Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the riot on Capitol Hill. Had the mob prevented the counting of electoral college votes, which sets the stage for the peaceful transfer of power, there's no telling what democracy would look like today.
Back in 1972, I served as a congressional staff assistant in the very building Capitol Hill police tried to defend on Jan. 6. Days after the riot, some GOP lawmakers began downplaying the event by saying, "It was a typical day on Capitol Hill." Trust me when I say, "No it wasn't. It was unprecedented."
People say one picture's worth a thousand words. Here are two photos from Capitol Hill. Yes, that's me in front with the dark hair and beard. I was one of 1,000 people peacefully protesting President Nixon's decision to mine Haiphong Harbor during the Vietnam War. The second photo was taken three years ago today. I'll leave it to you to decide how to talk about both pics.
Democracy is going to be on the ballot in 2024. No doubt Americans will be talking about it for decades to come. Have a great weekend.
-DF
The thing that really gets me is WE ALL WATCHED THE RIOT UNFOLD ON TV. Or if someone didn't happen to watch it the video is available - for their own eyes to see.
January 6 was far more than happy tourists visiting their Capital. I have been in the Capital many times -I always used the doors. I never went in through a window. Another thing, I never defecated in the Capital, there are plenty of bathrooms. I would go on and on. If anyone believes this was a friendly day at the Capital, I have a bridge to sell you.