Political violence has no place in any democracy, be it in the United States or any other democracy.
In a democracy, to vote without debate is perilous but to debate without vote is imbecile and this is the very essence of democracy – the freedom of all citizens to freely associate and freely express themselves without intimidation or violence against them.
Violence by any group against the other is unacceptable. I empathize with the former president and all Americans. Democracy shall prevail over hate. I wish the former president a quick recovery.
Unfortunately, in the last four and a half years and all through his presidency, through his political rhetoric and dog whistle to his MAGA Republican Extremists and supporters, the former president has been inciting and instigating violence against moslems, blacks, immigrants and other minorities in America, the culmination of which we saw on January 6th 2021 Capitol Hill attack that led to tragic death and injuries.
Tellingly and unfortunately; inflammatory, incendiary, combative, bellicose and bombastic political rhetorics can lead to tragic consequences.
The attempted assassination attack on the former president that resulted to deaths of innocent rally goers, and critically injured who remain in the hospital at this moment, is what can happen as a consequence of irresponsible and reckless rhetorics by politicians.
This incident and similar other incident we have seen across the globe and even in our own country, Nigeria remains condemned, and I hope going forward, that politicians all over the world will learn from this watershed moment that words do matter and do have the power to influence evil acts.
…. Bishop C. Johnson rtd (Captain, United States Army)
