the failed attempt to assassinate former POTUS Donald J. Trump. Moreover, I was pleased to see the outpouring of support from President Biden, Nancy Pelosi, J.B. Pritzker and Brandon Johnson. Although each is a political adversary of Mr. Trump, they unequivocally condemned the brazen assault on the former President. Violence has no place in a thriving democratic republic.
However, I was dismayed to learn that Congressman Mike Collins (Georgia) posted on “X” that “President Biden sent the orders” to assassinate Mr. Trump. This type of incendiary, dangerous rhetoric reflects America’s current political environment. He should be censured for his outrageous, reprehensible posting. Furthermore, a recent op-ed (“Time to invoke the 25th Amendment”) suggested that “his (President Biden) own F.B.I. stated that he should not stand trial for his crimes.” What crimes are you referencing? What supporting facts did you base this statement on? The F.B.I. is an objective agency that answers to the Attorney General and not to the whims of the POTUS. The op-ed writer proceeds to suggest that current Vice President Kamala Harris “is even less capable of doing the job” as POTUS. What specific evidence are you basing this supposition on?
Having differing opinions is imperative to a thriving democratic republic. However, making disreputable, baseless statements without supporting evidence has fostered the growing political partition of our country.
I implore introspective, articulate moderates to seize control of the current political narrative from the ill-informed extremists on both sides of the political spectrum. Civility and respect must be paramount. The world is watching.
Lawrence E. Bonk
Roselle