A confluence of irresponsibility
VThere are plenty of people and institutions to be held to account for the horrible, un-American, unpatriotic, deplorable acts that we witnessed in the Capitol. It starts with those who choose to believe conspiracy theories, rumors, unproven claims and anything that crosses their social media feeds instead of facts, empirical evidence and the witness of experts; individuals too lazy or uninterested to read or investigate that which does not support their preconceived ideologies.
It continues with institutions that provide information that is tremendously biased if not blatantly false, and that present that information as if it is gospel truth without offering an opposing view. Worse, they do this all in the pursuit of profit without concern for the toxic effects had upon consumers.
More to blame are those enablers, acolytes and sycophants who have chosen to “go along to get along” and to not speak out against the ravings of a President Trump who grew increasingly delusional and psychotic in the days after he lost the election. Those like Josh Hawley, Louie Gohmert and Ted Cruz knew and know perfectly well that Biden won in a fair and open election. Yet they chose to pursue this dangerous course of supporting the lie that the election was stolen from Trump. In doing so, they are, in part, culpable and responsible for the violence enacted by pro-Trump supporters. Frank J. Cifali
From the archives
Manhattan: I kept the Nov. 5 letter written by Voicer Lori Rudolph in which she writes that Trump supporters didn’t break any windows, didn’t riot, etc. I knew that his supporters would respond in this manner, that’s why I held onto her letter. Well, they stormed and broke into the Capitol. Government offices had to be evacuated. Who, Ms. Rudolph, are destructive and deplorable people? This despicable piece of garbage that you call our president is totally responsible for the destruction of our sacred institution. He should be arrested as soon as possible for allowing this insurrection along with his Republican lemmings who did nothing while this chaos was going on.
Gil Schwartz
It was disheartening to watch the protesters take over the Capitol. We have a strong Constitution; sometimes your guy wins, sometimes my guy wins. So be it. We are a nation of laws dictated by the Constitution. I notified a very well-educated family member to turn on the news. I explained what was occurring in D.C. His response was, “But Antifa protesters were given a free pass.” They didn’t take over the Capitol. I might add that two wrongs don’t make a right.
Susan Carlucci
Double standard?
So the Black Lives Matter movement can commit violence, target police officers, vandalize and loot businesses but Trump supporters cannot protest, being called seditious by old man Joe Biden?
David DiBello
Pony up
Bellerose Village: I wonder if all the Trump treasonists who stormed the U.S. Capitol are returning their $600 stimulus checks because it is socialism.
Peter O’Connor
Enough’s enough
I’ve been a Trump supporter through and through. History will show that he was a good president. It’s time to concede, Mr. President. Give it up or step down and give the ball to Mike Pence for a few days. I will vote for you if you run in 2024. Election fraud or not, Mr. President, it’s time to concede. You are a good man, you love this country, now do the right thing.
Mike Memphis