Re: “Trump shot at Pennsylvania rally” [July 14, A1]:
The need for American unity came full circle on July 13. Former President Donald Trump was nearly assassinated when a bullet grazed his ear at a rally for the Republican presidential nominee in Butler, Pa. The Secret Service neutralized the gunman. Unfortunately, the vitriol, now ubiquitous in American politics, did not die with the would-be assassin.
In a display of solidarity, President Joe Biden condemned the attack hours after it happened. The day after the attack, Trump and other Republicans appropriately made public calls for unity in the wake of this horrific assault on American democracy. Yet, the 45th and 46th presidents wouldn’t even shake hands before their June 27 debate.
The last time I remember our country closely uniting was after the horrific terrorist attacks on 9/11. It shouldn’t take the loss of 3,000 Americans to bring our country together or an assassination attempt on a former president.
Now more than ever is the time for our country to come together, regardless of political persuasion or party. Let’s respect one another and openly talk about ways to compromise and make our country a place where free speech is appreciated and political violence is never appropriate.
Nicholas J. Nuzzi, Seattle
