Editorial
By John Clise
It took very little time for leaders and others to speak out against riots at the US Capitol, Wednesday, during what was supposed to be a conformation of the electoral college results, including any discussions of objections to the results.
Chaos ensued when Trump addressed supporters gathered near the Capitol and seemingly encouraged them to march to the Capitol to fight what he has repeatedly called a “stolen election.”
Protestors turned violent storming the capitol building where legislators were abiding their constitutional duties in certifying the electoral college results.
Protestors forced their way into the building past capitol security causing legislators to shelter in place with others as the protestors made their way through the building reportedly breaking windows, breaking into offices and otherwise wreaking havoc on the day.
After sheltering in place for six hours the building was finally cleared by law and military personnel, though not before four protestors had died. According to reports, one woman was shot and later died from wounds sustained from a capitol police officer. Three others suffered what is being called medical emergencies and perished.
President has repeated blatant lies about the election so much and so often that Twitter froze his account for 12 hours. It makes wonder if his head might not explode before his suspension is paid in full and he can get back to his usual #twittermetdowns.
Even in his Twitter imposed silence his minions continue to lend their support to his lost cause and false narratives. Senators Rafael “Ted” Cruz and Josh Hawley continue to provide lip service to Trump’s fading presidency. They continue to support this Captain Ahab president even as Senators Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham abandon the sinking ship if only to try and save their own necks at the last minute. Admittedly, though, they had been at the helm of the Pequod until a few days ago backing their captain.
Hostile insurgents into the capitol seemed shocked they were pepper sprayed by law enforcement after they gained illegal access to the building. They seemed to think they were doing the right thing and were actual American Patriots as they sought to confront legislators over the “stolen election.” Many called for a hostile overthrow of the government. It became one of those situations where I wanted to ask them all that age old non politically question… “Did your mother drop you on your head when you were a baby.”
People were boasting about revolutions and civil wars… they were proudly declaring their intent to want these things in the US.
During the course of the day with these “law-abiding peaceful protestors” there were 52 arrests made Wednesday, according to law enforcement officials. Four of the arrests were related to weapons charges. Authorities seized six firearms. Additionally, two pipe bombs were recovered. One was found near the Republican National Committee and the other near the Democratic National Committee. That sounds like “peaceful intentions.” And if that wasn’t enough to solidify their peaceful intentions in storming the capitol illegally, a cooler filled with Molotov cocktails was also recovered at the scene.
If you aren’t familiar with what a Molotov Cocktail bomb is: A Molotov cocktail is a simple type of improvised incendiary device. A Molotov cocktail is also known as a petrol bomb, alcohol bomb, bottle bomb, poor man’s grenade, or simply Molotov. The simplest form of the device consists of a stoppered bottle filled with a combustible liquid, such as gasoline or high-proof alcohol. In other words, these tricky little devices are intended to blow up and start fires with the intention of injuring people and destroying property.
I’m all for debate and change that actually benefits the many rather than the few and the clearly delusional. Honestly, the senators and representatives objecting to the electoral college results have every right to do so. It’s a total waste of time, but they do have the right.
I am most definitely not for removing the American flag, throwing it on the floor and replacing it with a Trump 2020 flag. That happened at our nation’s capital today.
I am not much for sending people to hell holes but the rioters responsible for that crime, in my humble opinion, should be sent directly to Guantanamo Bay for the entirety of the rest of their lives. Some people I’m sure will say I’m not lenient though I claim to be a liberal… you can be a liberal and love your country. I know that’s a shocking bit of news for a lot of you out there, but it is true. I take the Flag and the Flag code very seriously. My extreme adherence to the Flag code is another column for another time.
Here are statementsae from world leaders and others regarding the violence at the capitol.
President Bill Clinton tweeted the following:
“Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country. The assault was fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in our system, and pitting Americans against one another.”
He also followed with this tweet:
“The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost. The election was free, the count was fair, the result is final. We must complete the peaceful transfer of power our Constitution mandates.”
President Bush released the following statement:
“Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nation’s government in disbelief and dismay. It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic—not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol—and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress—was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrection could do grave damage to our Nation and reputation. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law. To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety. May God continue to bless the United States of America.”
President Obama released the following statement via Facebook:
“History will rightly remember today’s violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation. But we’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.
“For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth — that this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20. Their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we’re seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo.
“Right now, Republican leaders have a choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America.
“I’ve been heartened to see many members of the President’s party speak up forcefully today. Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia who’ve refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honorably. We need more leaders like these — right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-Elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics. It’s up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal.”
Others have also issued statements on the violence in Washington, D.C.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Disgraceful scenes in US Congress.
“The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”
“These are not ‘protestors’ – this a direct attack on democracy and legislators carrying out the will of the American people.”
Bill Powell, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of West Virginia said:
“The violence at the United States Capitol was reprehensible. It adds nothing of value to important public discourse. While peaceful protests are protected by our nation’s constitution, violence is not. I support the right to peacefully assemble. I also was sworn to uphold the rule of law. Those who violated the law in the nation’s capital today should and will face the justice system.”
Michigan Representative Dan Kildee tweeted:
“I am in the House Chambers. We have been instructed to lie down on the floor and put on our gas masks. Chamber security and Capitol Police have their guns drawn as protesters bang on the front door of the chamber. This is not a protest. This is an attack on America.”
Ohio Representative Jim Jordan tweeted:
“Stop the violence. Support Capitol Police.”
Texas Senator Raphael “Ted” Cruz tweeted:
“Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high. Anyone engaged in violence—especially against law enforcement—should be fully prosecuted. God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe.”
After order was restored Cruz continued his objections to the electoral college results.
Stayed tuned for more on this story as it develops and evolves, and ultimately shows us the character our elected officials, and America itself.
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