Time To Curb the Violence

 The rise of political violence and its justification in today's society, fueled by social media, poses a significant threat to civilized political discourse. Historical and contemporary examples highlight the dangers of using inflammatory rhetoric, which can lead to real-life violence.

1. Historical Context:

• Violence enthusiasts have always existed, exemplified by figures like Charles Manson.

• Today, social media enables these individuals to connect and legitimize their violent views.

2. Public Attitudes:

• A troubling survey revealed that nearly 20% of Americans believe the assassination of public figures like Charlie Kirk is justified.

• Many left-leaning individuals label Kirk’s speech as "hate," which they argue normalizes violence against him.

3. Perception of Rhetoric:

• Approximately 72% of voters agree that today's political language encourages violence.

• A significant number of both Democrats (84%) and Republicans (74%) view the opposing party's rhetoric as extreme.

4. Social Media's Role:

• 64% of voters think social media promotes violent behavior.

• An overwhelming majority, 85%, find media figures celebrating Kirk’s death inappropriate, yet 54% support freedom of speech without censorship.

5. Political Accountability:

• Figures like Jay Jones, who openly call for violence, highlight the troubling acceptance of such rhetoric in politics.

• Similar accusations regarding the conduct of ICE agents underline how dangerous language can inflame public sentiment.

6. Call for Bipartisan Action:

• A need for bipartisan efforts to reduce political tension is emphasized.

• Proposals include establishing principles that condemn violent language and reassessing how social media platforms handle calls for violence.

7. Creating a Commission:

• A bipartisan commission to investigate the rise in political violence is suggested, similar to the Kerner Commission’s work in 1968, examining the divide between political factions.

To combat the normalization of political violence, lawmakers must collaborate on clear guidelines against inflammatory rhetoric and work to ensure social media accountability. The focus should be on resolving differences through dialogue rather than resorting to violence, reinforcing democracy over chaos.

https://realclearwire.com/articles/2025/10/30/time_to_curb_the_violence_153469.html