American problem Many contributed

Jan. 6 might be systematic of larger problems. Over the past seven months, events in Portland, Seattle and beyond have created a new norm for expressing anger and a sense of lost hope.

The mob that assaulted our foundation is reflective of past events. The deeper and salient question is, what is dividing this country? President Donald Trump, somewhat; inequity, yes; but our identity stove pipes continue to separate us, creating distrust. When was the last time you heard this is an American problem?

What we see is, this group or that group is adversely impacted, or X group is responsible for a candidate winning an election.

The continued speculation and whatifs have to stop. We need to question the information and verify before reacting. Also, what would have happened if members of Congress were captured or the officers fired their weapons into the crowd? Speculate about that. Time will reveal, accurately, the events of Jan. 6.

Finally, I think the strength of this nation is the unique blending of all cultures, backgrounds, and ideas to form a more perfect union. Just my opinion.

Maurice Connor, Virginia Beach

To all Republican Party politicians who, suddenly, are concerned about integrity and accountability, who now wring their hands and claim it’s time to heal — and especially to those on the GOP side crying, “this isn’t who we are” — I’m calling baloney.

This is exactly who you are. Every time you looked the other way, had no comment or said, “I haven’t heard that,” as President Donald Trump led you further down the black hole of autocracy, you were personally chipping away at our democracy.

Let us never forget that you aided and abetted Trump’s persistent drumbeat of lies, hate and tinpot dictator rhetoric. Every one of you who propped up this self-absorbed and dangerous con man for the past four years is complicit in the effort to destroy our democracy and, unfortunately, we’re not out of the woods yet.

Deborah Wyld, Smithfield