We have the power to end violence
Once again we have multiple incidents of senseless violence. Certainly there is enough blame to go around, but until we try to understand each other and work together, the violence will continue. While we fear foreign terrorists as we should, it seems that the biggest threat to America is right here in the hate, distrust and contempt Americans hold for each other.
Republican or Democrat, it doesn’t matter. While we have the right to support the candidate and party of our choice we also have the responsibility to protect and respect each other. This includes the police and all public servants; and all races, genders, ages, religions, alternative and mainstream lifestyles, and national origins.
It is time as Americans that we demand our elected officials get off their partisan pedestals and enthusiastically tackle the very difficult issue of violence in America. This is no time to be cynical or arrogant, or to point fingers. The power to make a real difference is in the hands of the public with our perseverance and outrage. We are America, one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Together we fly or divided we sink.
Julio Mastro, Fresno
This story was originally published July 17, 2016 at 11:31 AM with the headline "We have the power to end violence."