By Rob Meyne
- Nov. 2, 2021
- 2-min read
You’ve heard January 6 was the biggest attack on our democracy since the Civil War. This statement is so ridiculous, by itself, that you don’t need more examples. But you have also heard it was a deadly, armed action, with killings by domestic terrorists. You’ve heard it was an insurrection, seditious, a treasonous act. You’ve heard it was instigated, planned, and coordinated by Trump and his supporters.
The problem is none of that is supported by facts.
When Americans are being accused of committing treason, yet the FBI announces it has found no evidence of that, it should put an end to much of that talk. Check out the extensive discussion about whether January 6 involved treason or sedition, from the Guardian. (The Guardian: Treason or Sedition?)
It is inarguable that January 6 saw a riot. People should be held accountable for violence and any other criminal activities. If a protestor swung a flagpole at a police officer, or shot bear spray at them, they should be punished. No one in authority on either side denies that.
It is unproven, and hyperbolic in the extreme, to suggest it was a deadly insurrection. No one was killed that day by MAGA supporters. The only person shot was an unarmed female U. S. veteran who was killed in cold blood by a Capitol Hill police officer.
