TAUP unequivocally joins our national union, the American Federation of Teachers, in condemning the insurrection attempted yesterday at the U. S. Capitol, an assault unseen since the War of 1812 and never attempted by American citizens.
Despite the baseless objections that helped fuel that violence, the democratic process prevailed and the presidential and vice presidential elections were certified officially early this morning.
As important as that was, it cannot be enough. The foundation for moving forward as a democracy must include consequences for those who have actively undermined our nation’s most fundamental institutions.
There is no democracy – or hope for respectful relationships among our communities – without justice. That starts with President Trump. He has proven himself to be contemptuous of the U.S. Constitution he swore to serve and thus, a threat to our Republic.
He must be removed immediately.
The Vice President must initiate the process outlined in the 25th Amendment and the Congress must initiate impeachment to ensure that he is barred from ever serving in office again.
Those who broke into the Capitol must be prosecuted as the law requires. The failures in security that allowed this to happen must be investigated with significant consequences for any individual whose work supported the breach.
And as so many have made clear, the difference in law enforcement’s treatment of the predominantly White mob stands in shameful contrast to the response of police to Black Lives Matter protests this summer and the discriminatory violence sustained by Black and Brown people throughout the history of this country. Significant change is long overdue.
A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th. The new House and Senate both have Democratic majorities, however thin. The latter was secured by the election of Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff; it might give us some comfort that Sen. Warnock was the pastor and Sen. Ossoff the intern of Rep. John Lewis, of blessed memory. It is a reminder that our job is to sustain the practice of “good trouble”, which includes holding the new administration and congress to account, pressuring them to pass and execute laws and processes that will protect and support those who need it most.
That includes laws that ensure strong labor rights, promote exceptional public education, and ensure justice in all its forms. That will be the strongest rebuke to the destructive violence seen yesterday and the poisonous ideologies that give it power.
This is our work.