“We should also be afraid of the recurrence of such happenings in the future. All-leaders and general public, Republicans and Democrats, citizens and immigrants, and the media-have a part to play in this”, says the author – A. D. AMAR, PHD.
When, in January 2016, I formally endorsed Donald J. Trump for president and promoted his candidacy by founding and leading a political action committee for the purpose, I was afraid that while some of the radical policies that he espoused were essential to bring the revolutionary changes needed to revive America’s economy and glory, they also could be misconstrued by the overzealous people who are likely to be stimulated by the situations resembling what they know from the media or experience from their environment.
The shooting in Olathe, Kansas of two Indian engineers that resulted in the killing of one is exactly what I had feared, but hoped would never happen. Nevertheless, people going astray and becoming violent rather than working to bring change through peaceful, legal routes is what Mohan K. Gandhi called the Himalayan Blunder, when he had engaged in nonviolent revolution to take back India from the British Empire. Throughout his fight for the change, he always remained cognizant of the kind of happenings we saw in Olathe, Kansas.
We should also be afraid of the recurrence of such happenings in the future. All-leaders and general public, Republicans and Democrats, citizens and immigrants, and the media-have a part to play in this. While it is true that we have come out of a highly contentious election, we have to accept that it is over. Donald Trump, for right or wrong, is the president; and it is natural for him to work to realize the controversial agenda on which he won. We also know that he will be president for these four years and will be voted out if he does not do what Americans approve.
First onus for this falls on President Trump, his administration, and the Republican leadership. Like Gandhi, they have constantly to remind their supporters that by remaining law abiding, they will help Trump and his cause. Moreover, Trump should strongly condemn those who engage in lawless activities. The second responsibility for this falls on the Democratic leaders. They have to remind continuously their followers not to engage in activities that spread hate; and should condemn those who do. The third obligation to keep peace in America rests with the media. They should not directly or indirectly give any message that can potentially promote intolerance and hate, resulting in lawlessness. Finally, we all should resolve to remain peaceful and use legal methods to express our discontent.
Such happenings can be avoided if we all play a role in keeping everyone calm. Otherwise, the blood of innocents like Srinivas Kuchibhotla, victim of Olathe shooting, will be on all who engage in acts that incite hate and intolerance.
I also want the world to know that America is not the country of Adam Purinton, the shooter of Olathe, but also of Ian Grillot who intervened in behalf of Srinivas Kuchibhotla against Purinton at the risk to his life. America is fighting its problems; therefore, what is happening here is temporary. We, all Americans, will come back stronger as a nation.
(The author is Professor of Management, the Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079. Founder-President of Indian-Americans for Trump 2016, he also serves on the leadership council of the Republican Hindu Coalition)
