MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A year ago Thursday, our nation was reeling and in shock after what can only be described as a brazen coup attempt at the U.S. Capitol. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of angry supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the building, destroyed property, attacked police, and threatened the lives of elected officials - all in an effort to stop the certification of the Electoral College vote that gave Joe Biden the presidency.
Of course, the mob failed. But the fact that they would even try such an outrageous move speaks to the sad, divisive state of our national politics.
It’s great that federal prosecutors are bringing hundreds of people to justice for their role in the Jan. 6th attack. But every rational thinking person knows who is ultimately responsible – the former president himself – who repeatedly fueled the anger and resentment with blatant lies that he had been cheated out of reelection, and spineless Republicans in Congress, many of whom fled or cowered in fear of their lives, are now acting as if nothing happened. Plus, they have attempted to stonewall a legitimate congressional investigation into the attack.
But America is entitled to know the truth, and everyone involved must be held accountable. That includes Trump, because no one is above the law. And no amount of anger, threats or intimidation will prevent us from getting all the facts. The future of our democracy depends on it.