Two years ago this Friday, Americans witnessed, in real time, one of the most troubling events in our nation's history. Compared to the thousands who tragically lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City and 9/11 combined, the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol might have "only" resulted in a handful of deaths; however, I think it's safe to say the significance of that fateful day is terrifying to say the least.
Had the hordes of protesters who rampaged through the halls of Congress been successful, their ultimate goal of preventing the peaceful transfer of power would have changed our entire political, social and economic landscape forever. To date, approximately 900 rioters have been arrested and scores sentenced to probation, home detention or prison. Others, like Donald Trump, Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Sidney Powell, Michael Flynn and Peter Navarro, have yet to be officially charged/indicted for their roles in what many call an attempted coup.
I was working as a congressional staff assistant in Washington when news of the Watergate break-in first was reported in 1972. Until he finally resigned from office in 1974, I thought Richard Nixon's effort to eviscerate the Constitution never would happen again in my lifetime, but I was wrong. It nearly happened on Jan. 6, 2021.
I don't know what to call it, but I do know this: Like those who helped launch Watergate, and then tried to cover-up their involvement in the scandal, people who helped organize and incite the insurrection at the Capitol two years ago must be held accountable for their crimes against the nation. If you ask me, it's the least that needs to happen if we have any hope of passing on our values to future generations.
-DF