If you’re still reading this, I’m assuming you’re ready. Let’s talk about our trauma. You and me.
January 6, 2021.
The ripples from that day still threaten our democracy.
“Watch your back.” “I know where you sleep.” “Be afraid.”
Even worse? Donald Trump is threatening the January 6 committee members like Liz Cheney, Bennie Thompson and Adam Schiff.
Because I speak out about these challenges to our democracy, I get the same threatening messages. “We know where you live.”
The only difference between your January 6th trauma and mine is where we were when we experienced it.
I was at the Capitol immersed in a profane mix of sweat, screams, shrieks, anger, fear, blood, death, broken limbs, spit, hatred, horror, racism, bigotry, and heroism.
Capitol and Washington Police officers fought for our lives, the lives of fellow police officers, and the nation's elected leaders – it didn’t matter if they were a Republican, Democrat or an Independent. They were the men and women we sent to Washington to govern our nation.
It was my duty to protect them. And our democracy.
All the while, Donald Trump did nothing to help us. For hours after inciting the violence himself – we were beaten bloody. And some died.
Even though my experience looks different from yours, I am first an American citizen. A girl dad. A football lover. A voter. This is my country – our country.
That day was a stain on our nation. And we need to fight like hell to make sure we NEVER repeat a day like that. I’ll continue to use my voice to protect this country. I’ll stand up to the lies, hate, and bigotry. I will always stand my ground to make sure democracy exists.
|
