Blue Lives Matter

I continue to be unsettled.  

No.  

I am angry.  

I listened to the first hearing of the special House committee investigating the attack on the Capitol by a mob of rioting Trump supporters on January 6. 

The testimony of the law enforcement officers was chilling. 

It shook me to my core.

Sure, I know that my Trump-supporting friends will remind me that Nancy Pelosi was responsible for the mob.  That it was black lives matter protesters. It was antifa.  The FBI was behind it.  Or that the officers that testified yesterday were collectively lying.  Or that it didn't really happen at all - the protestors behaved like tourists and greeted the officers with hugs and kisses.  I know that I cannot change their hearts or minds and as a consequence if they want to believe the events of January 6 were something other than what I have observed with my own two eyes that is their own business.  This is not the purpose of the post.

I have no problem with anyone of any stripe who wishes to exercise their first amendment rights by means of marching, flag-waving, singing, shouting, carrying signs or blowing whistles or horns.  Peaceful protest is guaranteed under our constitution.

However the moment you break into a building, burn a business or touch someone else you cross the line and become a rioter.  That is criminal.

All I will say is that a savage breach of the capitol accompanied by violent assault is illegitimate because a legitimate election didn't go a certain way.  

It is wrong.  

Rational Republicans are insulted and embarrassed about what happened.  And we seek truth and accountability.

If you are up for it watch the opening remarks by U.S. Capitol police officer Harry Dunn.   

WARNING - not safe for work or children.....