Like the law enforcement officers who tracked down the killers of Charlie Kirk and Melissa Hortman, we have agency over what happens next.
America is reeling from another devastating act of political violence. In September, one of the country’s most prominent conservative activists was assassinated while addressing students on a college campus in Utah. In June, the former House speaker of Minnesota and her husband were murdered in their suburban home.
Headlines about political violence have started to feel devastatingly familiar: the governor of Pennsylvania was the target of a recent arson attack, and President Donald Trump has survived more than one attempt on his life. “That’s the problem with political violence,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox at a press conference two weeks ago. “It metastasizes.”
We can’t let this become normal. Freedom of expression and association are fundamental values in our democracy, and we must hold them close during these difficult times.
In moments like these, we naturally look for answers, accountability, and justice. As mothers, our first thoughts go to our children. We are keenly aware of what our kids are seeing—viral news, social media feeds, indelible images. Our kids are watching us, too, and how we react in the face of violence. We can’t always control what young people witness, but we can control how we respond and the lessons we seek to impart.
Like the law enforcement officers who persisted through overnight manhunts to track down the killers of Charlie Kirk and Melissa Hortman, we have agency over what happens next. To pursue accountability and justice in the aftermath of violence, we must maintain an unwavering commitment to truth and the rule of law. And as parents, even if we don’t have all the answers, we must try our best to pass on values like honesty, kindness, and living with open, curious minds and hearts.
Our shocked responses to political violence often fail to live up to those ideals. In the case of Kirk’s killer, for example, speculations have run rampant about his motives and identity, and public officials and newspapers have had to retract false claims. It is natural and understandable to want to point fingers, but trading accusations and blame accomplishes nothing except generating more vitriol and fear.
We also have a choice about the stories we tell. Despite what you might be hearing in the news, the best data show that Americans’ support for political violence is not rising. In fact, Americans overwhelmingly oppose political violence and think it’s a problem.
There is a lot of talk to the contrary—claims that our country is at a tipping point and that Americans increasingly endorse political violence. These kinds of sensationalist claims are not only false, but dangerous. When people hear that the opposing party wants violence, they are more likely to support it themselves. Whereas, if we present the facts—for example, that less than 2 percent of the population condones extreme partisan violence—we can help lower the temperature.
There is no question that we are living in deeply divided times. Polarization in today’s America fills the airwaves and impacts people’s relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. As first spouses, we have both witnessed and experienced the kind of political contempt that has sadly permeated our culture. But on opposite sides of the country, in states led by governors of opposing parties, we are committed as public servants to fostering greater empathy and trust in our communities.
We can choose to find our way back to common ground. That means finding ways to express our beliefs even when we have different views. In our homes, we can teach our children to engage in conversations with people they disagree with. In our schools, workplaces, and other institutions, we can become better listeners and cultivate curiosity so that we build stronger and more trusting communities. In our politics, we can foster open dialogue and a more collaborative spirit.
Our response to the wrenching events and dangerous rhetoric we are experiencing right now is to stand united across party lines and reject political violence in our democracy.
Now is a time to listen more, oppose hate, and foster connection as we seek peace together. Our children are watching, and they will inherit the country we choose to build.
Abby Cox is the first lady of Utah. Joanna Lydgate is first partner of Massachusetts and cofounder and CEO of the States United Democracy Center.
The views expressed in this article are the writers’ own.
Source: Utah News