By Tom Shypitka

I very seldom weigh in on international politics but I feel this must be addressed as a political representative in our beautiful province.

The attempted assassination of Donald Trump is one of the worst things I have seen since being elected in 2017. (Yes January 6 was another sickening display – edited).

This is a crisis of democracy. People are agitated, frustrated, and feel unheard on all sides of the political spectrum. I feel, we all need to take responsibility for this and take a step back.

I feel for the person who was senselessly killed just for merely supporting a political candidate. My heart goes out to his family and the others wounded.

Let’s all accept the fact that we will not always agree but also understand that our differences and diversities are what makes us strong. Healthy debate and passion should always be encouraged but violent and hateful responses, should always be challenged by those of the same ideology. I believe this is an important point.

It is much more difficult to unite people rather than speak to one side. I’m not naive to think that division is, and always has been a part of politics but if not dialed back to what is respectable then we will see more and more of this sort of tragedy.

We are all humans; I urge everyone to look for the good in each person instead of what you perceive as the wrong.

I love B.C. for its diversity in culture, religion, lifestyle, and geography. We are lucky to have this, let’s not allow this to be the catalyst that rips us apart.

– Tom Shypitka is Kootenay East MLA

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