I am sincerely miffed at the contradiction between Turning Point USA Chapter President Jonah Flynn’s desire to be known as humble, gentle and a gospel warrior and his own words (Herald, Dec. 15). His remark about serious violent conflict occurring soon, adding people on his side will decisively win because they tend to have more guns and stronger bodies, is a direct threat of violence about to come. This is not humble, gentle and, far more disturbing not even remotely related to the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ or His teachings.
He rejects the idea that views could cause harm. I firmly disagree. Views can cause harm; views can cause violence, just like the views that drove people to commit the murders of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, Charlie Kirk and others. According to Art Jipson and Paul J. Becker (The Conversation, Sept. 17), “These incidents reflect a normalization of political violence. Threats and violence are increasingly treated as acceptable for achieving political goals, posing serious risks to democracy and society.”
According to Joseph Chamie, (Inter Press Service, Oct. 6), “In particular, their symbolic impact, high visibility, media coverage, and threats to democracy make these murders especially significant for the United States.”
The new “normal” surrounding politics in the U.S. is toxic. There is nothing normal about our current environment. The direction has to change or we all lose. We have to pay attention, not just hope it all goes away.
Janalee Hogan
Durango
