Violence and threats of violence have become inherent to Trumpian politics
Scoop USA Newspaper|January 26, 2024
I apologize for the length of this column, but the subject warrants it. Donald Trump has galvanized an army of vigilantes who are casting a fearsome shadow over the 2024 election. Please spread the word.
Violence and threats of violence have become inherent to Trumpian politics

It’s impossible to know how large this potential army is--but last October, 41% of pro-Trump Americans agreed with the statement that “because things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.” (That view was shared by 22% of independents and 13% of Democrats.)

The day after Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows barred Trump from the primary ballot there in late December, her home was “swatted.” As Bellows explained, “That’s when someone calls in a fake emergency to evoke a strong law enforcement response to scare the target. Swatting incidents have resulted in casualties, although, thankfully, this one did not.”

Along with the swatting, Bellows discussed “extraordinarily dehumanizing fake images” of her online:

“I know from my previous work that dehumanizing a person is the first step in paving the way for attacks and violence against them. These dehumanizing images and threatening communications directed at me and the people I love are dangerous. We should be able to agree to disagree on important issues without threats and violence.”

Colorado Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold has also faced mounting threats since the Colorado Supreme Court, in December, disqualified Trump from the state’s primary ballot.

“Within three weeks of the lawsuit being filed, I received 64 death threats,” Griswold said. “I stopped counting after that. I will not be intimidated. Democracy and peace will triumph over tyranny and violence.”

This story is from the January 26, 2024 edition of Scoop USA Newspaper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 26, 2024 edition of Scoop USA Newspaper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SCOOP USA NEWSPAPERView All
Supplemental Security Income for children with disabilities
Scoop USA Newspaper

Supplemental Security Income for children with disabilities

Did you know that Social Security's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash payments to children with disabilities whose families have limited income and resources?

time-read
2 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Keeping Camden Clean
Scoop USA Newspaper

Keeping Camden Clean

Mayor Carstarphen and volunteers continue their clean-up events in the Camden Community to achieve their goal of a cleaner and safer community for the county's residents.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 02, 2024
The State of Chester City
Scoop USA Newspaper

The State of Chester City

Six months into his term in office, Chester Mayor Stefan Roots gave his first \"State of the City \"address on Tuesday morning on Widener's campus in Latham Hall.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 02, 2024
That Girl Lay Lay hits Philly with concert
Scoop USA Newspaper

That Girl Lay Lay hits Philly with concert

Have you heard of Alaya \"That Girl Lay Lay\" High? If you are in your early teens, you do? This young rap artist took the industry by storm.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Project 2025 is the new Southern Manifesto
Scoop USA Newspaper

Project 2025 is the new Southern Manifesto

\"Project 25 is a radical, extreme, pro-authoritarianism plan pushed by conservatives who are desperate to take our country backward.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 02, 2024
CIVICS 101
Scoop USA Newspaper

CIVICS 101

The first official \"Law of the Land\" for American citizens was and is the United States Constitution.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Pope Francis believes the world needs to laugh more. He's right
Scoop USA Newspaper

Pope Francis believes the world needs to laugh more. He's right

As an experienced class clown who long has felt the power of comedy to be vastly underappreciated, I was more than tickled to hear that Pope Francis had invited more than 100 comedians to an audience at the Vatican.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 02, 2024
School in West Africa enjoys the benefits of growing partnership with Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School
Scoop USA Newspaper

School in West Africa enjoys the benefits of growing partnership with Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School

PHILADELPHIA, June 2024 - For the young students of the Benia International School in Duazon, Liberia, the shipment was an answered prayer.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker launches extended day, extended year school initiative
Scoop USA Newspaper

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker launches extended day, extended year school initiative

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker unveiled details for a high-priority Parker Administration initiative Extended Day, Extended Year School. Today's announcement is an important component of Mayor Parker's goal to provide economic opportunity for all Philadelphians.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 02, 2024
Pennsylvania court will decide whether skill game terminals are gambling machines
Scoop USA Newspaper

Pennsylvania court will decide whether skill game terminals are gambling machines

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP)-Pennsylvania's highest court will decide whether the cash-paying electronic game terminals that have become commonplace in convenience stores, bars, and elsewhere are unlicensed gambling machines and, as a result, must be shut down.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 02, 2024