End Political Violence

Political Violence and Intimidation

MLK's death had taken away our hope and enraged us like nothing before. The country was literally on fire. But we had a glimmer of hope — Bobby was going to be President and could help heal the nation. Within just a few weeks, he too was killed. Bobby Kennedy's death crushed me. I cried and cried. He was my hero like no other. Two men who so eloquently and peacefully described a future world where love would rule — then senselessly, violently murdered within weeks of one another, leaving us with no hope for the future.

The recent attempts on the President's life were followed by hundreds of examples of people publicly wishing for his death. What kind of example does that set for our children? We need to recognize all of the implications of rooting for the death of the leader of the UnitedStates.

There were people in 1968 who were quietly pleased by the deaths of Bobby Kennedy and MLK. Those people were relegated to the dustbins of history — and so will those who continue this kind of mindless rhetoric. Your words have real influence on young people, so examine your views. If you cannot bring yourself to change your mind because of your hatred for this President, at least respect the office itself. You should never wish for the death of a sitting President. Political violence is a sickness that can kill this country.

It is always time to reevaluate when you find yourself believing that violence is the solution to your problems.

Leave politicians alone. Stop treating political violence as acceptable. It will eventually trigger a backlash — the other side will begin targeting and killing your politicians in turn. This is not a game with a controlled outcome. In an already dangerously divided and heavily armed society, the last thing anyone should be doing is poking the bear.