For the past year, we have all been living the kind of history that will make it into the books our grandchildren will read. None of us has escaped the complications and uncertainties of the pandemic nor the extremes of our politics.
The threat of the virus has been proven to be all too real. The total number of deaths is edging toward 500,000; more than 215 of them are children.
Our nation’s politics led to the mob violence on the Capitol on Jan. 6. My heart was breaking as I watched the glass shattering that day. The break-in generated widespread fear and panic for all present that day, from the food and service workers to the highest officials of our government. Assaults on police officers, theft, vandalism, desecration of revered paintings and statues, injuries and death characterized that day.
Watching all this in real time I’m sure broke the hearts of Americans who had learned to love and understand the workings of our democratic republic from dedicated history teachers. Surely, the insurrectionists failed to do their homework on the co-equal branches of government and the peaceful transfer of power.
The actions of all involved in the words, motivations and events leading to the assault on the Capitol have left a stain on our democracy, diminished our global reputation and jeopardized the future of our republic and our children. The wreckage of that day will be with us for a long time. The perpetrators must face the consequences of their actions. All parents know that if Johnny takes the car keys without asking and does not face any negative consequences that the car will go missing again.
Our country does not deserve another insurrection, another day of broken glass, another day of hell on Earth.
Linda Andres
Dover
