Guest Op-Ed: Please Stop the Violence

By Dr. Glenn Mollette

Acts of violence against a marriage partner have never saved a marriage. Violent acts toward family members have never made a family happier. Typically, they create emotional and sometimes physical wounds that are never forgotten. Too many families have suffered because someone in the family became violent. 

 Violence in our communities and towns always results in pain, division and sometimes even loss of life. Violence typically brings the wrong people together to do bad things. No community, city or state needs this. 

In times of war or enemy aggression against our United States, violence has been necessary. Acts of war have never been pleasant.  They result in the loss of life and horrific debilitation of so many people physically and mentally. Most Americans do not want to be at war with anyone.

In years past, we have had to protect our country against those who sought to harm us. The Second Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms and protect ourselves. We are grateful for our military but we pray for peace.  None of us want our family members actively involved in combat if it can be avoided. 

Violence like we saw last week at the United States Capitol was criminal. It helped no one. It solved nothing. Everyone who traveled to hear President Trump speak should have bought a nice dinner in D.C.  and then traveled back to their families. Unlawfully entering the Capitol was wrong and was carried out in a violent criminal way. People were killed. Offices were torn apart and doors broken down. Staffers were terrified for their lives. This should never have happened. Many of these criminals will eventually be arrested and spend time in jail. 

This act of criminal stupidity did nothing to advance or help President Trump. If they had stopped in front of the Capitol and given speeches, yelled, screamed, waved their signs throughout the day and then gone home the results would have been better. Terrorism never produces positive results. Destruction of the property of others and the terrorism of people are savage and criminal.

This same kind of unnecessary violence was seen in many of our cities last summer. I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio after a march had taken place and saw the results of acts of violence. I saw almost all of downtown Cleveland boarded up. Businesses were closed. Hotels were closed. Very few restaurants were open. For weeks my family was afraid to stop in downtown Louisville because of the protests and disruption occurring in the city. 

In the United States of America, individuals, groups and organizations have the absolute right to march, protest and exercise their free speech. However, the destruction of buildings and businesses are acts of violence and are criminal. The people who shut down sections of cities throughout our country should be arrested for their behavior. An acquaintance, who lived outside Seattle for many years, was terrified to travel back to that city last year. 

Violence against Democrats or Republicans will not bring this country back together. Invasion and violence against the Capitol solved nothing but ruined some lives. Violence will not change the results of the election. Joe Biden will be the President of the United States for the next four years. 

March, protest, yell, scream and financially support organizations who promote your point of view. But please, put your guns, pipe bombs and hatred away.

Glenn Mollette is the publisher of Newburgh Press, Liberty Torch and various other publishing imprints; a national columnist –  American Issues and Common Sense opinions, analysis, stories and features appear each week In over 500 newspapers, websites and blogs across the United States.