Violence at the Capitol ‘sickening and sad’
Re: Trump mob storms Capitol, Jan 7; and A chilling failure for the Capitol police, Marni Soupcoff, Jan. 8
How sickening and sad the awful, violent, and deadly breach of American democracy on Jan. 6.
The United States of America was established and prides itself on its Constitution, 1776 onward. Its first three words are “We the People.” Fundamentally, the United States government exists to serve its citizens.
Not since our Toronto- based British troops stormed the White House on Aug. 24, 1814, has this hallowed House been breached, and damaged.
These were domestic terrorists, violent extremists, whose purpose was to destroy the roots of this historic institution, in their sacred House.
I sincerely hope that the United States of America will turn the page, and put behind it this sad chapter in American history. I truly hope that Americans will rededicate themselves to respect authority, respect democracy, and resolve their differences in a peaceful manner. As former president Ronald Reagan stated, years ago, “Peace is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.”
Richard Macfarlane, Toronto
Well let’s see. In 2020 certain elected officials aided and abetted by certain “unbiased” media allowed certain “peaceful” protest groups to run wild through certain American cities, merrily looting and burning along the way. “Nothing to see here, just people expressing their feelings” certain people said.
In 2021, certainly the chickens have come home to roost. Stephen Burns, Toronto Civil war, attacks on democracy, and breaching national offices are often associated with countries of the “developing world.” However, what we saw in Washington on Wednesday was the population of the “greatest country in modern day history” acting lawlessly.
As a young Canadian citizen, I never imagined that my neighbours across the border would act in a manner that directly contradicts the fundamentals of democracy, in the name of democracy. The growing civil unrest and the growing division among the American population fuelled by political ideology, is directly interfering with the progression and fundamental democratic system the nation was built on.
I’d like to reiterate the words of the wise Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who delivered a speech on same Capitol Hill that was infiltrated. He stated that true happiness can be achieved only when individuals recognize the rights of others and actively strive to fulfil them. Unfortunately, the event that unfolded on Capitol Hill was the exact opposite, and a stain on the history of the United States. Kunwar Karim, Alliston, Ont.
Marni Soupcoff suggests impeaching Donald Trump, again. How about something more gentle: Mr. Trump resigns and President Pence pardons him. It is very unlikely that Americans would ever re- elect a president who had accepted a pardon.
Also, we know from president Gerald Ford’s experience that presidents who pardon presidents find it very difficult to win their own term in the White House.
Patrick Cowan, Toronto