Words matter, Mr. President

This is proof that words matter. What we saw at the U.S. Capitol should not be a surprise. Although it apparently was a surprise to Capitol police, who seemed powerless to stop the surge of rioters who breached the building, leading to death and destruction. What happened follows remarks by the President and others egging them on. Weeks ago, he promised a “wild” event in Washington on January 6^th. He urged his supporters to show up, and the Proud Boys and QAnon were happy to oblige. President Trump held a rally just blocks from the Capitol building, and called on his supporters to march to the Capitol. Is it any surprise that they did? He told them the election was stolen. Rudy Guliani encouraged what he called “trial by combat.” This is what happens when you sow the seeds of division in our democracy. When we don’t respect the outcome of the election, or the democratic process.  President Trump lit the match, inciting the domestic terrorism. Even after, Trump continued to coddle those responsible, calling them “special people” and telling them he loves them. A President’s words can inspire good people to do great things. Or as we have seen, lead bad people to do terrible things.