Moments after the attack on the former President on July 13, 2024, I decided to write some lines. I quickly sensed that the moments are historic. I wrote an article in the Greek language for SLpress in Athens, and after that, I decided to e-mail The Washington Post. It is the newspaper located in the capital: Washington, DC, the center of political power in the United States of America. I wrote a letter, which, could be better described as a short ‘opinion-note’.

Hours later, the tireless journalist and editor Alyssa Rosenberg called me to ask me some questions regarding my e-mail to the Washington Post. It was such an honor to speak to an editor of the historic newspaper that has the motto: “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” Thus, the next day, on July 14, the ‘opinion-note’ appeared online on the newspaper’s website. On Monday, July 15, it appeared in print, too.

I was so thrilled, and I want to share this with The National Herald’s readers (the Greek-American newspaper that I value a lot and, to which, I often contribute opinion pieces) and above all, with its great editor, Eleni Sakellis. The ‘opinion-note’ follows below as it was published:

“Opinion. We can choose to be a different kind of country. (After the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, The Post’s readers look for a way forward.)

When I heard former president Donald Trump had been attacked, it felt as if time stopped. Mr. Trump ducked down. Got up! He had blood on his face. He raised his fist. He is lucky to be alive, and we, too, are fortunate he survived. My neighbors and friends are shocked. Half support Democrats, half Republicans. Everyone has missed heartbeats.

“At first, many thought: Are the photos that began to flood social media manipulated with artificial intelligence? No, they were and are real. America seems to be entering a new dark period, divided in two by great enmity. And if America goes into darkness, then the whole world will follow.

“The agenda now changes radically, shifting from discussions of President Biden’s age. Political violence returns to the scene. Memories of the assassination of John F. Kennedy will return. Maybe even thoughts of the American Civil War. ‘God Bless America’ has never been a more necessary sentiment than it is in these hours. America needs all of us, too. Let us think of Aristotle’s three virtues, which should distinguish the citizen: justice, courage, and temperance. And let’s walk ahead all united from now on.”