My late wife Jo Cox was murdered in her constituency in 2016. The alleged attack on Helen Haines is a punch to the gut
Moments like these can reinforce our divisions or remind us of what we stand to lose when hatred and intimidation are allowed to brutalise our democracy
TL;DR
- The author experienced dread and shock after learning of the alleged attack on Australian MP Helen Haines, similar to the news of his late wife Jo Cox's murder.
- Both incidents occurred in small towns, highlighting a connection between the MPs and their communities.
- Such attacks damage democracy, regardless of the motivation.
- Moments of violence can either divide society further or serve as a reminder of shared values and the importance of democracy.
- The author recalls the extraordinary kindness and solidarity shown after Jo Cox's death as an example of a positive response.
- Political debate is becoming more hostile across democracies, with opponents viewed as enemies and threats normalized online.
- The article urges society to choose unity, decency, and commitment to democracy over division, suspicion, and fear.