This Can't Happen In America

Yesterday, was another horrible day in American history. Former President?Donald Trump ?was injured in what the FBI says was an assassination attempt at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. The gunman and at least one audience member are dead and two other innocent bystanders are critically injured.

The fact that Trump was attacked ends a 40-year-period in which many have assumed that the Secret Service’s expertise had greatly reduced the potential for such outrages.

Trump’s targeting during a presidential campaign drew comparisons to John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963 and then the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.

But political violence hasn’t stopped since then. In 2011, then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, an Arizona Democrat, was left with brain damage after she was shot in the head at an event in which six people were killed.

In 2017, a gunman opened fire at a Republican congressional baseball practice,?shooting then-House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and three others .

The nation is also still processing the attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021.

Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent please listen to my plea.

In these tumultuous times, our nation finds itself increasingly divided along political lines. The growing chasm between Republicans and Democrats has created an environment where conflict overshadows compromise, and polarization trumps unity. Yet, as we stand at this crossroads, it is imperative to remember that our collective strength lies not in our divisions but in our ability to come together, find common ground, and work towards the greater good. This plea is a call to both Republicans and Democrats to embrace the spirit of compromise and collaboration, for the sake of our nation's future. And for the 43% of independent voters to not just sit back and watch as the two parties go after each other.

The foundation of American democracy is built on the principle of debate and diverse perspectives. Our founding fathers envisioned a system where different viewpoints would come together, not to cancel each other out, but to create a balanced and inclusive government. The current climate of relentless partisanship, however, threatens to erode this foundational principle. The incessant back-and-forth, characterized by personal attacks and zero-sum games, does little to advance our society. Instead, it deepens the divide, fostering a sense of distrust and disillusionment among the electorate.

History has shown us that great progress is made through the art of compromise. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history, was the result of bipartisan cooperation. Republicans and Democrats set aside their differences to address a critical issue, and the nation was better for it. Similarly, in times of war and economic crisis, leaders from both parties have put the country's interests above their own, working together to navigate through turbulent waters.

Today, we face a multitude of pressing issues that demand the same level of cooperation and compromise. From healthcare and immigration to climate change and economic inequality, the challenges are vast and complex. These are not issues that can be solved by one party alone. They require the collective wisdom, ideas, and efforts of both Republicans and Democrats. By finding common ground, we can create sustainable solutions that reflect the diverse needs and values of our nation.

The benefits of compromise extend beyond policy outcomes. When leaders from both sides of the aisle work together, it sends a powerful message to the American people: that unity is possible, that our differences do not have to define us, and that we can come together for the common good. This not only restores faith in our political system but also fosters a sense of national solidarity.

It is important to acknowledge that compromise does not mean abandoning core principles. It means recognizing that in a democracy, no single perspective has all the answers. It means being willing to listen, to engage in honest dialogue, and to find solutions that incorporate the best ideas from all sides. This approach requires courage, humility, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of our country.

As citizens, we also have a role to play. We must demand more from our leaders and from ourselves. We must encourage respectful discourse, seek out diverse perspectives, and support those who prioritize collaboration over conflict. By doing so, we can create an environment where compromise is not seen as a weakness, but as a strength.

The path to a stronger, more unified America lies in our ability to find common ground. Republicans and Democrats must rise above the fray of partisanship and work together for the greater good. Let us remember that we are all Americans, bound by a shared destiny. Together, we can overcome our differences, build bridges, and pave the way for a brighter future.