By Narasimhan Vijayaraghavan
13th July, 2024 will go down in US history as yet another day when there was an attempt to assassinate a political leader. That Donald J Trump survived a whistling bullet on the edge of his right ear lobe is a miracle. Who knows? He survived as he may be destined to return to power on No, 6,2024.
American democracy may be the oldest.
But, it may be the most tragic ever, over 248 years since it declared independence on July 4,1776. Assassinations and assassination attempts have long marked American history, often as stark manifestations of hatred and political violence. It reads a weird and scary roll call of honour. From Abraham Lincoln to John F. Kennedy, these acts have not only shocked the nation but also left indelible marks on its political landscape.
The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 stands as one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Lincoln, who led the nation through the Civil War and worked towards the abolition of slavery, was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, at Ford’s Theatre. Booth’s act was driven by deep-seated hatred and opposition to Lincoln’s policies, particularly his efforts to end slavery and reunite the nation. Lincoln’s death not only plunged the country into mourning but also highlighted the intense political and social divisions of the era.
In 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. Guiteau’s motivations were rooted in personal grievances and delusions of political entitlement, reflecting the volatile nature of political patronage at the time. Garfield’s assassination underscored the dangers of the spoils system and eventually led to civil service reform. His death, after lingering for weeks, also exposed the limitations of medical knowledge and care in that era.
President William McKinley’s assassination in 1901 by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, brought the threat of radical political ideologies to the forefront. Czolgosz’s act was fueled by a belief that McKinley represented oppressive government and corporate power. This event highlighted the growing influence of anarchist movements and prompted the Secret Service to take on a permanent role in protecting the President.
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 remains one of the most scrutinized events in American history. Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin, had a murky background with possible connections to both communism and anti-Castro movements.
Kennedy’s death not only shocked the nation but also gave rise to numerous conspiracy theories, reflecting widespread distrust in government and institutions. The tragic event profoundly affected the national psyche and marked a turbulent era of American history.
Presciently JFK had said that if an assasination dared to risk his life no amount security or secret service protocols could save his life.
The 1960s were marked by significant social upheaval and violence. The assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 by James Earl Ray was a raw exhibition of racial hatred. King’s death was a devastating blow to the civil rights movement and highlighted the intense racial tensions in the country.
Just two months later, Robert F. Kennedy, a presidential candidate and advocate for social justice, was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan. Sirhan, a Palestinian Arab, cited Kennedy’s support for Israel as his motive. These assassinations underscored the era’s deep political and social divisions and the volatile nature of American society during this period.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr., who was driven by an obsession with actress Jodie Foster. While not politically motivated, the attack highlighted the perpetual vulnerability of U.S. Presidents and led to increased security measures. Reagan’s survival and subsequent handling of the incident boosted his popularity and underscored the resilience of American leadership.
Assassinations and assassination attempts on U.S. Presidents and political leaders serve as raw exhibitions of hatred and political violence, reflecting the deep-seated divisions and extreme sentiments that can arise in American society.
These acts have not only altered the course of history but also prompted significant changes in policies, security measures, and national consciousness. They remind us of the fragility of democratic institutions and the ever-present need to address underlying social and political tensions.
Where is USA headed? In recent times, American politics has become increasingly divisive and polarized, affecting not only the public sphere but also the private lives of citizens. This polarization is evident in the growing reluctance of families to discuss politics during gatherings, such as at the dinner table. There needs to be a serious exploration the reasons behind this heightened polarization, its impact on interpersonal relationships, and the broader implications for American society.
Political polarization in the United States has deep historical roots, but recent trends have intensified the divide. Several factors contribute to this as Media Fragmentation and Echo Chambers. The rise of cable news, talk radio, and social media platforms has created echo chambers where individuals are exposed primarily to viewpoints that reinforce their own beliefs. This media fragmentation has led to a more divided public, with little common ground for constructive dialogue.
Both major political parties- Democrats & Republicans have increasingly catered to their base supporters, often adopting more extreme positions to energize their voter base. The emphasis on identity politics has contributed to the polarization by framing political issues in terms of group identities rather than policy differences. Growing economic inequality has also fueled political divisions.
So much so, this heightened polarization in American politics has had a profound impact on family dynamics. Political discussions, once a staple of family gatherings, have become increasingly contentious and are often avoided to maintain harmony.
If this is the reality, headed to POTUS elections, it is not dance of democracy, as in our 2024 Indian General Elections, but a horrific dance of the (d)evil!
No wonder a 20 year old GenZ in Thomas Matthew ‘Crooks’ has emerged as the suspect.
It’s the Democratic D(e)vil Stupid! What else?
( Writer is practicing advocate in the Madras High Court)
