Peaceful opposition replaced by threats, violence

As we hit the final stretch of this election cycle, what’s most disappointing in these divisive times is the threatening nature of many Americans’ reactions to issues, rather than just having civil disagreements.

I grew up in an era where there were clear differences — Kennedy vs. Nixon, Carter vs. Reagan. But, threats of physical violence between opposing camps was rare, although there was certainly a dark era of assassinations and attempts through those years. That, unfortunately, surfaced during this campaign at Trump events.

Most Americans don’t want death and bloodshed in the name of politics. But, to some with the most extreme passions, those differences provide an opportunity for action. It seems like attacks and threats are triggered so easily now, especially against any person or institution that disseminates information — journalists, scientists, doctors and even meteorologists.

Officials threatened

Because there were campaign statements made that federal response was lacking in North Carolina, and FEMA funds had been diverted to illegal immigrants, there were FEMA workers in the field facing threats. (Emergency aid and immigration programs are separate funds.) That misinformation just impedes progress in helping people.

Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt was on 60 Minutes Sunday discussing the misinformation in 2020 that led to threats toward him and his family, after there were accusations — proven to be unfounded — of faulty election certification in his state. His family had to move out of their home and he had extra taxpayer-funded security 24 hours a day because of the threats.

The only election fraud that was found concerned races far down the ballot, in isolated cases. Schmidt said conspiracy theories continue to swirl around the upcoming election, despite the many measures taken to ensure a legitimate election.

Lies and exaggeration have been part of American politics since the days of the founding fathers. But, on the immigration issue in particular, the message has been dehumanizing and has resulted in safety concerns in communities where the spotlight shines the brightest.

(By the way, after former President Donald Trump had the bipartisan border security bill killed so it could remain a hot button issue at election time, the number of migrants crossing into the U.S. illegally at the southern border reached the lowest point of President Biden’s administration in September. That’s three months into the crackdown on asylum claims.)

Last Friday in Aurora, Colorado, Trump gave a speech that asserted the city had been “conquered” by Venezuelan gangs and announced that he would use a 1798 law to deport them. Local officials in Aurora refuted those claims they described as “false and grossly exaggerated.” The claim about the gangs actually started as a housing complex dispute, and was quite isolated, the Republican mayor said.

It’s not unlike the disturbances that arose in Springfield, Ohio, after claims were made that illegal Haitian immigrants had overrun that city’s resources and caused crime to escalate. Again, Springfield officials attempted to clarify the situation, where most Haitians are in the country legally, and holding down jobs in the local economy.

Yet, Trump still makes statements in rally speeches saying, “Do you think Springfield will ever be the same? You have to get them the hell out. You have to get them out.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on ABC: “It’s just not helpful. Again, these people are here legally. They want to work, and employers tell us they don’t know what they would do without them. This discussion just has to stop. There are hate groups coming into Springfield. We don’t need that.”

Haitian families reported they were fearful of leaving their homes.

Election day warning

I thought it was rich that Trump said over the weekend that National Guard troops or even the military might be needed to quell uprisings by “radical left extremists” on election day, when the only such uprising to date occurred after his Ellipse speech on January 6, 2021.

He now says he only asked for a peaceful demonstration. But, we all heard this phrase: “You’re going to have to fight like hell, because if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”

Some of those people believing they were on a patriotic mission gave up years of their lives being loyal to the theory — which has never held up by any court or prosecutor — that the election was stolen. They were found guilty or pleaded guilty to serious crimes. Some people still believe to this day that Biden didn’t win, because that’s the narrative on Fox News, Newsmax or Truth Social.

Capitol officers testifying to the independent commission to investigate January 6 laid out a litany of horrific acts against them by this “peaceful assembly.” They spoke of being sprayed in the face with chemical irritants, beaten with their own batons, coordinated “heave-ho” pushes to pin them against doors, and other life-threatening situations.

Those officers were the true American heroes that day. They were trying to restore order and protect our hall of democracy, and those inside, including Vice President Pence. Hours of combat and personal injury occurred before a statement from the President.

Yes, there are some lies and exaggerations coming out of the Harris-Walz camp, as well. But, not the kind that sends their supporters out on violent missions of retribution against innocent Americans, unless I’ve missed it. The riots in Minneapolis and Seattle were horrible, for sure, but not related to national candidates. They were sparked by George Floyd’s death at the hands of a police officer. Like J6, there were law enforcement officers harmed and property destroyed, which isn’t right.

If the assassination attempt against Trump was by a true political opponent, that’s the worst act of political violence yet in this cycle.

True Americans who want freedom, opportunity and safety would relish a return to the days of simple disagreements, minus the violence. Let’s hope we don’t experience that stuff after Nov. 5.