As I watch a group of rioters scale hanging scaffolding on the side of the Capitol building from my perch on the kitchen counter, I am simultaneously shocked and not at all surprised. The metal cage shakes, as they remove an American flag from its holster on the side of the building, then toss it carelessly to the ground.
I was seventeen when my Contemporary Issues class began with a discussion about the controversy surrounding the act of burning the flag. It was September, 2016. The day before, we debated Kaepernick’s right to kneel during the National Anthem. The election was in full swing.
Back then, I kept my opinions between closed lips. It wasn’t until lunch that a classmate and I continued the discussion. Us quiet liberals were unphased by this so-called unAmerican act. “If people feel the American flag does not represent them - especially for those who don’t have equal rights in our country - they can burn the flag. It means nothing to them, so why not?” There was a sense of agreement that it wasn't our business what people did with their own flags (why buy one to burn it anyway?), especially considering Americans aren't supposed to wear it either, yet this is common.
During class, the conversation was heated. One super-conservative, all-for-Trump, talk-over-women, bring-up-Hillary’s-emails-daily student even went as far as to suggest that anyone who disrespects the flag should be sentenced to death. The teacher stopped the discussion and moved on shortly after this.
So, as I watch these Trump supporters on television throw an American flag to the ground in an attempt to replace the flags on Capitol Hill with “Trump 2020” flags, I am reminded of this.
Still, this disgusting takeover of Capitol Hill is all too expected. Reminiscent of Charlottesville, I am watching white supremacists march freely once again, as they breach this government building with ease, knowing full well how even the most peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters were treated only months ago (if you have your doubts about this, simply Google "Trump photo op").
How many people - journalists, protesters, onlookers - were hospitalized as a result of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs over the summer? Compare the numbers from even one Black Lives Matter protest in a major city to the government take-down by Trump followers that we witness today. That should paint a picture of what racism looks like in this country.
Allow me to leave you with these final thoughts:
Merriam Webster dictionary defines terrorism as, “the systemic use of terror especially as a means of coercion.”
Even though these people are white, they are terrorists. If that’s a hard pill for you to swallow, I suggest you chase it down with some research about modern day racism and racist institutions.
So, what happens to a President that calls for a terrorist attack on and the destruction of a government building, particularly when that building is full of elected officials?
I can tell you what should happen, but perhaps that is common sense. I fear, however, that nothing will happen because Trump has set the bar so low that it’s in Hell - and that’s exactly where he’s taking this nation today.
Where is the Vice President’s use of the 25th Amendment when you need it?
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