Reflecting on the Third Anniversary of Jan 6: Divergent Narratives and the Call for Voter Decisions

SAN ANGELO – As the nation marks the third anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, the divergent narratives surrounding the events of that day continue to shape public discourse. The media, Progressive Democrats, and liberals have employed strong language, condemning former President Trump and Republicans as insurrectionists seeking to undermine the democratic process and overthrow the government.

In fact, Friday, President Biden warned that Donald Trump’s efforts to retake the White House in 2024 pose a grave threat to the country, the day before the third anniversary of the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol by then-President Trump’s supporters aiming to keep him in power. "Three years ago tomorrow, we saw with our own eyes the violent mob storm the United States Capitol.  It was almost in disbelief as you first turned on the television. 

For the first time on our history, insurrectionists had come to stop the peaceful tranfer — transfer of power in America — first time — smashing windows, shattering doors, attacking the police. "

However, a different perspective emerges when considering the experiences of many Americans who participated in what was initially a peaceful rally in support of Trump. For them, the day devolved into chaos as a few individuals engaged in the violent breach of the Capitol building. The sole fatality during the incident was a protester who was shot by a Capitol Police officer.

Ashli Babbit was a pro-Trump supporter and Air Force veteran who entered the Capitol. A Capitol Police officer fatally shot her as she tried to climb through a broken window into the Speaker’s Lobby, an area that abuts the House floor, as members were evacuating.

Democrats have pointed to one phrase in particular as they argue that Trump incited those present to march down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the Capitol. 

"We fight like hell. And if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore," he said.

His defense lawyers, however, point to a different passage, in which Trump said, "I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard." They argue that his words were not a call for actual violence and lawlessness.

Critics argue that the prevailing narrative, fueled by the liberal media and Progressive Democrats, portrays Trump and Republicans as instigators of insurrection while positioning themselves as the victims. This narrative has, in turn, influenced political actions, with Democrats in states like Colorado and Michigan attempting to keep Trump off the ballot, a move perceived by some as limiting voters' ability to decide the next president.

The aftermath of the Capitol riot has seen a wave of investigations and prosecutions targeting hundreds of Trump supporters who were present that day. The legal fallout from these proceedings has been characterized by some as more detrimental to individuals than the events of January 6 themselves.

In the face of these challenges, some voices argue for a return to the principles of democracy, emphasizing the importance of letting voters decide the historical significance of January 6. They contend that real democracy should allow voters to choose their party's nominee without undue interference, letting the democratic process unfold naturally.

As the nation reflects on this divisive anniversary, the question of how history will remember January 6, 2021, remains contentious. The call for a more democratic approach, where voters play a central role in shaping the narrative, underscores the ongoing debates surrounding the Capitol riot and its aftermath.

Three years later, it seems there are still two Americas and two types of Americans.  The Democrats trying to hold on to power by keeping Trump off the Ballot and not even giving voters their God given right to decide, or if you wish the Goverment Security Guard with the Gun; and those like Ashli Babbit, Americans facing down the barrel of the deep state gun just wanting the chance to vote for the candidate of their choice protecting democracy through the ballot box.  

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