July 14, 2024 3:34 CDT
By James C. Frasure III – InnerKwest
Instead of rallying behind the notions that made America great such as advocating for a contemporary society with ageless principles, Donald Trump openly ridiculed and taunted when a deranged individual brutally attacked the spouse of then–House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Additionally, one of Trump’s children and other loyal Trump allies enthusiastically spread untrue allegations that Paul Pelosi had in some way provoked the assault due to a sexual escapade.
Trigger Man and the Elderly Aspiring Dictator
Violence and extremism have no place in a civilized society, yet they continue to rear their ugly heads in the political landscape. The recent incident involving an attempted attack on former President Trump serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who resort to violence to further their agendas. It is a troubling sign of the times when political figures are targeted for harm simply because of their beliefs or affiliations.
The rhetoric of division and hatred that has been perpetuated by certain political leaders only serves to fuel the flames of extremism. When leaders fail to condemn violence and instead incite their supporters to take matters into their own hands, it creates a dangerous environment where no one is safe. The events that unfolded at the campaign event where Trump was targeted should serve as a wake-up call for all those who continue to sow seeds of discord and animosity.
As a society, we must come together to denounce violence and extremism in all its forms. Political differences should be settled through dialogue and debate, not through threats and acts of violence. It is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable for their words and actions, and demand a more civil and respectful discourse in our political arena. Only then can we hope to move forward as a united and peaceful nation.
It is an unfortunate reality that many individuals claim political violence has no place in American society, despite the historical evidence proving otherwise. Throughout American history, acts of violence such as assassinations, lynchings, riots, and pogroms have left a dark mark on the nation’s political landscape. This trend continues to persist even in recent years, with instances of Trump supporters resorting to intimidation tactics by bringing weapons to polling stations and vote-counting centers during the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Martyrdom and Violence: The Dangerous Narrative of the Trump Movement
Fascist movements can be likened to secular religions, as they often rely on the notion of martyrdom to validate their beliefs. In the case of the Trump movement, there is a disturbing trend where the leader himself is portrayed as the ultimate martyr, with his own blood symbolizing a quest for power and retribution. This dangerous narrative not only glorifies violence but also sets a troubling precedent for the role of aggression in shaping political discourse, particularly as the 2024 election approaches.
The upcoming 2024 election appeared to be a significant battle between a weakening liberal ideology and a rising authoritarian movement. While Trump had the support of a passionate minority of voters, his boldness and fervor compensated for the lack of sheer numbers. Following a tragic event, Trump and his supporters aimed to leverage symbols of violence and defiance to rally undecided individuals to their cause of establishing Trump as a leader above the law, shielded by his allies in the judiciary.
Unlike other nations that have slid into authoritarianism due to crises like economic turmoil or civil unrest, the United States in 2024 was not facing such challenges. The economy was thriving, with widespread prosperity, and social indicators were showing positive trends post-Trump administration. Despite some ongoing issues, such as immigration influx, the overall trajectory of the country was towards improvement, with declining crime rates and increasing family formations. The contrast between the reality of the nation’s progress and the narrative pushed by Trump and his followers highlighted the disconnect between perception and actuality.
Despite the considerable success achieved, Americans are contemplating a form of self-harm that, in other nations, has typically followed the darkest national failures: allowing the individual behind a failed coup d’état to return to power and attempt another takeover. This self-destructive behavior is on the verge of realization due to the fact that American society is ill-equipped to comprehend and address radical challenges once they reach a certain critical mass. For almost a century, “radical” in U.S. politics has generally been synonymous with “fringe” groups, such as Communists, Ku Kluxers, Black Panthers, Branch Davidians, and Islamist jihadists. These radicals were often marginalized by the prevailing American consensus that spans from social democrats to business conservatives.
However, Trump is a different case altogether. His transgressions have been endorsed by influential constituencies, and he has successfully taken control of one of the two major political parties. Despite facing impeachment and prosecution, he has managed to evade accountability for his fraudulent activities and crimes. Trump has amassed a large, enduring, and nationally widespread following, unlike any previous American demagogue. Having already dominated the political landscape for nine years, he and his supporters are aiming to leverage recent events to extend the Trump era indefinitely.
The Threat to Democracy: The Return of Radical Challenges in American Politics
This shift in American politics is a cause for concern, as it signifies a departure from the traditional pattern of dealing with radical challenges. The inability to effectively address and counteract the rise of such a figure poses a significant threat to the democratic institutions and values that have long been upheld in the United States. The prospect of allowing an individual associated with a failed coup to return to power and attempt another takeover is a troubling indication of the current state of American politics and society.
The American political and social structure is designed to integrate individuals, even those who may seem out of place. This inclusivity extends to advisors, regardless of their backgrounds, who engage in discussions at the highest levels of American society. President Joe Biden faced a dilemma during his campaign when he had to confront Trump in a debate, given Trump’s status as a three-time Republican Party nominee. It would have been unconventional to label Trump as an insurgent against the American government, despite his actions.
The American political and social structure is designed to integrate individuals, even those who may seem out of place. This inclusivity extends to advisors, regardless of their backgrounds, who engage in discussions at the highest levels of American society. President Joe Biden faced a dilemma during his campaign when he had to confront Trump in a debate, given Trump’s status as a three-time Republican Party nominee. It would have been unconventional to label Trump as an insurgent against the American government, despite his actions.
The reprehensible attack on Trump, resulting in casualties, has unfortunately solidified his position as a figure in the protective ceremonies of the democracy he holds in contempt. The expressions of shock and disapproval from various influential figures in American society further reinforce Trump’s perceived legitimacy. In the wake of such a heinous act, the customary response of emphasizing unity and highlighting commonalities among Americans, rather than differences, is becoming less convincing.
There seems to be a lack of appropriate language to articulate the sentiment that all forms of political violence are abhorrent, regardless of the perpetrator. Despite this, it is crucial to acknowledge that Trump continues to promote violence and undermine American institutions, standing in stark contrast to the values of decency and patriotism. The upcoming Republican National Convention, featuring supporters of Putin’s Russia and its hostile actions towards U.S. allies, serves as a stark reminder of Trump’s dangerous affiliations.
While it may be customary to offer “thoughts and prayers” in the aftermath of such events, it is essential to remember that Trump has shown little regard for the victims of violence incited by his own rhetoric. The president’s unwavering support for individuals owning military-style weapons, juxtaposed with his own experience of being grazed by a bullet from such a weapon, highlights the hypocrisy and lack of genuine concern for the well-being of the American people. In light of these troubling realities, the need for honest and critical dialogue about Trump’s actions and their consequences becomes increasingly urgent.
Traditional expressions and courteous insincerity serve a valuable purpose in societal interactions. Whether addressing a highly decorated hero or a veteran who narrowly avoided dishonorable discharge, we often resort to saying “Thank you for your service” as a blanket statement, rather than discerning the nuances of each individual’s circumstances. Similarly, we extend wishes for a “Happy New Year!” even when harboring apprehensions about the challenges that may lie ahead in the coming months.
Conventional expressions may seem overused, but they still hold significant meanings that should not be overlooked. By condemning violence and advocating for unity, we inadvertently pardon individuals who have perpetuated violence and sought power through oppressive means. These phrases have the power to shape perceptions and influence actions, even when used in a reflexive manner.
The use of these conventional phrases has the potential to normalize and legitimize individuals like Trump, who should have faced consequences for their actions. It is crucial for those who oppose Trump and his allies to articulate why their actions are unacceptable and detrimental to society. By holding them accountable through lawful means and denouncing their past and future crimes, we can uphold the principles of justice and democracy, ensuring that they do not evade responsibility for their actions.