Supporters share Trump's responsibility for Capitol attack

Everyone who voted for Trump shares in the responsibility for the violent attack on our Capitol, government and country. From the time he announced for the presidency his name calling, lies, egotism and lack of respect for those who disagree with him set a standard that became acceptable to those of his party. In the four years this behavior has been exacerbated by his abuse of social media, politicizing health issues, and misuse of his power, and no one in his party called him out. Why have these actions resonated with so many people? The inability to recognize how history has determined beliefs and social norms in present day society has consequential results. Our country has not been able to completely confront and rid the attitudes of slavery from the early days of our country. To many the lack of acknowledgment of equality of all people results in fear of losing political, economic and social power. They cannot grasp that when all do well our country does well economically and socially. When Trump, a person with famed showmanship, gained a political platform, he used that to further his racist ideas and give credence to those who have white nationalist and ant-government beliefs, people who have performed subversive activities in the shadows of society through the years of our history. This credence is evident in our own community with the increased activity in the formation of militias, the John Birch Society, the Redoubt movement, and the Oath Keepers, groups that want to radically change our community, our state, and our country to conform to their white nationalist beliefs.

Our country has functioned well with a predominant two party political system and been a beacon for democratic republic government throughout the world. A system where disagreements were debated with respect, laws were enacted, and a judicial system determined the legitimacy of the laws. Our country has depended on the conservatives to keep us informed on national debt, budgeting, and the importance of companies and corporations. The liberals speak and act bringing forth social concerns on the behalf of the working people, the disenfranchised and those without a voice. These voices have made our democratic republic a success. Those who want to overthrow and disrupt through violence are not patriots but choose not to participate lawfully and with integrity in our government. The attack on our Capitol should be the end of this behavior, but the President has enjoyed so much the power he has over those who want to believe his lies and misguided theories that he will continue to invoke illegal acts. For those who understand this, it is essential that the perpetrators who engage in illegal and subversive activities be held accountable. Blind allegiance to a party or a president is divisive while being well informed with facts and lawfully engaging in government makes a healthy and civil representative democracy.

ELSIE HOLLENBECK

Bonners Ferry