GINORIO: Anger over Kirk inconsistent

On Sept. 12, Ralph Ginorio’s LTE claimed that “the blood of Charlie Kirk is on the hands of every Democrat who demonized Conservatives, Republicans, and Trumpists.” 

Mr. Ginorio, I generally vote Republican and agree with many of Charlie Kirk’s views. I also sincerely appreciated his ability to articulate conservative ideas with clarity and conviction. However, I don’t recall seeing a letter from you expressing similar outrage when Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were viciously murdered by a MAGA supporter posing as a police officer. By your logic, would that blood not be on the hands of every Republican who has demonized Democrats? 

The hypocrisy of your worldview is not only glaring — it’s profoundly disheartening. These were not political assassinations. They were human tragedies. And rather than mourn or reflect with decency, you reduce them to partisan weapons in a bitter political war. 

America does not just have a political problem — it has a culture problem. And that culture, like in any organization, starts at the top. If I’m the CEO of a company and don’t like the culture, the responsibility lies with me and my leadership team. It’s no different for our country. 

Donald Trump has occupied the presidency — or loomed over American politics — for most of the past 9 or 10 years. By 2028, he will have led the nation for eight of the previous 12. If you insist on framing these tragedies as the result of rhetoric alone, rather than acknowledging a deeper cultural rot, then at least be honest about who has shaped that culture from the top down. 

Tragedy demands empathy, not exploitation. And leadership — true leadership — demands unity, not division.

TROY BRAGA

Coeur d’Alene