OPINION: Where do we go from here?

As Americans and members of our North Idaho community, we have a pivotal choice to make: How do we respond to political violence?

Many of us are still trying to process what happened Saturday. A candidate for political office was shot while campaigning, and another one of that candidate's supporters was killed. 

We mourn Corey Comperatore’s death, and wish Donald Trump, David Dutch, James Copenhaver, and all others who were injured a speedy recovery. 

The mere threat of political violence is intimidating. Democrats have a deep well of empathy for people who are the targets of political violence.

In past years, our candidates have been met at the door by angry people brandishing a firearm. The awful messages that sometimes land in our inbox aren’t fit for print. When people step forward to volunteer for us, their first question is always, “Will I be safe?”

Recent events have heightened local fears. Although the shooter was a longtime registered Republican, those seeking someone to blame target their Democratic neighbors.

It does not have to be this way. 

National tragedy should unite us across party lines, and rekindle a democratic drive toward political peace. 

We are encouraged by the statements made by local Republican clubs. They have affirmed what those of us who have been openly volunteering for decades already understand: that the average North Idaho Republican is a nonviolent person who has a different vision for America. 

Whatever our vision for North Idaho, we must collectively declare at this moment that political violence is unacceptable. 

The way we respond in a moment of national tragedy has far-reaching consequences. 

Republicans can no longer wink at violent political expressions, and then be surprised or outraged when violence becomes heartbreakingly real. 

Is flying a flag that declares F- Biden, the way toward political peace?

Democrats have watched this pot boil for years, and with a growing bipartisan chorus we collectively say, “Enough is enough.” 

“We call on all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, to denounce all forms of violence and divisive rhetoric that undermine the fabric of our nation," said Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea. 

“Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love,” Meliania Trump said in a written statement. “And let us remember that when the time comes to look beyond the left and the right, beyond the red and the blue, we all come from families with a passion to fight for a better life together.”

Yes, the Democratic candidates asking for your vote this November come from families and they have a passion for creating a better life for all Idahoans. 

President Biden’s leadership on this issue has been compassionate and clear.  

“The power to change America should be in the hands of the people, not in the hands of a would-be assassin,” Biden said. “Our path forward should be through competing visions of the campaign, not through acts of violence. … Unity is the most elusive goal of all, but nothing is more important than that right now.”

Kaylee Peterson, the Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in District 1, also made a powerful statement:

“Now, more than ever it is incredibly important that we openly and loudly condemn political violence in all forms,” Kaylee said. “Now more than ever the American people deserve leadership that will unite the American public across party lines, across ideological lines, uniting neighbor with neighbor over our common values, our common goals, and all of the things that make us the United States of America.”

Today, trade your Trump flag for an American Flag. Pray, meditate, or do whatever works for you to define your neighbor by their hopes and dreams, rather than by who they vote for.

On Saturday, Americans were collectively jolted awake to the dangers of political violence. With this new collective awareness, it is time to make real strides forward to becoming, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Kootenai County Democrats made our decision about how to move forward. We are ready to lead our community toward a more perfect union. When will you join us?

• • •

Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.