Encouragingly, leaders of both political parties, including some with whom Mr. Trump has clashed, swiftly and unequivocally condemned the attack. “We cannot be like this,” said President Biden. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) called it “a heinous and evil act.”
We join in those sentiments.
The darkest hours of American history, the ones shadowed by political violence, remind us that incitement and hatred must be constantly challenged and never tolerated. The privileges of free and open speech, the glory of wide-open campaign rallies and impassioned politicking, depend on an atmosphere free of fear and intimidation.
So what do we want to do?
In this moment, we have to recognize that we have all been touched by toxic politics — regardless of our beliefs or where we fall on an ideological spectrum.
Can this, then, be a moment to pause and rediscover our better selves? To hear our inner voices, as clearly as we heard those shots? Americans, what do we want to be?
It’s not up to politicians, or editorial pages.
The responsibility is ours, as neighbors and citizens.
In fact, this republic is ours, as Benjamin Franklin said, “if we can keep it.”
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