Who Was the Biggest Loser of The Mob Violence At the Capitol?
Why world leaders are speaking out
Countries around the globe have condemned the mob violence at the United States Capitol this week. Foreign heads of states have called on the U.S. to ensure a peaceful transfer of power after a mob of Trump-inspired, self-proclaimed “patriots” broke into the Capitol, over-powered the Capitol police and rioted ransacked the Capitol.
The scenes of the mob violence were captured by cell phones, video and newspaper reporters who were in the Capitol at the time. The images of the mob violence have been seen millions of times around the world.
The prime minister of United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, tweeted the following in response:
“Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”
The French foreign minister tweeted the following:
“The violence against American institutions are a serious attack on democracy. I condemn it.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India tweeted:
“Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.”
A dark day in American history
Although President-elect Biden was ultimately certified as the next President of the United States, it wasn’t before violent protests, riots, and deaths at the U.S. Capitol.
As investigations and prosecutions begin of this violence, the real question is who will be most affected by this dark day in American history? Which people or entities will have most to lose from the events that transpired at the Capitol?
The American legislature lost when a group of pro-Trump supporters occupied the chambers of American democracy. Our Congressional representatives and Senators took cover as protestors marched in and took over the bastion of self-representative government and democracy. Legislators hid under desks, in locked offices, and in secret hiding places at the Capitol building as Trump supporters terrorized the structure.
The law enforcement community lost as their reputation became tarnished and they were seen as ill-prepared for this lapse in security. The head of the Capitol Police has already resigned from his job. There will months and years of investigations, committee hearings, and questions to be answered by the law enforcement community.
The American people lost as their elected representatives became hostages to domestic terrorists, violent protestors, and looters. Their elected-style of representative government became violent, unstable and uncertain for hours while protestors held their leaders hostage.
Truth lost as lies and fake news has consumed the airwaves since the election. The President has continued to call the election into doubt, creating uncertainty about the validity of the election. He raised unfounded claims, repeated lies and stoked conspiracy theories to incite his supporters into violent action.
The biggest loser of the attack on the Capitol
While there were many people and entities that lost because of the violent mob protest at the Capitol, the ultimate loser from the January 7th riots in America was democracy itself.
The violent protests undermined American elections, the self-government of elected representatives, and a peaceful transfer of power. It called into question the election to elect a President, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the President-elect, and disrupted the official certification of that President to the office of the Presidency.
Not only did democracy lose in America but has been observed by people all over the world. Other democratic countries and aspiring democracies saw the assault of democracy in the United States. They too observed how America has cast suspicion on its election system, cast doubt on the elected head of state and disrupted the peaceful transfor of power with violent protests.
When dictators and power-hungry leaders around the world try to grab power like they have in recent history, America will have very little standing to speak up for democratic ideals. Over the course of one unfounded election challenge and one violent mob protest, America has lost the moral authority to be the spokesperson for democracy and rule of law.
While many people lost on the night of the election certification, ultimately it’s the principles of democracy and self-governance that was the biggest loser. We will continue to see the effects of this fateful day in America and around the world for years to come.
Who do you think lost the most on this dark day of violent protests? Share your thoughts in the comments below.