In contrast to the mainstream media narrative, many of the threats to American politicians come from progressives

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The shot that grazed Donald Trump’s ear is just another reminder of how the United States, unique among the dominant English-speaking countries, remains subject to both actual violence and threats of violence. Over the past two centuries, four American presidents have been killed, and there have been numerous attempts, most recently on Ronald Reagan.

In contrast, only one British prime minister has been assassinated. Not a single Canadian or Australian leader has been killed, although one Aussie prime minister, Harold Holt, disappeared in 1967; many think he drowned in a swimming accident, although some also see political conspiracies. Political violence, of course, occurs in all these countries, but not anything like what we see in the United States.

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Why is this? One has to start with the country’s origins. The United States is the only British colony with a predominately Anglo population to break violently from the mother country. Canada, Australia and, of course, the United Kingdom’s political systems have a history of accommodation, with the Crown gradually ceding power to the colonies as well as the British commoners. Continuity, as epitomized by the Royal family, has its advantages.

America, on the other hand, was a revolutionary state and appealed to an independent spirit that, at times, lurched into violence. Compared to other British offshoots, Americans tend to resist control, even when it may be useful, as in the case of guns. America is also a military superpower and has a long history of engaging in warfare well beyond its borders. Unlike Britain, which is no longer an empire, nor any of its other offshoots, the U.S. remains a dominant global force.

To be sure, Canada and........

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