In recent news, there have been daily reports of cancelled Trump rallies due to violence, anger and hate. While these emotions aren’t new for Trump supporters and Trump himself, it’s only been of late that police have had to deem these gatherings unsafe for those involved and on a daily basis, to boot. Protesters and supporters have clashed numerous times while Trump speaks from his podium, but there’s a lot to say once things turn bloody.
On Friday, Trump’s evening rally at the University of Chicago was cancelled due to protesters performing a sit-in and ultimately clashing with supporters. When tensions rose too high, the event was cancelled, and only moments before the Republican presidential nominee was expected on the stage. Trump’s campaign released the following message soon after:
"Mr. Trump just arrived in Chicago, and after meeting with law enforcement, has determined that for the safety of all of the tens of thousands of people that have gathered in and around the arena, tonight's rally will be postponed to another date. Thank you very much for your attendance and please go in peace."
Notably, the message uses the parting phrase, “please go in peace,” which contradicts many of the violent remarks Trump himself makes and condones when fists and aggression are concerned.
Five individuals were reportedly arrested once fights broke out, adding to the already 30 plus in the Peabody Opera House in St. Louis, Missouri that occurred earlier that day. Unfortunately, in St. Louis, there was a lot more blood with photographs and video footage of one protester receiving medical attention. Though the cause of his injuries is unconfirmed, it’s easy to assume when the footage relays him muttering, “He sucker-punched me.” We have yet to see Trump take any responsibility for the appalling, animalistic behavior that occurs at his rallies.
Protestor receiving medical attention. pic.twitter.com/xGNVLgXzrm
— Marissa (@southards_3)
Trump’s decision to take no responsibility and instead instigate, has only made things worse. On Saturday, Secret Service agents had to flock around him when a protester rushed the stage while Trump was in the middle of a speech to a roaring crowd. Not even 24 hours after the cancelled rally in Chicago and the disaster in St. Louis does an intended attack on the Republican nominee occur.
When the protester was wrestled away, Trump addressed the crowd and said, “I was ready for him, but it's much easier if the cops do it, don’t we agree?" to which his supporters continued to howl. While I agree that rushing the stage was a bad move, we’ve still yet to see Trump do anything about the aggressiveness that saturates his campaign, much less try to put a stop to it. If his campaign can issue a message that begs, “…please go in peace,” why can’t he utter the words himself?
Seemingly, things are only going from bad to worse, and there’s no one better to blame than Donald Trump himself. The other nominees and other people in general have been noted to talk about his angry rhetoric and the fact he’s appealing to the anger of the American people, but all I see is a lot of ignorance. In order to claim the title of the Greatest Country on Earth, America doesn’t need a leader that feeds off of prejudice, hate and anger while providing empty words. We need a leader who will take action against violence and be an actual advocate for peace.
