Today a mob of insurrectionists decimated the capitol during the the formal count of the electoral college votes. Citizens of the United States of America, mostly caucasian, left a rally hosted by Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and Don Trump Jr. where violence and demonstrations of physical "strength" were demanded to prove loyalty to Trump Sr. This group of rioters moved on the capitol, first breaking the barricade of bike rails, then using them against the police protecting the capitol to overwhelm both the Eastern and Western entrances. Members from alt-right/white nationalist groups and other vile like-minded institutions such as "The Proud Boys" took pride in causing fear and devastation as we and the world watched on.
From stealing government property, to smashing in windows of the sacred house of democracy, to ramming open the bronze Eastern door of capitol...the building took so many beatings. More than this, we saw the flying of Confederate colors, graffiti on the papers and ornamentation of senate desks, and the utter desecration of the hallowed halls we rely on for our voices as a people to be heard.
At least one woman who was shot is now dead, at least one officer is in critical care. And all of us...all of our hearts are broken.
But.
Our spirits are not.
Tonight, when congress re-convened at 8 PM I heard and saw not the room of liberals and conservatives I had prepared myself for yesterday. No. I was a witness to the coming together of good, decent people who shared the basic common belief that we are better when we are together. Speaking to one another like they might to friends over the dinner table. Talking about the fact we have more in common than we will ever have in differences. BUT. Those differences deserve to celebrated and discussed rather than dismissed or distrusted. Speaking to the fact that violence does not win. Ever.
It should not take a violent insurrection to bring out all of our better angels. Nor should it take an attack from domestic, mostly white, citizens on our senators and representatives to finally make a political flip on Trump with only two weeks before he departs 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Today included a heinous series of events from terrorists climbing the stairs and slithering through broken windows, to scaling the roof and taking selfies with literal blood on their hands.
Yet, I am encouraged by the necessary double victory in Georgia, the coming together of congress on issues of such importance, and the upcoming welcome of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris that out of this great darkness there are so many bright beacons beckoning us all forward to a brighter, more tolerant, more patient, and above all, more loving way of life. I am bolstered by the words of all the senators and representatives tonight. I hope you all get some good rest and get prepared for what tomorrow brings. If nothing else, at least one (R) senator talked about the strength of America as it was demonstrated in "kicking Hitler's ass and getting back to work." So let's do it.
Prepare, don't panic,
-Allison
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