Letters

The insurrection that took place on January 6, as domestic terrorists stormed Capitol Hill, left me speechless and horrified. It also left me furious.

First of all, this attempted coup should not have been a surprise to anyone. Trump has been stoking fears, division, lies and conspiracy theories for years. Trump stood with this mob and egged them on. He told them he loved them.

He continues to peddle his lie that the election was stolen from him — with no negative consequences. He promises more such mayhem, both before and after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Is it any wonder that we see a civil war erupting?

Second, I watched this riot play out on TV as time seemed to stand still. Where were the scores of security forces from the National Guard, the FBI, Homeland Security, and local police to disperse and arrest this mob immediately? Why did it take so long for help to arrive? Our leaders were under siege!

And why was it so easy for these terrorists to breach the building? I watched certain guards open the gates to let this mob in and even take photos with some of them. And why were these rioters left to stroll the grounds after the siege, like they were happy-go-lucky tourists?

These thugs, some armed, were not protesters, protected under the First Amendment. These were criminals ransacking the hallowed halls of our Capitol, the People’s House, and attempting to stop our leaders from carrying out their legitimate business through fear and intimidation.

And when you compare the “white glove” response of authorities to this mob of mostly white thugs and Trump supporters with their response to peaceful protesters at Black Lives Matter rallies, the contrast could not be starker. There is only one conclusion to draw: Racism is very much alive and well, stoked by our sitting president.

Senator Mitt Romney, one of the few principled Republicans I have observed during the Trump era, put it succinctly and forcefully when he said that this seditious lawlessness could have been avoided simply by telling constituents the truth. Every senator and congressperson must stand up and acknowledge that Trump lost the election. Biden was duly elected in a free and fair election. The election was not stolen. Democracy means respecting the outcome, even if it is not the one you hoped for.

These election fraud lies must stop now before more blood is shed. It is way past time for Trump’s GOP enablers, including our own U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin, to stop this madness by telling the truth. If they don’t, they should not be permitted to hold their seats.

Andrea Klausner, Esq.

Second Vice Chair

Southampton Democratic Committee