Why Alameda must reject political violence
To the editor:
The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent leader of the MAGA movement, is a tragedy that should make us take a hard look at where we are. His life was cut short not only by an act of violence, but by what appears to be an act of political violence—an assault on democratic life itself. Threats are rising, incidents multiplying, and acceptance of violence as a political tool is growing. Each step down this path darkens the promise of our democracy.
Across the country, people who speak out, work as public servants, or simply show up in public life are being met with threats and violence. This summer in Minnesota, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home. In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro and his family fled when their residence was set ablaze in a politically driven attack. And in San Francisco, Paul Pelosi was bludgeoned with a hammer in his home by an intruder asking, “Where’s Nancy?” in a chilling echo of the mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a disturbing pattern—the use of violence and intimidation as political tools. The message is always the same: stay quiet, stay home, don’t resist.
Political violence is not just an attack on individuals. It is an attack on all of us—on the right of every person to take part in civic life. When public servants are murdered in their beds, when a governor’s home is set on fire, when civilians are bludgeoned in their homes, when neighbors or local officials are intimidated for speaking out, we are all robbed of the democracy we are meant to share.
Here in Alameda, we may be fortunate that such violence has not yet struck our city directly. But fortune is not a plan. We cannot wait for violence to arrive before we act. Our duty is to affirm, every day, the safety and dignity of public service, the freedom to speak, and the right to gather without fear. Alameda has a proud tradition of civic engagement, from neighborhood organizing to local Democratic clubs to leaders who shape our city and state. That tradition must never be undermined by intimidation or violence.
I know the chaos and violence can feel overwhelming. I often curl up at home in the evening with the glowing dopamine of my phone or Netflix to take a break. But democracy only works if sometimes we put the phone down, turn the screen off, step outside, and show up for each other.
The promise of democracy is that our future is shaped not by the power of a few, but by the dreams and voices of us all. We honor all victims of political violence not with silence, but by defending the principle they were attacked for—that political speech and civic participation are the lifeblood of a free society.
Wyeth McAdam Edgelow
Alameda
Wyeth McAdam Edgelow is vice president of membership of the City of Alameda Democratic Club and works in law enforcement oversight. She has lived in Alameda for 15 years.
A poetic reflection
To the Editor:
“Patriot?”
A patriot was but a ‘fellow countryman.’
At least, that’s what the sources seem to say.
But, somehow, other meanings soon began
To twist and turn it all another way.
You have to love your country, now, it seems,
To be a ‘patriot’ this day and age,
And you define that ‘love’ by any means,
As long as everyone is on your page.
If others disagree, they must be wrong,
Or else they’re simply not as bright as you.
They can’t oppose and all still get along
Without imposing what they feel is true.
Wake up! There has to be a better plan.
If not, we’re sure to lose our country, man.
Arthur Lenhardt
Alameda
Editorials and Letters to the Editor
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