The rhetoric in our politics has reached a level of vitriol I have not encountered in all my years serving in the House of Delegates. Too often, political opponents are dehumanized and cast not as neighbors, but as enemies. We are at a tipping point. Yet with grace, humility, and accountability, we can turn this tipping point into a turning point, one that strengthens the commonwealth and, ultimately, our country.
Here in Virginia, we can light a candle for the Union by leading with accountability and self-governance.
In recent weeks, we have seen the consequences of our toxic climate. A man was assassinated for his words; he was not an elected official, but simply someone who shared his ideas and beliefs. In our own commonwealth, two members of this House have received death threats, and even a sitting congressman has been threatened. These are not abstract problems. They are real, present dangers.
But we are not powerless. We can change course, if we begin with self-awareness and accountability.
There are examples on my side of the aisle of leaders who recognized that words matter. In February 2024, when Speaker Scott was mocked on social media over a decades-old conviction, former Speaker Todd Gilbert and I both defended him. We condemned that speech, and accountability followed — the staffer responsible was fired.
Another example: Governor Glenn Youngkin. After he made an inappropriate remark about the attack on Speaker Pelosi’s husband, he did not double down — he took responsibility and apologized. That is what accountability looks like.
Unfortunately, I have not seen the same self-awareness from the other side of the aisle. Instead, we have heard dangerous words like: “Let your rage fuel you.” Rage is not fuel. Rage is a fire that consumes, and left unchecked, it burns down not just our institutions, but our shared humanity.
To overcome the darkness of our current state, each of us must do better. First as individuals, then as a community, and finally as a commonwealth. Debate must not be silenced, but engaged with respect and purpose. Many of us find that purpose in service; service to our neighbors, our communities and our fellow man.
President Kennedy once reminded us: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” I believe we can take that one step further: do not demand that the government serve us; rather let us, as individuals, serve each other.
For me, that sense of service comes from my faith. For others, it may come from a different place. But if we are to light Virginia’s candle, perhaps we can take guidance from one of our founders. Thomas Jefferson wrote to William Hamilton:
“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.”
Those are words to live by. If we can remember them, perhaps we can be not just partisans, but friends. Not just opponents, but fellow Virginians. And in doing so, we can light the way forward…. for Virginia, and for America.
Del. Michael Webert, R-Fauquier County, is the Republican caucus whip in the House of Delegates.
