Who is America?

After the attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters, a shock wave descended on the nation, a nation that used to view such acts on their televisions from remote, developing nations. No more. The images of confederate flag waving white Americans breaking into the Capitol will be indelibly printed both in our memories, and forever on social media. But now we ask the most important question; what does it mean and what’s next?

Republicans who decry the actions of this mob, insurrectionists, terrorists, must accept their share of responsibility for the climate Trump created. There can be no surprise. Trump, from day one, has called on his members to commit acts of violence when challenged. He’s lied repeatedly about the 2016 election right up to the 2020 contest. And all of these lies were to his base, the disenfranchised American who has a right to protest, to question the actions of their legislators. But Trump couldn’t leave it there, he encouraged the worst part of people. Because it was never about them. It was about him. It always has been.

America is an experiment that has had varying degrees of success, and also egregious failures in our past that we have never fully examined.

The appropriate response to this attack is muddied; we all feel anger and sadness. But remember this; 99.99999% of you did not storm the Capitol. You are America, and as long as YOU are honorable, that part of America is strong and righteous.