8332
11
A tragedy was barely averted a few days ago when the bullet intended for the head of former President Donald Trump missed its target by less than half an inch and struck his right ear. My wife and I were home, and she was watching the news and saw it happen live.
She called for me and I ran to the TV to see the near-instant replay of the assassination attempt on his life. I was not shocked. I was only surprised that something like this didn’t happen earlier.
When national leaders call a man an “existential threat to democracy,” these same leaders are labeling a U.S. citizen as an enemy of the United States. When people who are apparently ignorant of history call a man “Hitler” or label him a “Nazi,” they create an atmosphere where sick people feel empowered to do something about it.
After all, if the murder of Adolph Hitler in the 1930s would have prevented World War II, then the murder of Donald J. Trump just might prevent World War III, right?
I have no doubt whatsoever that there are people in America lamenting that the killer’s bullet failed to kill Trump. One person on social media wrote a day or so ago that he “wanted Trump dead, just not like this.” What’s wrong with these people? Do they want to kill everyone who disagrees with their political position?
Donald Trump is, at the very least, a “disrupter,” as one media person called him. He is prone to mock people, he can be crude, rude, and irritating. Lots of people don’t like him at all, I get that. I wish he would not call people names. I don’t like that he calls people “Crooked Hilliary,” “Little Marco,” “Slow Joe,” and all the rest. He can be a bully at times. But to call him “Hitler” and want him dead? That’s just sick.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, over 158 million votes were cast in the 2020 presidential election. “Trump won 74,222,958 votes, or 46.8 percent of the votes cast. That’s more votes than any other presidential candidate has ever won, with the exception of Biden.” Joe Biden won 81,283,098 votes, or 51.3 percent of the votes cast. Third party candidates won less than 2% of the popular vote.
Nearly half the country wanted Trump elected and didn’t see him as “Hitler” or a “threat to democracy.” And now there is going to be a rematch. And that is intolerable to some people.
In the late 1980s. I was heavily involved in politics. Even at the local level, it was mean, vicious, and downright nasty. I decided that I didn’t need that in my life and quietly stepped away. I am not a Democrat nor a Republican. I vote on the issues, not the party. But even if I totally disagree with someone’s opinions, viewpoints, or platforms, I don’t want them DEAD!
There’s enough blame to go around for the condition in which we find ourselves as a nation. It’s extremely easy to be a “keyboard commando” and call people libelous names and advocate for unthinkable action. When enough people join in the clamor, a mob is formed. When a mob is formed, it is a short step to anarchy and murder.
Every four years, America has an opportunity for a bloodless revolution. While other less democratic nations arrest, imprison, and murder political opponents, Americans use the ballot box. At least so far.
And to you Christians, whether left or right, maybe if you would pray in the manner of 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Instead of being critical and condemning, then just maybe you could accomplish something positive instead of contributing to the chaos.
As for me, I have had enough. If anyone in my social media circle calls Trump a “Nazi” or Biden a “Communist,” I will delete and block them. If I see someone — anyone — advocate violence or death toward either man, I will report such to the Secret Service or the FBI. It is time for the adults to put a stop to “business as usual” in current politics. Enough is enough.
[David Epps is the Rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King (www.ctk.life). Worship services are on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and on livestream at www.ctk.life. He is the bishop of the Diocese of the Mid-South (www.midsouthdiocese.life). He has been a weekly opinion columnist for The Citizen for over 27 years. He may be contacted at [email protected].]
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.