Why the President’s Words Matter
Our words have power. We must recognize that what we say encourages the actions of others.
What happened yesterday shows us how powerful what comes out of our mouths can be. Months of lying and deceit around election rigging lead to terrorists (yes, white people can be terrorists too) attacking the Capitol building.
To those comparing what happened yesterday to the BLM, you’re correct in saying that violence does nothing to solve our problems. We should be equally aware of the dangers that violence present, regardless of our political opinions. When we burn and destroy, we're making space for more death and destruction.
Here’s the difference between the protests this summer and what happened yesterday: the BLM movement was sparked by a viral video of a man killing George Floyd (an action). Yesterday’s events were sparked by a continual denial of the truth and the President encouraging insurrection over supposed flawed elections, with no physical evidence to prove election rigging or stealing (only words).
Two hundred and twenty-four black people were killed in 2020 by police, a large margin if you look at racial percentages in the United States. The black population in the United States is 13.4%, with the white population at 76%. White deaths accounted for 43% of police murders (432), whereas the black community percentage is 22% (226), significantly higher. All this to say, there is evidence to prove what the BLM movement is fighting for has a valid argument. The Trump administration does not. They have lost all 60 of their lawsuits since Election Day.
When we speak lies, our words have consequences. When we speak the truth, what we say can have a positive impact on so many. We cannot live in a world where truth is relative and hope to survive. What would American democracy be if election results were arbitrary and true to both sides? It would be anarchy.
Vote for people who’s words lead you to the truth, not a never-ending rabbit hole of conspiracies and false news. Vote for people who listen when others are hurting. Vote for people who own up to their own failures.