Hate is not a tool for political persuasion; it is an uncontrolled and often violent emotion. Fostering hate cannot be a political strategy. Hate is a very real threat to our way of life.
Much, perhaps too much, has been said about the rhetoric used by some in the current campaigns. Now many are calling for a "lowering" of that rhetoric. Such statements make for good sound bites but ignore the very real threats against our way of life.
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." We all memorized this line as children, but we still have not taken it to heart.
Words are signs of darkened hearts, not weapons. Social media platforms are not just megaphones but too often tools that allow us to speak without filters or reservation.
Hating someone is far worse than just calling them names. Hate dehumanizes and justifies actions that, as humans, we could never do without it.
Hate can also be a powerful rallying cry. Hate is an emotional glue that forms extremely strong bonds. History is replete with such horrors: Nazi Germany, Rwanda, and the KKK in the South. Once hate grabs hold of the hearts of mankind, the results are usually horrifying.
Suggesting we restrict our words is just window dressing. Our mouths are a small part of the problem; the cancer is in our hearts.
Watching social media posts these last few days has been alarming. We saw a young staffer for a Democrat on the Hill encouraging the shooter to take shooting lessons. Her boss made her take the words down, but the words came from a darkened heart that needs more care.
We saw the words "existential threat" littered across the public square. We hope that most of those spreading this kind of rhetoric don’t even know what it means, because surely saying that someone is a threat to my existence is a justification for unspeakable acts.
Using words like "our democracy will die unless we stop Trump" is not just a rhetorical problem; it spews from a darkened heart. We have watched so-called leaders say things like "Trump is worse than Hitler." It would be naive to believe they don't really think that, and the problem is just their rhetoric.
None of us deserve to be judged at our weakest moments, but we all need to be responsible for what is held in our hearts. Hate cannot be allowed to metastasize further.
Saying there is no place in politics for violence is fine, good, even laudable. Not recognizing and challenging hate in the hearts of mankind is wrong, dangerous, and dastardly.
In a few short months, we will elect a new President. Our country, and particularly our democracy, will survive it. Not everyone will accept the outcome. Those with the darkest hearts will need our help and support. They may well cause trouble, and we will deal with it like we always have.
But real leaders will understand that fostering hate in the hearts of their supporters is the real threat to our way of life. Softening your words is just window dressing.