We need to talk honestly about something called “stochastic terrorism.”
It’s when public figures or media outlets relentlessly demonize a person or group in a way that raises the odds that someone, somewhere, will act violently. They don’t give orders. They don’t name a time or place. But they pour fuel on a fire and then act surprised when something burns.
Look at the pattern. A juvenile shows up armed at the White House. We’ve seen multiple threats and attempts involving President Donald Trump. And all the while, the airwaves are saturated with language that paints him not just as wrong, but as evil or dangerous.
Let’s add some reality to this. President Trump was duly elected, and like every president, he governs within a system chosen by the American people. You don’t have to like him. You don’t have to agree with his policies. But hatred does not make you morally superior. Respect the will of the American public and the voters.
And I’ll add this as a personal prayer for our country. Lord, we ask that this rising culture of anger and hostility be brought under control. Quiet the noise, calm the division, and turn hearts back toward truth. Holy Spirit, move in this nation—help people see clearly, think wisely, and act with restraint instead of emotion. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Words matter. Repetition matters. Tone matters. When you tell millions of people, day after day, that someone is an existential threat, you are shaping perception—and unstable individuals can turn that into justification.
This isn’t about left or right. It’s about responsibility. If you speak to millions, you carry the weight of how your words may land on the most unbalanced minds listening.
Disagree all you want—but respect the system, respect the voters, reject violence, and act like adults.
— Walt Tollefson
Faith • Family • Freedom • Common Sense 🇺🇸✝️
Walt Tollefson is a West Point graduate, former Army aviator, airline pilot, author of Project Providence, and Christian commentator shaped by a lifetime of service, close calls, and faith. Now living with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, he writes with hard-earned perspective on faith, family, freedom, civic responsibility, and the moral dangers of hatred, propaganda, and cultural division.