Leaders Must Condemn Violence

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, those who are placed in positions of leadership, particularly those elected by the people, have a responsibility to put their short-term interests aside for the greater collective good.

We have a problem in America with violence in our streets, destruction of property, and hateful rhetoric toward police and innocent bystanders every day. As a result, people are fleeing our cities in droves, yet many so-called leaders have tacitly condoned the destruction with phrases like: ``People will do what they do,'' and, ``There needs to be unrest in the streets for as long as there is unrest in our lives.'' ``No justice, no peace.'' We have all heard it.

If such indirect encouragement is not bad enough, continued silence from certain leaders may be even worse.

The idea that, after an assassination attempt of two sheriffs in California, the former attorney general, the top cop, and current Senator of the State remaining silent on this issue is outrageous.

Just this week, as a response to the President's constitutional duty to nominate a Supreme Court Justice, the far left immediately stated: ``Let this moment radicalize you.'' They later stated: ``Nothing is off the table.'' Just now, it was stated: ``Do so at your peril.'' That is a threat. This incites lawlessness and has nothing to do with national unity.

We can disagree on policy, but now, more than ever, we need new leaders who aspire to follow in the heroic footsteps of Martin Luther King and call out those who fail to do so.

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