Crimes committed yesterday at the capitol should be prosecuted.
Let’s make that the rule from now on, not the exception.
I’m not suggesting long prison terms for trespassing, smashing windows, small-scale vandalism. But we have a right (and almost a duty) to insist that people respect the lives and property of others, no exceptions.
That’s Civilization 101.
Last summer, I think the cavalier attitude displayed by many public officials (Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler comes to mind) — and media outlets — toward looting and riots, as well as intimidation and violence directed at innocent individuals sent the wrong signal to . . . bad people on all sides.
Mostly peaceful protest isn’t good enough.
As the dust settles, we will learn more and discuss further. Note that as I put this and myself to bed last night, Congress was back at work but not yet finished certifying the Electoral College results.
Speaking of doing one’s job, in yesterday’s chaos, I witnessed one policemen apply some finesse to protecting the capitol — by de-escalating the tense situation. The mob he confronted refused to heed his instruction to leave the capitol. As the officer retreated up the stairs, they were on his heels. To delay their advance and stop them from overtaking him, he would turn upon reaching each floor’s threshold and threaten them with his baton.
But he didn’t hit them. If would have been disastrous for him to do so, because even with a baton he was badly outmanned: mob against one.
Soon, however, he was able to get to reinforcements, who together appeared to block the insurgents.
A few moments of wise restraint. Too rare these days.
Not to mention some fancy footwork.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
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