In a recent opinion editorial by Matt Walsh for The Daily Wire, he draws a stark comparison between the national reactions to the attempted assassinations of former presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump.
Walsh points out the unity and sympathy that followed Reagan's near-death experience in 1981, contrasting it with the lack of similar sentiment following Trump's recent assassination attempt.
Walsh recalls the moment when Reagan was shot, noting that the Academy Awards were postponed, and a moment of silence was held at the NCAA championship basketball game. He quotes Reagan's famous joke to his doctors, "I hope you're all Republicans," and the response from his liberal doctor, "Today, we are all Republicans."
However, Walsh laments the absence of such unity following Trump's assassination attempt. He criticizes the entertainment industry for not cancelling events or holding moments of silence, and even points out instances of public figures expressing disdain for the former president. He quotes a member of the rock band "Tenacious D" expressing a wish that the assassin had succeeded, and mentions a New York Times spread accusing Trump of betraying America.
Walsh argues that this disparity in reactions can be attributed to a shift in societal attitudes since the 1980s. He rejects the notion that increased political polarization is to blame, instead pointing to what he sees as a trend of dehumanization, particularly from the Left. He cites instances of political violence committed by leftists, such as the Black Lives Matter protests and the attack on the Family Research Council.
Walsh also dismisses the argument that Trump is a uniquely bad figure, pointing out the widespread mourning following the death of George Floyd, whom he describes as a "horrible human being." He criticizes major companies and universities for their silence following Trump's assassination attempt, contrasting this with their vocal support for Black Lives Matter and other causes.
In his conclusion, Walsh warns of a growing segment of the population that endorses violence against their political opposition. He calls for recognition of this trend and preparation for its potential consequences. He writes, "This is now the norm in the country that once mourned Reagan across party lines. The Left might not acknowledge thats what theyre doing. But thats all the more reason that we should call it out, and prepare accordingly."
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