State Rep. Al Baldasaro’s comments calling for Hillary Clinton’s execution are uncivil at best and unconscionable at worst.
Baldasaro wasn’t being “blunt and outspoken,” nor was he being “courageous” for speaking out. He was using violent rhetoric not befitting an American citizen, let alone one of our leaders. I am glad to see real leaders on both sides of the aisle condemn it as what it is: uncivil, violent language that brings the nation down with him.
We simply wouldn’t have lasted this long as a nation if making a rhetorical point required calling for the firing line or the electric chair. We must remember that the language of violence brings us closer to actual violence, of which we have seen too much of late.
Civility is not a partisan issue. We can – and should – disagree without being disagreeable. America is a complicated place with complex, opposing points of view. The very nature of our democracy requires that we work together, respecting every citizen and every point of view. We should treat our political opponents like neighbors, not our mortal enemies.
Our leaders, whether Republican or Democrat, should act with dignity and speak with civility, not seek headlines and “virality” with disturbing, over-the-top statements.
Baldasaro should be ashamed.
CAROLYN J. LUKENSMEYER
Washington, D.C.
(The writer is the executive director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, a nonpartisan organization based at the University of Arizona dedicated to promoting healthy and civil political debate.)