Dear Members and Friends,
Below is the SDARJ’s response to the Insurrection led by those white Americans who put their priviledge and entitlement before their love and commitment to Country.
January 6, 2021
What a devastating day for America. Instead of watching what would normally be the ceremonial congressional certification of the presidential election, the majority’s vote, we watched instead thousands of overwhelmingly white men and women storm the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from doing just that. This day struck a frightening and devastating blow to the rule of law and to the dream of our democracy, and was indeed the pinnacle (let’s hope not just the beginning) of the horrible division of our country. And it raised again the specter of our unequal justice system.
Yes, eventually the National Guard was called out. Yes, the Capitol was cleared of the mob. Yes, a curfew was established, though not obeyed. But not until the rioters had broken into congressional chambers, until one of them sat at Nancy Pelosi’s desk, his feet up, a threatening note written, not until the confederate flag was brandished inside the building and those acting from their white privilege, born of white supremacy, were shouting “freedom” as they wreaked havoc on the building and terrorized those working inside. Yet, how quickly the National Guard was called to the peaceful protest at Lafayette Square, comprised of both Black and white people. As President Trump walked with his upside down bible to St. John’s, these people were being tear gassed, having done nothing but stand together and ask for justice.
Continue reading the response here.
