On October 24, our democracy was attacked. That is not hyperbole. This is as real as it gets.
6 explosive devices were sent to 6 leaders of the opposition. The FBI, ATF, and other government agencies have stated that it appears more will be on the way. Think about that.
More bombs.
More violence.
Understand this. Bombs are not targeted weapons. They are designed for mass carnage. These were packed with glass and shrapnel. The bomber wanted to inflict mass death and injury.
Is this what we as a country want? Is this making America great again? And yes, I just took a rhetorical shot at the Trump administration.
All 6 intended victims are all people that this administration has targeted with rhetoric during rallies and tweets. From "Lock her up" to "I'll pay for your lawyer," this administration has encouraged attacks on those that oppose him. And now somebody has taken up arms in response and solidarity.
Now think about what this means. One of the intended targets was CNN and former CIA chief John Brennan. This was an attack on the free press and free speech rights that are the cornerstone of our democracy. This was an attempt to stifle the voice of opposition.
The voice of criticism.
The voice of the American ideal.
So what does this administration do? Do they denounce it in loudest and sternest way possible? They go out and complain about the rhetoric of those being targeted. Heck, an e-mail was sent out criticizing CNN as the police were defusing the bombs. And now (Oct 25), the President tweets that the Main Stream Media is responsible for these attacks. He admits to no responsibility that his own rhetoric may have added to it. In fact, at the rally, he started joking about how well behaved he was. You know who does that? My 5-year old.
And now, as I am writing this (Oct 25), 2 more bombs have been found. (Robert De Niro and Joe Biden)
This great democracy has survived over 240 years. We survived a war with ourselves. We survived great social upheavals. We have survived the greatest technological changes in the history of man. We can survive this, but only if people understand and use their Constitutional rights. We have to, no we must understand what is at stake here.
Those such as myself, who have opposed this President, have started looking at what we write, where it goes and the response it gets. I have joined the political discourse late in life and only recently. I have found myself nervous about even posting this. And this is what those bombs are intended to do. To stop people from talking and terrorize those that do.
After talking to my family, I will continue to add my voice to the discussion. I am but one voice and not a very loud one. But I refuse to stop being engaged. I refuse to stop using my Constitutional rights. And I refuse to walk in fear of another.
This is my country too. And I will be damned if I let anybody stop me from raising my voice. So bring it on, I'm ready for the fight. Are you?