Political Assassinations

Political assassinations have probably began when politicians began exposing themselves and their ideas before the public. I cannot think of how many emperors, kings, satraps, and other political leaders have been assassinated throughout history. From Julius Caesar to JFK and now to the attempt on Donald Trump, assassins, or would-be assassins, have decided that their way was the way of getting rid of a leader and have taken their best shot.

I don’t agree with them, but it does not matter, it is part of history and one cannot change the course of history. Recently we saw the attempted assassination of the Slovak Prime Minister and not too long ago (2021) we saw the murder of Haiti’s president, to name just a couple. And now Trump becomes the target. Ironic…

Trump, who thinks everyone in the US should own whatever type of gun (firearm) they want, no restrictions, who is heavily endorsed, and financed by the NRA, who has incited so much violence and created such divisions throughout the US, now becomes the target of a lunatic, twenty year old, with an AR-15 assault rifle. A man with no regards for human life for he fired at least eight rounds into the crowd, lamentably killing one man.

There is no condoning the barbarous act of cowardice committed by this young, would-be assassin. However, one has to think that his would-be target, who has espoused hatred, has offended his rivals and many, many others, has dehumanised immigrants and demonised political opponents, might also stir up the same sentiments in someone completely on the other side of his politic and of sanity.

People look for motives, but motives for crimes are not important in criminal law. This shooter committed a grievous crime and whatever motive he had is really not that important. What motive can rationalise such a brutal act?

CHEERS