NO PLACE IN POLITICS FOR VIOLENT RHETORIC
Last week we were disheartened to see a social media post from Naperville City Councilwoman Mary Gibson showing a screenshot of a comment posted by the DuPage County Republicans in opposition to comments she made in a video post. In the Republican response, they called for “war” against Democrats and declaring “no survivors.”
We were equally appalled by the response that followed.
Rather than unequivocally condemning violent rhetoric directed at a local elected official, the DuPage County Republicans’ response largely attempted to justify or contextualize it by pointing to unrelated examples of political hostility and online incivility. Notably, none of the behavior being referenced was conduct modeled by Councilwoman Gibson herself, who has consistently carried herself with civility, professionalism and respect toward those with whom she disagrees.
There is a profound difference between rude political commentary and language that normalizes violence against other human beings. One should never be used to excuse the other.
When someone posts violent rhetoric directed at local officials on a page you control, the only acceptable response is immediate condemnation and removal of the comment; not deflection, finger-pointing or whataboutism.
No member of our community or public servant, regardless of political party, should have to wonder whether calls for violence against them will be treated as acceptable collateral damage in our political discourse.
We should all expect better from the organizations and leaders helping shape the tone of civic engagement in our community.
Dianne McGuire, Kate Refine, Barb Nemeth, Dan Bagley, Nancy Bagley and Paulette Goodman
Indivisible Naperville
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