Some will say I am not realistic or simply naive.
I firmly decry the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
I strongly disagreed with his political views, but the violence he experienced is never justified.
Similarly, I decry the June shootings of two Minnesota state legislators and their spouses.
I might have preferred their political priorities, but that doesn’t make their shootings any different from the violence against Charlie Kirk.
Our country’s ideals emerged from spirited debate.
Now I hope we can each disregard partisanship and condemn, as strongly as possible, last month’s shooting at Annunciation School in Minneapolis as well the Colorado school shooting that unfolded as I began this letter.
Politicians respond to these events with statements predictable in our hyperpartisan nation.
“It’s because of the extreme elements of the other party” or, “This confirms what we’ve been saying about that type of person.”
Sadly, such responses won’t lessen, and may even motivate retaliation.
Correctly or not, the United States is sometimes called a Christian nation.
Believing that a Christian should hold fast to Jesus’ teachings, I try, in times of discord, to honor my last name and recall Jesus’ words: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Christianity is not the only faith tradition that lifts up such a path towards peace.
Instead of insult, injury and retaliation, can we come together and imagine a different way to live?
David Christian
Port Angeles