A Dangerous Moment in American Politics

This past weekend, we once again witnessed an attempt to assassinate President Trump. Let that sink in. Forget your politics for 30 minutes. We are discussing a situation where there have been repeated efforts to kill the individual duly elected to the world’s single most important office.

Where Is the Clear Moral Line?

In a sane world, there would be little to no discussion as to what the proper response should be from anyone claiming to be a decent human being. That response, of course, would be denunciation without qualification. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Given what we have witnessed in the past when it comes to political violence coming from the progressive world, it is sad to say the response was predictable.

The Normalization of Violence

It has become all too acceptable to rationalize, excuse, even approve of using violence to advance one’s political agenda—so long as it is a progressive agenda. Today is the day we should say we have had enough. No more pretending “both sides do it, and the government has already ‘verified’ it is the right wing that poses the greatest threat when it comes to political violence.” The evil and cynicism that surrounds this attitude needs to be called out for what it is—ridiculous.

Told Not to Believe What We See

Essentially, we are being told to stop believing our lying eyes and trust those whose political motives are so specific and obvious that the whole thing becomes an exercise in macabre satire. “We will shoot at you, and you will like it, you evil bastards.” That is the current reality within the progressive community towards anyone who would dare oppose their agenda and programs.

A Culture of Contempt

For you see, to do anything other than embracing all things progressive reflects a level of ignorance and/or bad intentions. Not to mention poor taste. “All the cool kids agree with us, and all the research shows the best-educated agree with us.” Perhaps the most disgusting response to these repeated acts of violence is to assert that they were actually staged by the victims.

A Question Worth Asking

Ask yourself a simple question. If there were all this right-wing violence being committed, would you not think you would see and read about it actually happening more often? Has it happened? Will it happen again? Is it ever okay? Yes, yes, and no. Does it come anywhere close to the number of incidents committed by progressives, specifically for a political purpose, that you personally know about? You decide.

A Growing List of Targets

We know of what is now three serious attempts to kill President Trump. Charlie Kirk. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The list goes on (and on). Show me the equivalent of progressives. This does not even address the several multiple murders committed by transgender individuals in the name of equality and tolerance.

What the Numbers Suggest

What is most shocking is the numbers related to who says violence is sometimes justified. More than twice as many Democrats as Republicans give a thumbs-up to it. Democrats love to highlight that they dominate among those with at least a college degree. True enough. They are also twice as likely to think that “violence is often necessary to create social change” as those who do not have a degree. Fully 40 percent of those who have a master’s degree agree with the statement.

Hypocrisy on Display

So certain of how right they are, progressives smugly conclude if violence is incurred by conservatives, their initial response is, at best, “well, they were asking for it.” This all taking place as they stand on their soapboxes preaching tolerance, peace, and freedom of speech. They drip with hypocrisy, and decent people need to call them on it.

Drawing a Firm Line

It is a mistake to seriously argue with people who believe that political violence is anything other than unacceptable, no matter the targets. Instead, we should simply tell them they are disgusting and absurd. No, President Trump did not “deserve” assassination attempts. No, it was not staged. Most of all, please and desist with comments lamenting that they did not succeed in killing him. You have no moral high ground, and I refuse to believe your attitude, statements, and behavior deserve anything other than condemnation. Go to hell (which it would appear you are well on your way to achieving).

Common Sense

Common sense: Just because you have deemed yourself to be one of the good people does not mean you have the right to inflict violence upon those who hold other views. This should be a lot easier.