The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday was a dreadful and unspeakable event, marking a significant and alarming blow to America’s already tenuous grasp on democracy and the rule of law. Such an attack on an individual campaigning for the highest office in the nation is not just an act of violence against a person but a direct assault on the foundational principle that every voter has the right to choose their representatives freely and without fear.
The health of a democracy relies on the steadfast rejection of political violence as a tool to silence opponents, particularly those whose views we find most objectionable. The moment we resort to such means, we undermine the very fabric of democratic society. For democracy to thrive, it is essential to tolerate a broad spectrum of views, even those that challenge our own beliefs. Respecting the choices made by the electorate, even when they result in the election of candidates we vehemently oppose, is crucial.
.Amherst professor Austin Sarat in his essay, Trump Assassination Attempt is the Latest Threat to America’s Already Fragile Democracy, But it is Not the One, published in VERDICT, discusses this topic in greater detail. Quoting from professor Sarat’s introduction:
“The survival of democracy hinges on our collective commitment to these principles. We must ensure that elections remain free and fair and that their outcomes are respected, irrespective of whether they align with our personal preferences. Subverting elections or resorting to violence because we dislike the results threatens to erode the democratic foundations upon which this nation is built. This attempted assassination serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our democratic institutions and the urgent need to safeguard them.”