Opinion: Scapegoating only multiplies the harm of political violence

It’s no secret that political and identity-based violence have become all too common across the country. Just recently, our state was once again shaken by heartbreaking violence with an apparent act of arson and gun violence at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, where congregants were peacefully practicing their faith.Every week seems to bring a new tragedy — not from accident or disaster, but from someone choosing violence to settle perceived grievances. The grief these acts cause is devastating on its own, but that pain is often made worse when people rush to blame an entire political party or community for the actions of one individual.A free society does not require agreement to live in peace. We should be able to live as we choose and express our opinions wi