On January 6th 2021 a radical right-wing coup led by MAGA fanatics, QAnon believers, and neo Nazis inspired by President Trump nearly destroyed America as we know her. The mob’s actions killed a Capitol police officer and drove two others to suicide afterwards. 100s were injured. This attack is unacceptable.
We now know, thanks to the investigation, that the mob that had spent a considerable amount of the day building a gallow and screaming, “Hang Mike Pence!.” The group then got within 40 feet of the then vice President, with intent to murder him then and there for disobeying Trump and his orders to lie about the election results. Trump knew Pence, and no one, had power to change it but instead spoke; sparking a mob, and went silent as the mob went to attack. The direct actions of an American president nearly lead to the death of a vice president. It’s shocking. And with each hearing we learn more twisted details. What matters most however, is Trump knew the Big Lie that the election was stolen was baseless. He refused to intervene and stop the bloodthirsty mob. This is ridiculous and should be condemned.
The Big Lie is already being used among Trump supporting candidates and the conspiracies around the events of January 6 have only emboldened the right. If the Department of Justice doesn’t make arrests post hearing we will face an unprecedented uphill battle. The misinformation will thrive. The ever growing divide of the American people, half of which are being fed these lies to downplay this appalling event, will inevitably cause greater harm. Now is not the time to mince words or dance around the truth. Staying informed from as many credible sources as possible and sharing them is vital.
Tension is higher now than ever and the response to the attack will influence the shape of American politics for the next century. Will we coware each time a President attempts a coup? Or will we stay faithful to the fact that even a President isn’t above the law? There are no second chances, we need to make sure this never happens again. We should never look at the Capitol and see a President’s logo in place of a torn down and discarded American flag among bodies.
Has the damage already gone too far? Are we now stuck in an unrepairable mess? The fear of our future presses on, like a crushing weight. What comes of this, what happens to democracy? How were we so close to losing it all to an egomaniac? These questions can make anyone spiral.
The only thing we have is hope, and gratitude. Gratitude that good people refused to lie, and endangered themselves to protect democracy. Hope for a brighter future, where QAnon conspiracies are treated as laughable, the Proud Boys and all neo Nazis are universally shamed, and no President believes themselves above the will of the people.
LeAnne Mcpherson
Reporter