Tim Mannello

Williamsport

I consider the recent attempt on the life of former President Trump to be a tragic and saddening event. My immediate reaction to the news was to pray for him, the other victims, all those close to them and his supporters. I thank God the ex-President’s injuries were not worse than they were. The horrific incident has shaken us all. Such acts of violence have no place in a civilized society. The impact of such incidents goes far beyond the immediate victims. The attempted assassination affects the fabric of our democracy and instills fear and uncertainty in the hearts of citizens. This murderous assault on our former president can easily deepen our divisions and animosities if we succumb to the temptation of blaming groups of others, especially our political opponents, for the violence of one isolated, apparently troubled individual.

In light of this distressing event, I think we all need to emphasize that each of us has to strive anew to maintain peace and civility in our political discourse. Who among us cannot improve in this respect when we compare ourselves for example to the standard in the famous Prayer of Saint Francis?

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

Certainly not I. And the second stanza of the prayer is even more demanding.

While political differences are inevitable in any democratic society, resorting to violence as a means of expressing dissent is never justified. It is my fervent hope that this incident does not serve as a catalyst for further acts of aggression or retaliation. I pray the assassination attempt intensifies the desire for peace and does not stoke further violence from any side. We can’t eradicate the past. We can shape the future.

At the same time, I think it is also important not to allow such acts of violence to silence or hinder the open exchange of ideas and opinions that form the foundation of our democratic system. Meaningful dialogue, respectful debate, and constructive engagement are essential components of a healthy democracy. I think we must continue to engage in discussions on policies and other legitimate topics. I pray the event will not set in motion a crusade of blind retribution and hatred. I hope, instead, we all commit ourselves to renew our efforts at discussing politics with civility, empathy, and a commitment to finding common ground despite our differences.

I commit myself to praying for the end of violence and for the well being of those who have suffered violence. I will try to be more careful in ensuring that my own discussions focus exclusively and accurately on the words, actions and policies of candidates whose positions I support and oppose. I ask others to join me in that pledge. As Coretta King once put it: “Revenge and retaliation always perpetuate the cycle of anger, fear and violence.” I like to think most Americans of all political persuasions do not want our country to descend to these abysmal depths.