Op/ed by Courtney Suber

Yesterday on January 6^th, 2021, an abhorrent attack happened that’s bound to put a stain and strain on our country’s overall unity. Thousands of self-proclaimed supporters of current President Donald Trump stormed Capitol Hill during the official counting of electoral votes by congress. These trespassers overwhelmed Capitol Hill security causing not only congress but the senate to have to be evacuated. At first glance, this event is tragic. To know that the divide among citizens is so large that such events can occur is not only isolating, but terrifying.

Why is it that those who claim to love our country the most, seem to be the ones who wish to destroy it? People who claim to champion law and order sieged a federal building. How come ‘Back the Blue’ crusaders attacked those they say they support? It’s thought by many that this group aren’t completely overzealous supporters of the sitting President, but anarchists simply using it as an excuse.

The same series of events occurred during BLM protests in the summer of 2020. Peaceful protests turned to violent scenes over ‘protestor’-police clashes, but the pending reality is that those from outside causes sought violence that reflected poorly onto BLM. Could that be the case here? Or have people– to put it simply—lost their minds?

After the attack, Congress members on both sides of the aisle spoke passionately about the events and the need to move past it as they proceeded to tally electoral votes. Both news agencies and Senators–again, both Republican and Democrat– described it with words including “coup” and “insurrection.” No matter the case or the reason, or whether anarchists or vigilantes, this event no doubt has exposed the divide inside of our country. People are entitled to their views, but violence is never the answer. How will this be fixed? Will President-Elect Biden be able to fix this? Will Congress? Will we? Biden and his administration have a lot to tackle, and after today, we still have a long way to go before our country is repaired and the party divide is lessened.

-Courtney Suber, Oracle editor-in-chief

From Sutori.com (a resource of the Anti-Defamation League): Discussing Political Violence and Extremism with Young People

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, while Congress was meeting in the U.S. Capitol to count electoral votes and certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, a group of right-wing extremists entered the Capitol. They gathered to challenge the results of the election, which has been upheld and deemed secure by election officials and the judicial system. Photos and videos of violence and white supremacist symbolism in the Capitol were shared on the news online and on television. Adults, young people and children watching the events unfold undoubtedly felt a mix of strong emotions, including shock and fear.

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Friends,

We know that the events yesterday at our nation’s Capitol were shocking and devastating to watch. We wanted to share these resources if you need help in initiating or continuing discussions on political violence and extremism with your students. Please know that more details and resources may be added as the situation evolves and more information emerges.

We are here to support you in any way.  Please let us know if you have any questions or need more information.

In partnership,

Erin Beacham
Deputy Regional Director
ADL Southeast