Encouragingly, leaders from both parties, including those who have opposed Trump, quickly and clearly condemned the attack. “We cannot tolerate this,” President Biden said. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) called it a “heinous, evil act.”
We agree with that sentiment.
The darkest hours in American history — hours shadowed by political violence — remind us that incitement and hatred must always be countered and never tolerated. The right of free and open speech, the glory of open election meetings and passionate political activity depend on an atmosphere free of fear and intimidation.
So what do we want to do?
Now we must recognize that no matter where we fall on the belief or ideological spectrum, we have all been affected by harmful politics.
So can this be a moment to pause and rediscover our better selves? A moment to hear our inner voice as clearly as we heard the gunfire? What do we want to be, Americans?
It’s not up to politicians or editorial press.
The responsibility lies with us as neighbors and as citizens.
Indeed, as Benjamin Franklin said, the republic is ours “if we can keep it.”
