By Joe Stark
On the Sunday morning after the Trump shooting, I was sitting in my Buddha chair having a smoke. I noticed a man on a bicycle riding down the road outside my window, who later returned with a dog trotting beside him. No one tried to trip him up or take shots at him as he rode past.
A rain bird was watering the garden, and I saw a bird take flight from the Douglas fir outside the window. A turtle dove was flitting about in the neighbor’s yard. This peaceful and tranquil sylvan setting made me feel thankful.
However, I couldn’t help but think about the violence wracking our nation. The entertainment industry profits from hyper-militarized depictions of heroes and villains, escalating violent fantasies in our mentality. This influence can affect youngsters and even older individuals, presenting destruction as a path to thrills and power.
I recall playing basketball as a high school sophomore against a neighboring team. The guard on the opposing team had one strategy: charging straight for the basket. After a few bouts, I tripped him, causing him to crash. The referee warned me, and I realized my mistake, finding other ways to counter aggressive actions.
I once had a horned billy-goat and an aggressive ram. The ram would attack anything that moved, but our goat Bimbo simply stepped aside and hooked him as he charged. After a few tries, the ram gave up, and peace returned to the pasture.
There are times when we need to counter aggressive behavior. Even Jesus, the peacemaker, told his disciples to put away their swords during his time on earth but hinted they might need them after he was gone.
This raises questions regarding the Trump shooting, which conspiracy theorists label as a “Leftist” plot. The shooter was a young man from a middle to upper-middle-class family with a good work and educational record. His mother was a Democrat, and his father a Libertarian.
Daily random or targeted shootings are not inevitable but are conscious choices made by individuals influenced by our society. These actions are sometimes overlooked or promoted through the glorification of violent behavior.
What about the causes of violence and polarization in our nation? Political rhetoric, entertainment atrocities, and lack of alternatives to violence contribute to our societal wounds. Does the emphasis on physicality in sports affect how we treat others? Brutal sports events are rising in popularity, but we need outlets for physical energy that promote respect.
Do we need to attack our opponents with inflated rhetoric? President Biden, before the Trump attack, spoke of putting him in the “bullseye.” Trump talks of retaliation and encourages violence. Maybe the incident in Pennsylvania will raise awareness, as both Trump and Biden now speak of the need for unity. Despite differing viewpoints, we are all one nation.
Consensus building, listening, understanding, and love are essential, as advocated by Marianne Williamson. Meanwhile, I can step outside my back door to enjoy the peaceful scene of a flowing stream, a garden with mustard greens and snap peas, and a forested landscape. This tranquility may not work for everyone, but we can all appreciate the benefits of peace, security, and good work as alternatives to hostility.