I am deeply saddened by the insurrection in our nation’s Capitol that occurred Jan. 6.
I am angered by the violent mob of protesters, who, at the incitement of former President Trump, used a variety of weapons to break down barriers, smash windows, ransack offices and assault police officers. Officers were assigned to secure the Capitol grounds and protect the lives of the 535 members of Congress, whose responsibility on that day was to certify the Electoral College votes of the 50 states, and declare the winner of the 2020 presidential election.
This process occurs every four years to ensure the peaceful transfer of power, a fundamental principle of our democracy. Tragically, five people died and at least 140 people were injured as a result of this riot.
In addition to the loss of lives and destruction of property which occurred on that day, what I find most troubling was the inability of the members of the United States Senate, after viewing videos and listening to the irrefutable evidence presented by the impeachment managers of the U.S. House of Representatives, to have the political courage to convict former President Trump of this impeachable offense.
Given his disregard for the rule of law and his oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, Donald J. Trump should not be permitted to hold political office again.
Ron Jacques, Lewiston
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