Letter to the Editor 1/14
Editor:
Not funny but laughable from many Trumpers here on FB and elsewhere are the claims that: 1.) The “demonstrators” were peaceful and not violent, 2.) The violence was really planned and executed by Antifa who dressed up like the Trump people and infiltrated the group. 3.) Trump didn’t “incite” or tell the group to perpetrate violence since he simply told them to “walk to the Capitol.
Anyone with access to a computer, a handheld device, the internet, social media, a TV, radio, etc. whose eyes and ears are still functioning normally would have seen and heard the same events and actions that I and millions of other Americans experienced. Some of those include:
1.) Hundreds, if not thousands, of people broke through barriers around the Capitol, pushed through and assaulted the Capitol Police, and rushed into the Capitol building.
2) One of more of the rioters beat and killed a Capitol Policeman with a heavy fire extinguisher.
3.) The rioters smashed windows in the building and in doors to the Capitol.
4.) The rioters yelled “We want Nancy” and “Hang Pence.”
5.) They set up a gallows on the Capitol grounds.
6.) They smeared feces and urinated around the interior of the Capitol.
7.) They entered many Congressmen and Congresswomen’s offices, trashed them damaged property and stole laptop computers, among other items.
8)The heavy wooden doors to Senator Merkley’s office have been there for over 100 years or more. The very hinges of those doors were smashed and the doors were torn off. They also took his laptop.
9.) They broke into Nancy Pelosi’s office, trashed it, sat in her chair with feet up on her desk and took envelopes and her laptop.
10.) They stole various art objects out of the building.
11.) They stood outside the Senate Chamber, ramming the doors and smashing the windows. Security could only pile up furniture against the door and await their fate. Members of Congress were on the floor, calling loved ones to tell them “I love you”, etc.
In keeping with the last 5 years, presenting any of these violent actions to a Trumper is only met with deflection, denial, and more lies, just like their “Dear Leader.” NOW, the FBI is watching Trumpers planning and organizing online NEW plans to march again on the US Capitol AND the state Capitols of all 50 states between Jan 117 & 20 ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration. Don’t imagine that January 6 was the end. This violence, criminal lawlessness, and insurrection that Trump incited is not over yet.
Today, (Jan. 8, 2021) Twitter permanently suspended Trump’s account, depriving him of his major bullhorn to his base and their worship which he needs like oxygen. Reports from the few White House staffers left say he is bunkered inside, seeing very few people, ranting, delusional, and spouting nonsense.
Finally, after this deadly attack on our Capitol, peaceful proceedings of Congress, and our Democracy, voices are arising from Democrats, Republicans, and the nation demanding that he be immediately removed from office lest, in his increasingly delusional and unhinged state, he perpetrate further damage. Three options have been presented: A.) He resigns. B.) Amendment 25 is invoked. C.) Impeachment again. As of this writing, whatever solution to be activated remains to be seen.
William E. Conti, PhD
Honolulu, HI
