Let’s get a few things straight.

Hecklers, even protesters, are nothing new at political speeches. It’s nothing new to see groups with opposing views engage each other outside those speeches. And it’s certainly not unprecedented to see mass protests — even violence — at major political gatherings. (The last three GOP national conventions featured mass protests, violence and thousands of arrests. And then there was the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago.)

What’s new in the 2016 presidential race is GOP front-runner Donald Trump is repeatedly encouraging people to be violent, to harm those with whom they disagree — and even to not worry about it because he will pay any legal fees. (Do you think he knows police costs at the 2004 GOP convention in New York topped $8.2 million?)

Money aside, Trump needs to immediately replace his call for thuggery with strong, consistent statements that violence is not acceptable. He needs to do what real leaders do: Grow a thicker skin, let security do its job, dissuade violence and continue his speech.

Given his record of insults, bullying and ignorance, he won’t — which then demands the Republican Party take whatever steps necessary to separate itself from him long before its convention opens July 18 in Cleveland.

There is no place in a civilized nation — much less the most powerful constitutional republic on the planet — for any potential leader to foment violence, especially when so many of that person’s core values are routinely wrapped in hate, ignorance and disrespect for so many of those in the nation he seeks to lead.

Republican Party leaders have seen Trump for what he is — a candidate willing to encourage and condone violence among his supporters. It’s not enough to issue more statements of disagreement and disgust. To not sever ties with such a person amounts to empowering his approach.

And make no mistake, Trump long ago defined himself as a demagogue, not a champion of democracy. By definition, the former reflects a politician who, instead of putting forth rational arguments, seeks office through appealing to desires, prejudices and fears and by showing a willingness to use violence.

Even Americans who have paid scant attention to the 2016 campaigns see Trump’s face when they read those words.

The Republican Party certainly does, which is why its leaders must address Trump’s penchant for violence now and not wait until its convention in Cleveland. Indeed, to take that approach is to allow even more damage to America’s democracy than Trump already has invoked. Not to mention its acceptance for riots Trump already is tacitly endorsing.

 

— St. Cloud Times, March 19