ABOUT THE INSURRECTIONISTS

No civilized country can accept or allowwhat we sawWednesday with the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol. Thiswas an attack on democracy itself. That is not just a phrase. Rule by the people relies on adherence to lawand process. The assault and siegewas an attempt to stop thework of democracy by halting the peaceful transfer of presidential power, our crowning glory for more than two centuries.

Thiswas a sin against history.

When something like this happens it tends to be repeated. It is our job to make sure it is not.

And sowe should come down like a hammer on all those responsible, moving with brute dispatch against members of the mob and their instigators.

On the rioters: Find them, drag them out of their basements and bring them to justice. Use all resources, whatever it takes, with focus and speed. We have pictures of half of them; they like to pose. They larked about taking selfies and smiling unashamed smiles as one strolled out with aHouse podium. Theywere so arrogant theywere quoted by name in news reports.

It is our good luck they are idiots. Capitalize on that luck.

Throwthe book at them. Make it a book of commentaries on the Constitution. Throwit hard.

They have shamed and embarrassed their country in the eyes of theworld, which is not only a painful fact but a dangerous one. Theworld, and the young— all of us— need to see them pay the price.