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Editorial

 It has been a week of close calls for government officials with the recent attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life and the local accident where Sen. April Weaver was struck by a vehicle. Fortunately, in both cases, our government officials made it through the situations safely without any life-threatening injuries. Close calls like these serve as a reminder to stop and take a moment to reflect and should unite everyone together for a time during this contentious election cycle.

We are fortunate enough to live in a country that is not only fiscally blessed, but also has the privilege to elect its leaders democratically. The people make the decision and the leaders are chosen from the very same group that elects them. There are no separate castes or official social classes that prevent one from running for office. Regardless of whether we agree, disagree or have even stronger feelings about our government officials, they were elected democratically and represent all of us in the greater political landscape.

These incidents also remind us of the fact that elected officials are human and, like any of us, are vulnerable. They aren’t better than us or more capable than us. In fact, being a political figure means being the center of discourse and criticism. People pay close attention to what you say and do—it’s a burden and should be. There’s weight to holding political office. However, regardless of any criticisms or distaste one might have for an official, at the end of the day, they are human too.

No matter the political affiliation, we do not wish to see such dangerous situations happen to any of our government officials and are grateful that both Weaver and Trump are safe and recovering.