Yes, our great country has experienced political violence sporadically throughout its history. But, it is not the norm and is in opposition to the desires of our Founding Fathers who struggled to establish a fair system of governing by vote.

We have seen an escalation of violence under President Donald Trump’s leadership, coming from both sides of the political spectrum.

I am disappointed that Americans elected a president so divisive.

He has a history of using dehumanizing rhetoric while mocking or calling his dissenters childish nicknames.

He has violated our First Amendment right to free speech, targeting both media and reporters that report information or an opinion he doesn’t like.

I believe no U.S. president in modern history has done more to normalize political violence than Trump.

Our power to end this ideology of political violence must begin with our vote for congressional representation that will not support this president.

The 2026 midterm elections are our opportunity to evaluate our congressional representation and determine if that representation has promoted the current state of affairs.

We may not be able to stop Trump, but a change in the balance of Congress in 2026 can deter further actions of our president.

Bill Lauff, Connoquenessing