Opinion: MAGA violence spawned by Trump cannot be ignored

The following is a letter to editor contributed by Phil Sanchez of Mason City:

To the Editor,

MAGA malevolency, and mayhem was on full display for the nation, and the world to witness on January 6th. Republican terrorists with the approval, and blessing of Trump stormed the Capitol with complete disregard for life, or property. If law enforcement became an obstacle they were dealt with severely, after all, law and order was only meant for Black protestors. One officer died after being hit with a fire extinguisher from an angry insurrectionist. Another was pinned, and crushed in a doorway by rioters. As the officer screamed in agony, the Republican terrorists were apathetic, and unforgiving. They continued the pressure on the door until they were exhausted. Eventually asking for “fresh patriots” to help continue the torture on the officer. The domestic terrorists were so rabid, and blinded by rage that they even trampled to death one of their own. One Republican insurrectionist tragically died after being shot by an officer who carried out his oath to protect the hallowed Capitol, and any member of Congress from harm. Another officer who became separated from his comrades, found himself isolated among the rioters. The mob descended on him with a vengeance beating him, grabbing his badge, and ammunition clips. As he struggled to protect his weapon, he pleaded for his life screaming, “I have children at home” Eventually other officers were finally able to rescue him. There is certainly plenty of blame to go around for this disgraceful, and deadly assault. The president’s rhetoric was deranged, encouraging the terrorists to march on the Capitol, and “fight like hell” Some took flight even before he was done ranting, anxious to invade Congress. Senators Ted Cruz, and Josh Hawley who continued the spurious narrative on the Senate floor that the election was stolen are an egregious, and culpable pair. More than 60 election lawsuits brought have been rightfully dismissed, the Supreme Court has twice rebuffed the false accusations, and Attorney General William Barr has also stated that no massive fraud occurred. Yet, Republicans still embraced the dystopian myth that massive voter fraud existed. The stolen election conspiracy was even supported by local party Republicans. An Iowa Republican county chair has fatuously, and preposterously stated that because Trump’s campaign rallies were attended by thousands, and that Biden’s were much smaller, this equated to evidence of a stolen election. Any Republican who has perpetuated, and disseminated, the mendacious claim that the “election was stolen” is partly culpable for the violence, and brutality that took place at the Capitol. An unhinged Trump has espoused election prevarication, and duplicity that has continued for months. The Republican lie has enraged the radicalized racists, Trump sycophants, and conspiracy ideologues who embraced it without question. This was profoundly evident by the ferocity, and the viciousness of the Republican thugs that ruthlessly attacked law enforcement, and Congress.

“Death is the only remedy” that’s what one of Trump’s lawless insurrectionists vociferously proclaimed to the news cameras, the nation, and the world.

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Phillip R. Sanchez is a writer, advocate for undocumented immigrants and labor leader.

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