Assassins now walk amongst us, legally carrying the gun of their choice.
Regardless of the rallying cry from so many on both sides, America has become a place for this kind of violence.
The fact is: When you call for violence, you get violence…
We all know that inciting violence is taken seriously under federal law.
In the United States, federal law prohibits inciting violence.
Specifically, 18 U.S. Code § 373 addresses solicitation to commit a crime of violence. According to this law, anyone who intentionally encourages another person to engage in conduct constituting a felony involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against property or another person can be subject to imprisonment or fines. Additionally, 18 U.S. Code § 2383 makes it a federal crime to incite, assist with, or participate in rebellion or insurrection against the U.S. government, punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Think about this: Trump gets shot and his instincts kick in. He halted his protection. Was it his courage that showed up with his fist of “fight”? Regardless, this moment will either ignite more hate, or shine an even brighter light on what we’ve done to one another in the name of politics.
Yes, we are better than this, but I read all sorts of comments, some of which are beyond reckless. As for the photo of a defiant Trump, with fist in the air and blood streaming down his face. Some are now questioning whether he engineered the whole event. Is this where we are as a society?
History makes it clear: The convergence of division unravels society...
As I said yesterday, we must turn the page on hate, division, lies and corruption…
We absolutely must hold ourselves–those around us–those that lead us–and those that we follow accountable to the great lessen of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness with reasonable, responsible laws and leaders committed and actually keep their pledge to maintain and safeguard our democracy.
I await the voices of leadership. Will they tone down or further amplify their rhetoric?
Unifying a country is a complex task, but there are valuable lessons we can learn from events that trigger change.
Folks, our shared purpose must transcend political divisions because the fact is that our country’s ability to adapt and accommodate these changes is the reality of our unity.
We must embrace our demographic change. So, rather than resisting these very real changes, leaders can promote unity by celebrating cultural richness and emphasizing our shared values, so that all citizens willingly commit to achieving the promise of greatness together.
My point: We MUST put Unity First.
So, when we are evaluating people and the politics that guide them, I ask you to please consider how to unite, by asking whether what you are doing and saying, in person and on social media is bringing people together or further dividing them, then act in the best interest of unity.
