America is on a political path to violence

and we will not escape it by justifying violence “in response”

I’m seeing a trend in the stories and reporting of anecdotes of violence by many different groups and individuals at Donald Trump events. Regardless of if people support Trump or don’t, there’s a viewpoint that energy must be met with energy, and violence must be met with violence.

For example, Trump stated about possible tomato throwers:

“So if you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them […] I will pay for the legal fees. I promise. They won’t be so much because the courts agree with us too. — Source

There are other first hand accounts reflecting the “under siege” mentality of Trump supporters in Chicago, and tweets by others saying that people “sign up for” sexual assault if they support Trump or showing protestors blocking ambulances. One photographed shirt suggests violence, and the narrative of fear and intimidation is what’s being reported and linked within networks of Trump supporters today.

Now, compare that to this video, which is non-confrontational and celebratory. Judging from other narratives, my guess is that most of the protesting — probably the vast majority — was more like this:

However, we aren’t going to hear about the 99% of people that are peaceful, no matter their political affiliation. We aren’t going to watch videos of protestors and counter protestors trading slogans as is done at a high school football game.

Our viral networks are going to show us the absolute worst of the other side, and make us see fellow citizens as enemies.

We can’t listen to that. We can’t accept violence by any party — even as a response to violence. If we allow our own violence to feel justified, whatever we do will be amplified x 1000 to those we disagree with, justifying their violence. Justifying our violence.

We must stop this; violence is never the answer. I urge you, beg you, plead with you: do not allow violence from anyone, and be wary of making any fellow citizen feel unsafe, especially when your view is in great numbers. We can’t and won’t reach each other when people feel unsafe.