Sunday Issues

Political violence

Minnesota Department of Public Safety via X

I had hoped to be writing something snarky about Trump’s military parade this morning, but the assassination of Minnesota Melissa Anne Hortman changed that. We now must fear that Hortman’s murder is the start of yet another “new normal” in the age of Trump, which isn’t looking too golden this month.

Trump cannot be blamed for Vance Luther Boelter’s actions. The President did not order an assassination. His movement, however, may have “inspired” the assassination. That is worrisome. We will learn more about this tragic event in the coming days, especially if Mr. Boelter is captured alive.

Unfortunately, Boelter’s actions are not the only occurrence of political violence this month. Violent clashes with police are becoming common at protests against Trump and his deportation tactics. Who is to blame for these clashes? Each episode should be judged separately, but the deployment of the National Guard and active military doesn’t help. It convinces those already in opposition to Trump that the only way to respond to him is through progressively more forceful protests.

Have we entered a cycle of political violence? Let’s hope not.

I was pleased this past week that “No Kings” chose not to hold a protest in Washington, D.C. This was a wise decision and a good example of how to avoid political confrontations that are likely to erupt into violence. The President had been outspoken about his intention to respond “harshly” to protests in Washington that interfered with his military parade. The leadership of the “No Kings” movement wisely avoided what likely would have been described by Trump as the communist party attempting to prevent America from honoring the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army.

By the way, why did President Trump post an image congratulating the Army on its “birthday” on Truth Social?

“No Kings”

The movement against Trumpism—not just his deportation policies but much of what else he is doing—is growing. As Martha Stewart would say, “That is a good thing.”

Thank you.

Thank you for reading Sunday Issues. I appreciate it.

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