Editor,
Along with millions of people across the globe, I watched the events at our nation’s capitol unfold with “shock and awe.”
As President-Elect Biden said, words — especially those spoken by the president have consequences.
To paraphrase the childhood schoolyard taunt, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can start a riot.”
This was a day, especially considering the unnecessary loss of life that occurred.
It was a dark stain on America’s image at home and in the world.
Often, the pendulum swings to the extreme before returning to the center.
Hopefully, it will be a wake-up call to the those who are not quite true Trumpism believers but who, with their silence and complacency, were and are enablers in this illegal and unAmerican conduct.
Those of you who know me know I am anything but a “Pollyanna” seeking to find the good and positive in everything.
Nor have I ever considered myself a flag-waving, “USA, USA,” patriot. After all the CYA speeches and resignations, perhaps our leaders, present and future, will recognize the dangers of putting personal ambition and self-preservation ahead of the interests of the commonweal.
I believe Jan. 6, 2021 to be as historically important as 9-11.
Hopefully, it will serve as a turning point, a beacon lighting the way to more rational, sane and functioning America.
Of course, it will take time.
Blame-calling, finger pointing, calls for punishment, increased divisiveness will undoubtedly come first, as will attempts at justification and diverting attention from those inciting the violence and insurrection.
In our shock and disbelief, we must not lose sight of what ultimately transpired that day.
The November election results were certified as accurate.
A peaceful transition of power in both the White House and the Senate — thanks, Georgia — will peacefully occur on Jan. 20.
Such a peaceful and voluntary relinquishment of power by a country’s leader was unheard of and unfathomable before 1801 when America first showed the world it was possible.
Just over a week ago, that lesson was underscored when members of Congress, refusing to succumb to the threat of violent insurrection, left their shelter-in-place locations, reconvened, did their sworn constitutional duty, albeit after some unnecessary political grandstanding.
American democracy worked on Wednesday.
Perhaps the system bent a bit, but it did not break.
Whatever didn’t kill us may actually make us stronger.
We can only hope.
May it be so.
Allan Ament
Freeland
