Capitol Attack
Aloha Shanti Alliance participants,
Yesterday, Tuesday January 5th, was a historic day. In the state of Georgia, an African-American man was elected to the U.S. Senate for the first time in its state's history. A runoff election took place and the number of votes cast were much greater than anything anticipated in a runoff election. Individuals on the ground like Stacey Abrams, LaTosha Brown, Esther Lim, Nse Ufot, Tania Unzueta Carrasco, and many more (especially women of color) took it upon themselves to register voters and have the best versions of democracy take place. Yesterday was an example of the greatness of democracy and what this country can accomplish.
However, today was an attack on our republic and an insurrection on the values of the Constitution of the United States. Protest and disagreement are available to us because of our freedoms to challenge one another's ideas. The freedom of speech is one that is special and not one to take for granted. Physical attacks on the government and actions of insurrection do not fit into this category. Today was sad and disappointing as individuals filled with hateful desires to challenge the democracy stormed the Capitol. Many rushed in, some carrying Confederate flags, KKK flags, pipe bombs, and nooses while spouting language of white supremacy. Images of angry citizens beating down the doors, breaking windows, vandalizing the offices of lawmakers, and fervently disrespecting what is right is why we have to do the work that is core to the Shanti Alliance and so many other groups. This work has been going on for many decades, well before us, and we must commit to continuing it because your communities will depend on you.
The mob and domestic terrorists that attacked the Capitol did not and will not win. The Capitol was sieged over 200 years ago when the British invaded during the War of 1812. And they did not succeed in having the United States return to be governed by an authoritarian despot. In 2021, our goals to honor one another's identities and give voice to all, but not succumb to the fear, is what we must join hands to accomplish. There are deficits of leadership and your cohort must work to fill that gap. Successes and defeats will take place, but the spirit of your work must continue. Today was hideous and it will give rise to the beauty of the work you will accomplish. Your words will matter and your efforts will help us to work towards the solutions we need. Most of the attacks on our freedoms will not be as drastic as what we saw in Washington DC yet they will be just as harmful. These attacks are embedded in our systems and permissions therefore constantly plague those we care about or us. We will continue to organize to create the best communities we can. You all will steward your neighbors to care and love, which is what we need to do to heal. This is a fractured country and you all can be the cement that brings it together to be stronger and better for everyone. Be better than what you saw occurring in Washington DC because you are needed.
Take care and be safe.
Sophie and Chai