In her op-ed, Rep. Dingell encourages Americans to reject the vitriol and hatred the former president spreads throughout our political space
LANSING — In case you missed it over the weekend, on the heels of President Trump’s pointed and vocal attacks this holiday season, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell penned a powerful op-ed that ran in the New York Times describing her experience responding to the former president’s bullying that has become all too common in today’s political rhetoric.
Even in the face of direct attacks and insults from Trump, Dingell reminds us that leaders are supposed to encourage us to do better, not drag us all down into the muck with them. She walks us through her emotions as the former president lobbied attacks not just against her, but also her late husband, former Congressman John Dingell, and how she chooses to conduct herself in those moments.
Language is powerful, and when leaders weaponize their words, our democracy suffers. As Rep. Dingell says, “This isn’t just about one man. We all face a choice in how we react to bullies, and we all have a responsibility to choose civility in the face of cruelty.” Especially as we begin what will no doubt be a contentious and heated election year, her words are particularly poignant.
Read more key points from Rep. Dingell’s NYT op-ed below:
New York Times: Debbie Dingell: How to Stand Up to Trump
- I do know that hateful rhetoric cannot be ignored or become normalized. We have to stand up to bullies in this country, and we have to call out indignities…
- I know it can wear you down — but we can’t grow tired, and we must push back on the hatred when we see it, calling it out, using language everyone understands and in ways that prevent it from seeping into our everyday lives and routines
- Being in Mr. Trump’s tunnel of hate is not enjoyable. Frankly, it’s often frightening. Like many of my colleagues, I have received hostile calls, antagonistic mail and death threats, and I have had people outside my home with weapons. And it reflects the vitriol, bullying, rage and threats we are witnessing across the country today — from our exchanges on social media to dialogue with each other and with those in our workplaces, schools, gathering places, families and communities. It’s a real danger to our democracy and our safety…
- But I cannot and will not be bullied or intimidated by anyone. Sometimes tyrants think women will cower. We cannot. We have the strength and courage to do what is right and fight for the betterment of our communities…
- The word “congress” by definition means coming together. Government shouldn’t be about who can make the most noise; it’s about working together to find solutions…
- This isn’t just about one man. We all face a choice in how we react to bullies, and we all have a responsibility to choose civility in the face of cruelty.
- What I would encourage people to do, if attacked by Mr. Trump or his supporters, is to not be afraid to challenge the attack. Try to de-escalate the situation by presenting an alternative point of view calmly. Don’t let them bait you to descend to their level…
- I’m concerned by Mr. Trump’s pledges to rip health care away from Americans and to rule as a dictator, and by his applause of political violence. We need to hold people accountable for their words.
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