Protecting our democracy
By U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer
R-Missouri
Washington, D.C. – Over the last week, many of us have had time to reflect on last Saturday’s events at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pa.
A despicable and cowardly act of violence not only nearly took the life of a former U.S. President but also endangered the lives of hundreds of innocent men, women, and children – something no one should have to endure.
I want to reiterate, an attack on any leader, on either side of the aisle, is uncalled for and should not be tolerated in any sense. This attempted assassination wasn’t just an attack on a former President of the United States but on our democracy itself.
Throughout history, there have been 15 direct assaults on U.S. Presidents, President-elects, and Presidential candidates, with five of them resulting in fatalities. The first fatality being President Lincoln in 1865, and the most recent was John F. Kennedy in 1963. If you take a closer look at 1865 and 1963, the country was incredibly divided.
In 1865, America was a nation torn apart by the Civil War, a conflict that saw brother fighting against brother. President Lincoln’s assassination was not just an attack on a man but an attempt to shatter the fragile union he was striving to preserve. His leadership was pivotal in holding the nation together and working towards a more united future. Similarly, in 1963, President Kennedy's assassination came at a time when America was grappling with deep social changes and the fight for civil rights.
Today, our country faces its own set of challenges and divisions, but the only difference is, we lack Presidential leadership in a time where it’s needed. We see a nation polarized by differing views on immigration, economic policy, and social issues.
History proves that violence does not discriminate against political ideology. But what I can say is that now more than ever, we need cohesion in our country and to rally behind a strong leader. Not only do we need a leader who is going to draw the divided sectors of our nation together, but we need someone who can secure our borders and ensure that our main streets are safe for families, friends, and neighbors alike.
A decisive leader is essential to navigate the vision and courage to address our nation's most pressing issues head-on and unite us with a shared purpose and a common goal. This is not the time for complacency or division. It’s time for bold action and unwavering resolve.
We must stand firm in our principles and work toward a future where American values and freedoms are protected and upheld, ensure that our laws are enforced, our borders are secure and our economy is strong. Together, we can overcome our challenges and ensure a prosperous future for all Americans.
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