Following the arrest of a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk this morning, the Governor of Utah made an impassioned speech against resorting to political violence in our country. Though I am sure I disagree with the Governor on many issues, I was very impressed with his effort to tone down partisan hate in America.
His central theme was that we can debate issues and protest peacefully while respecting the rights and welfare of our political opponents. While this is a wise approach, it does depend on the willingness of both sides to be truthful and to support the concept of free speech. Leadership committed to these principles must arise from both sides of the political divide and, most importantly, from the President himself.
Therein lies the primary problem facing our country at this difficult time. When the acquisition of power, the enactment of revenge, the ridicule of opponents and the suppression of dissent are the primary tools of a country's leader, the political milieu encourages violence. Elections, if allowed to proceed in a safe and reliable manner, are the only peaceful alternative.
