The origins of our democratic ideals lie in the revolt of the early settlers and colonists who opposed the oppressive rule of monarchs. Rejecting the idea of vesting power in an individual ruler, they chose to elevate the power of the people as the governing authority.

Having established in the U.S. Constitution our tripartite system of democratic governance, this country has continued to pursue this democratic ideal for more than 200 years. Yet, on January 6, 2021, we experienced an assault upon that democratic ideal led by a small band of reckless thugs. Carrying flags in the name of their “king,” they smashed windows, broke into hallowed chambers of our government and desecrated everything they touched. Like the windows that were broken or the furniture that was damaged, our democratic ideal was injured. But the democratic ideal remains fully intact.