Print edition: 
Two weekends ago, a brick crashed through a window at Sedgwick County Democratic Party headquarters. Written on the brick were several hateful phrases. In the days since, we have received an outpouring of support through phone calls, letters and people just stopping by to show their solidarity.
Common sense tells us that the vandalism and threats of violence witnessed across our nation serve to strengthen the very people intended to be intimidated. These acts of violence and hate speech dehumanize and devalue the very people intended to be emboldened. Common sense has been in short supply.
Some have said that we shouldn't have been surprised when our window was shattered. I fiercely disagree. Not only were we surprised, but every Wichitan should be outraged.
We live in an amazing country — one that affords us the right to speak on any issue in evocative ways. We can assemble and protest and petition our government for change. We can and do vote the party in power out of office. But when political debate ceases to be civilized and lawful, where does that leave us as a nation?
We know that words have meaning — that words matter. And words, when used to incite hatred and violence, can be dangerous. Sadly, we in Wichita have had to learn this harsh lesson too often.
I call on Sens. Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., as well as Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Goddard, to denounce these terrible events, which are happening in their home state, and to their constituents. It's time to speak up, and make a stand for law and order.
KELLY W. JOHNSTON
Chairman
Sedgwick County Democratic Party
Wichita
