KC DEMS EXEC COMMITTEE: Response to Regan column

Although it is normally our policy not to respond to KCRCC chair Brent Regan’s opinion pieces, Friday’s column took a disturbing turn and it needs to be addressed.

Regan strongly implied that Democrats would like to assassinate former President Donald Trump. 

Even though his other assertions are equally irrational, this comment in particular is a dog whistle to potential vigilantes and it is especially concerning.

The Democratic platform promotes peace, non-violence, and the rule of law. To be clear: Donald Trump has been charged with crimes. If he breaks the law, he should be held to the same legal standards as you or I.

Democrats strongly condemn vigilante violence. Sadly, that has become the undisputed domain of the far Right’s ugly evolution.

You will never see a Democrat chanting, “Hang Mike Pence!” You’ll never see a Democrat break doors and windows on our sacred Capitol grounds armed and angry. 

Most importantly (and we cannot emphasize this strongly enough) you will never see Democratic leaders encourage violence for political gain. 

Any insinuation otherwise is simply an ugly dog whistle to summon some folks’ violent tendencies.

KOOTENAI COUNTY DEMOCRATS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Evan Koch, Jan Studer, Paula Neils, Carolyn Mattoon, Tom Hearn, Brian Seguin, Paula Marano, Shawn Keenan