To the editor:

The JFK Assassination. The Reagan-Hinkley Shooting. 9/11. We all remember where we were if alive to witness these historically tragic events.

The recent assassination attempt on Donald J. Trump now ranks as a black-mark on our history, calling all to reevaluate political discourse.

Where did it all begin? Political upheaval – even violence – is nothing new. Since the very founding of our nation, it is sadly a growing pain to democracy.

Unfortunately, the modern era – where social media and pop cultural politics go alongside ‘cancel culture’ and generalizations, one thing is clear: violent and hateful political rhetoric against Republicans being socially acceptable fanned flames of this attack to occur.

Republicans, as a group, have been marginalized for decades, with some afraid to “go public”, making the victims of a modern-day civil rights fight for intellectual diversity.

Nationally, our elected officials have marginalized not only Trump, but his supporters. President Biden stating “It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye,” is only the tip-of-the-iceberg. Past statements, such as "This MAGA threat is a threat to the brick and mortar of our democratic institutions," and "MAGA forces are determined to take this country backwards” target supporters too.

Even local elected officials are culpable. On X (A.K.A. Twitter), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse called Trump “… a flamboyant offense to democracy…”, while Congressman Amo vowed  “…to fight back against MAGA Republicans.” Even more heinous, State Senator Josh Miller admitted to keying car with anti-Biden sticker (he is now not seeking re-election).

Republicans being a socially-acceptable strawman is nothing new, for example:

A 2006 featured a mockumentary “Death of a President,” about assassinating George W. Bush.

An October 2008 episode of ‘Family Guy', Road to Germany', compared McCain and Palin to Nazis. President Obama’s 2012 "war on women" narrative generalized all Republicans as “anti-woman”

Even I have experienced vitriol. While collecting signatures for Donald Trump and Ron DaSantis this past January in Bristol, I was publicly scorned by some – called everything from a “fascist” to “mentally ill” – all because of who I was attempting to get ballet access for. A personal irony? Some of those labelling me as such had rainbows and peace signs on their car – so much for peace and love.

Need data? Here are two statistics: A national survey by Cato finds that self‐censorship is on the rise in the U.S., with nearly two-thirds — 62% — of Americans afraid to get politically engaged.

Locally, according to the RI Secretary of State, current political affiliation breakdown is 14% Republican, 38% Democrat, and 47% Unaffiliated (with Bristol and Warren at 51%).

This underscores a strong correlation that in deep blue regions, intellectual diversity and exchanges of ideas cannot flourish. People are silenced into political complacency.

The solution? Encourage a more robust exchange of ideas – A TRUE embrace of Diversity Equity and Inclusion but for philosophies – including ones you may not agree with. It is the American Way for the society to move forward and ensure the safety and trust in democracy can survive for generations to come.

William Sousa Grapentine
Bristol

William Grapentine is Vice Chair of the Bristol Republican Town Committee and Delegate of the Rhode Island Republican State Central Committee