In the September 24 edition of The Grants Pass Tribune, an editorial drew comparisons between recent pro-Palestinian protests and the January 6 Capitol insurrection, sparking outrage over what many see as an attempt to minimize the severity of the events of that day. The article suggested that the media and certain political figures have exaggerated the Capitol riot, stating that it has been portrayed as one of the “darkest days in American history.”
However, it’s essential to remember the insurrection on January 6, 2021, for what it truly was—a real and dangerous attack on democracy. Donald Trump, after losing the presidential election, attempted to overturn the will of the people by inciting a violent riot at the U.S. Capitol. The insurrection was not just an event of chaos but a direct threat to the democratic process.
The Tribune’s comparison between this and pro-Palestinian protests is deeply flawed. The Capitol riot was an attack on our government, whereas the protests were demonstrations against government policies. This “apples-to-oranges” comparison fails to grasp the gravity of what took place on January 6. The images of the Capitol under siege, much like the tragic moments of 9/11 or the assassination of President Kennedy, are imprinted on the minds of all who witnessed them. Such pivotal and traumatic events should never be trivialized by false political comparisons.
The article further suggests that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Congress members who were forced to flee are somehow responsible for the chaos. Labeling the insurrection as “so-called” is dangerous, as it dismisses the clear threat posed by the events of that day and downplays the peaceful transfer of power—a cornerstone of our Constitution.
Moreover, the article omits critical details about Donald Trump’s role in inciting the violence. During the insurrection, White House staff pleaded with Trump to call off the rioters, but he refused for hours. Both House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell initially blamed Trump for the attack, yet The Grants Pass Tribune failed to mention these facts. It also overlooks the presence of groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who had been summoned to Washington, D.C., by Trump himself.
By questioning the seriousness of the insurrection and shifting blame to the media, the Tribune’s article dangerously endorses violence as a means to achieve political ends. This type of rhetoric threatens to erode public safety at all levels, leaving citizens vulnerable. Democracy is built on the participation of all people, not just those who resort to violence to have their voices heard.
– Libby S. Watts
