The assassination attempt on Donald Trump was a solemn day for democracy | Opinion
You heard the news. A gunman came within inches of killing former President Donald Trump during a political rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Trump, who will be in Milwaukee this week to accept the Republican nomination, suffered a graze wound to his ear. In the aftermath, the gunman is dead, at least one bystander is also deceased, and two other spectators are critically injured. It could have been worse, a lot worse.
Saturday's incident was a somber day for democracy.
Although I disagree with many of Trump's positions, I do not wish him any harm. The shooting should be a turning point in this election, prompting us to treat each other with more civility despite our political differences.
As the Republican National Convention commences Monday, it is crucial that the tone reflects unity, respect and civility, rather than seeking revenge and displaying impertinence. This moment is of great importance for all Americans and will not only set the tone for the rest of the election but will also influence the future direction of our nation.
Terrible. Scared. Disbelief. Your reactions to the attempted assassination of former President Trump
Trump holds the power to set this tone. If he chooses an "us" versus "them" approach, it has the potential to further divide our nation.
However, after reading many comments on several media sites, I fear things will get worse before they get better. That's why the tone Trump sets is so critical.
People should follow the lead of President Joe Biden, who immediately, and vehemently, condemned the violence and called on other Americans to do the same. He will deliver an address from the Oval Office tonight.
"An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation," Biden said from the White House Sunday afternoon. "Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that now."
This country and state were already deeply divided before shooting
The immediacy in which individuals resorted to their political affiliations and expressed an appetite for more violence is alarming. It was disconcerting to witness some people go as far as suggesting that the shooting was staged, an utterly absurd notion. Conversely, others seized upon the shooting to galvanize support for their respective political factions.
The comments, accompanied by laughing emojis and memes, are divisive rather than unifying. It's not surprising, given that Biden and Trump have taken verbal shots at each other, and this negativity has spread to their supporters.
Some people believe that hating someone different from them benefits their own cause. It doesn’t. It only creates more division and more hate.
The country and our state are already deeply fractured along racial and political lines. According to the latest Marquette University Law School poll, Biden and Trump are in a dead heat with about four months until Election Day.
There is a glimmer of hope. Following the shooting, Biden spoke with Trump. I hope they agreed to tone down their rhetoric and show more civility toward each other, but I have doubts.
Many questions are left unanswered about Trump rally shooting
How will this impact this week’s Republican National Convention in downtown Milwaukee? Will law enforcement be able to ensure the safety of an estimated 50,000 attendees, delegates, and media members during the RNC?
These questions aren't just random thoughts. Milwaukee is preparing as best it can as a political convention starts with thousands of people in town, and tensions already high. Events like this can make us all feel powerless, but we all play a role in our own way.
It all begins with us listening to one another with an open mind.
Negative emotions can hinder our ability to listen effectively. When we see others as adversaries, it becomes difficult to comprehend their perspective and find any common ground. Engaging in a respectful discussion doesn't mean abandoning our own beliefs, but rather striving to collaborate sincerely with others.
Trump assassination attempt shows why guns and politics do not mix
Guns should not be permitted anywhere near the RNC. Last month, I wrote a column stating allowing guns into the "soft security area" is undeniably absurd, even with the state law prohibiting municipalities from imposing firearm restrictions stricter than state laws.
Saturday’s assassination attempt proves guns and politics do not mix.
Biden unfit to serve another 4 years. He must step down for our country's sake.
Civility starts with our leaders. While both individuals can condemn the shooter, it would be more productive for them to focus on discussing policies rather than resorting to personal attacks. This approach could greatly contribute to restoring some semblance of peace. I guess we will find out when Trump takes the stage in Milwaukee.
Will Trump be defiant and divisive, pumping his fist claiming that disgruntled Democrats somehow orchestrated the shooting, or will he be thankful that he's alive and vow that he and Biden will be more civil moving forward, in hopes that everyone will follow their lead?
I hope he chooses the latter because our nation needs unifying leadership. Not more verbal shots at one another.
Reach James E. Causey at [email protected]; follow him on X @jecausey.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump shooting must be a turning point in this election
