Don’t ignore state violence

To the editor,

Thank you for your excellent editorial on Sept. 18 discussing politically motivated violence, “Debate Should Not Mean Danger.” But you did not address state-initiated political violence — the most egregious and devastating form of all, which is war.

Since World War II — which claimed at least 70 million lives — the United States has initiated five major wars, all without the constitutionally required declarations by Congress. Together, they cost more than 200,000 lives. Only one of those wars was precipitated by an overtly aggressive action by an enemy — and in that case, the United States attacked the wrong “enemy,” since the true aggressor was an oil-rich ally in a strategic location.

Beyond these wars, our country has engaged in hundreds of deadly military operations, as well as countless assassinations and disappearances. Targeted killings have focused on Iranian scientists and military leaders — not French, British, German, Pakistani or Indian figures. And over the decades, the United States has notoriously supported brutal governments in Latin America and Asia.

Meanwhile, violence at home remains staggering. Since 2018, police have been responsible for well over 31,800 deaths. On Sept. 20, the New York Daily News reported that a mentally disturbed Queens man, who had called 911 on himself, was shot and killed by the two officers who responded. He was armed only with a pair of scissors. For this, the officers may receive nothing more than a fine or the loss of vacation days.

We must also remember the lawless crackdown on communities that joined the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011. Those constitutionally protected gatherings were met with force — previews, perhaps, of what could come if the ruling class ever feels truly threatened by legal, democratic actions.

Yes, let’s strive to talk civilly to one another, to disagree in good spirit and to shake hands as we leave the debate stage. But let us not forget where the greatest potential for extreme, mass violence resides.

Ed Beller