To the Editor:

In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk the words of House Speaker Johnson to say “this is not who we are” has to be one of the most disingenuous or woefully ignorant statements he has made publicly.

Unfortunately, this last decade has witnessed far more political assassinations, or attempted ones, in most of American history.

In no small measure this violence has been precipitated by the divisive and threatening speeches and internet falsely provocative accusations.  

This would have been a perfect opportunity to dampen the political rhetoric, and cease the  false narrative that stokes the grievances impelling these murderers to commit horrific rampages or solitary assassinations.

The overwhelming grievances and sense of futility that fuels individual violence, or herd resentment, is destroying the democracy we naively believed was on a trajectory towards more equality of opportunity, a fairer implementation of taxation and the consistent application of the rule of law.

Lying, mischaracterizing, or manipulating this tragedy for  political points only intensifies the fury and resentment that undoubtedly contributed to this assassin’s violent action. 

Only by declaring what this murder really represents, by those who have the power to address this American scourge , it will be who we are indefinitely.

Betty Ussach, Dartmouth