From School Boards to Street Violence: How Violent Rhetoric is Fueling Civil Unrest

Violent rhetoric from political leaders, celebrities, cultural commentators is resulting in more violent attacks.

In a political environment already strained by division, another disturbing example of rhetorical escalation recently resurfaced to help us illustrate where we are as the American Empire decays.

Jeffrey Miller, chairman of the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School District in Kentucky since 2016, posted the following on Facebook in 2018, shortly after a mass shooting in Jacksonville:

“I’d be ok with the NRA if these psychos were just once the victims of a mass shooting. WINK WINK: please shoot Republicans.”

Though the post was made years ago, Miller did not resign until July 2025, after mounting pressure forced him to step down. The damage, however, was done.

This wasn’t a fringe internet comment. This came from a sitting school board chairman—a trusted figure in one of the most foundational civic institutions in America.

The implications of this event—and others like it—reach far beyond one district or one resignation.

A Dangerous Precedent: When Speech Becomes a Signal

In today’s volatile climate, words are no longer harmless, they are signposts. Political violence in the U.S. is not theoretical—it is accelerating:

• July 11, 2025 -- New York: 'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin claims 'reckoning' coming for masked ICE agents carrying out deportations.

• July 4, 2025 – Texas: Armed militants ambush ICE agents in Alvarado with AR-15s and body armor.

• June 14, 2025 – Minnesota: An assassin murders former Speaker Melissa Hortman and attempts to murder a state senator.

• May 21, 2025 – Washington, D.C.: A terrorist executes Israeli embassy staff outside a Jewish museum.

• May 16, 2025 -- Washington, D.C.: Former FBI Director James Comey posts photo of seashells spelling out '8647' widely interpreted to be a cryptic code to eliminate the 47th President of the U.S.

• April 13, 2025 -- Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Governor's Residence was set on fire in an alleged arson while Governor Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside.

• March, 2025 -- U.S., Canada, Germany: Arson attacks against Tesla Dealerships in violent opposition to Elon Musk.

Violent Rhetoric: How It Cascades

The Jeffrey Miller case fits precisely into the escalation ladder already visible across the country:

Stage	Description	Impact
Normalization of Violent Rhetoric	Elected or civic leaders, celebrities make "jokes" about killing political enemies	Signals that violence is acceptable
Radicalization of Sympathizers	Marginalized or ideologically driven actors feel validated	Inspired to act against perceived enemies
Targeted Attacks	Law enforcement, politicians, and civilians are attacked	Political violence becomes normalized
Collapse of Civic Trust	Public loses faith in institutions’ neutrality	Leads to fragmentation and confrontation between ideological groups.

The Symbolism of the School Board

Why is this particularly dangerous?

Because school boards are supposed to be neutral ground. They manage the education of children, often operate under bipartisan (or nonpartisan) expectations, and serve as a barometer of local political temperature.

What Can Be Done: A Protector’s Approach to Escalating Rhetoric

For security professionals and responsible citizens, the mission is not to debate, but to observe, prepare, and protect—quietly and effectively.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Monitor for Early Indicators in Your Area

Violent rhetoric often precedes violent action. Track the tone of your local news, school boards, neighborhood groups, and online communities.Look for shifts: jokes about violence, dehumanizing language, and ideologically charged threats—even if framed as sarcasm. These are not harmless.

Stay local. What’s happening near you matters more than what’s trending nationally.

2. Map Your Personal and Professional Risk Perimeter

Consider the locations that define your daily life: home, work, place of worship, children’s schools, commute routes.Which of these intersect with potential flashpoints—political activity, law enforcement presence, or controversial public events?

Build a simple “risk map” and update it monthly. Know which environments could shift from stable to unstable in a crisis.

3. Communicate Within Your Circle

Coordinate with family, coworkers, and trusted neighbors. Make sure your inner circle is informed, alert, and aligned.

• Set up basic group communications (text chains, radios, secure apps)

• Share vetted intelligence, not speculation

• Establish a “quiet watch culture”—situational awareness without panic

Prepared networks survive chaos better than isolated individuals.

4. Strengthen Your Immediate Environment

You don’t need to turn your home or workplace into a fortress—but you do need to control access, know your exits, and plan your response.

• Lock down key entry points at home and office

• Keep a low-profile emergency go-bag accessible

• Walk your escape routes during both day and night

• Ensure your vehicle is fueled and functional

Think of it as defensive layering, not paranoia. Your goal is to buy time and create options if the unexpected happens.

5. Train for Calm Under Pressure

Reading the headlines is one thing. Staying level-headed in a real emergency is another.

Commit to basic training:

• Situational drills (avoid–evade–respond)

• First aid/trauma care

• Defensive driving

• Communications under duress

You don't rise to the occasion—you fall to the level of your training.

Final Thought

You don’t need to post about it, argue about it, or predict the future.

But you do need to be ready for it—whatever “it” turns out to be.