Minnesota’s Tragedy and the Power of Collective Decency
CURE is devastated by the assassination of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Both families lived lives dedicated to helping others, at the legislature and beyond. We knew Speaker Emerita Hortman as a devoted public servant and inspiring leader who made a real difference for people across the state, no matter their political party or hometown. The loss of Melissa and Mark will be felt by our state for a long time. For John, Yvette, and their family, we hope for a full recovery and emotional healing.
The attacks that occurred last weekend are shameful, cowardly, and horrific. But they did not happen in isolation. They are the latest offenses in a long list of acts of political violence committed by those with extreme ideologies that are increasingly seen as normal, acceptable, and even laudable.
Iron Range columnist Aaron Brown hits the mark:
“…we are experiencing a social disease that elevates violent rhetoric, mocks decency and civility, and worships power above all else.”
This is the opposite of democracy.
Democracy operates to fulfill the fundamental principle that people can hold different ideas yet live together peaceably. That each person has a voice and a real opportunity to share it. That their representatives are not picked by another who seeks control, but by themselves and their surrounding community. That power comes from the people united, not those with the loudest voices, most hateful views, or the largest arsenals.
Politically motivated attacks shred these principles.
To protect our democracy, we must reestablish our commitment to these fundamental principles. We must set an expectation for thoughtful, respectful, and public debate. Perhaps most importantly, we need to call out when norms have been violated, when lines have been crossed—especially among those we align with most closely.
We were heartened to see a joint statement condemning these political attacks from the entire Minnesota delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike. We should demand responses of this type, especially from our elected leaders, when actions affront our common principles.
People don’t often know the degree to which what they say or don’t say, do or don’t do, will be of consequence. Most people just do something because it seems like the right thing – not for themselves, but for our collective community endeavor. They take a step, meet a neighbor, show up to a meeting, engage in a dialogue, help someone out, run for office—because they care about the people and community around them. These small moments, these acts of courage, civility, and service, are how we embody our democratic ideals.
As we regroup after this weekend’s tragedies, as we prepare for all that is to come, let us lean into the importance of doing the right thing. And the importance of calling out the behaviors we won’t stand behind.
More than ever, reclaiming our safety, reclaiming our sense of community, requires remembering why we value democracy, its principles, and the civility that lies at the heart of it all.
