We were horrified by the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6. The images were shocking. Members of Congress sheltering in place, doors barricaded, and guns drawn by security personnel to keep the angry mob out.
One person was shot and killed inside the Capitol during the assault and several others were apparently injured. And one of our nation’s most cherished public buildings was violently desecrated by a privileged white mob seeking to overturn a free and fair presidential election.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott put it this way in a statement, “Make no mistake, the President of the United States is responsible for this event. . .. There is no doubt that the President’s delusion, fabrication, self-interest, and ego have led us – step by step – to this very low, and very dangerous, moment in American history.”
Gov. Scott added this call to action: “President Trump should resign or be removed from office by his Cabinet, or by the Congress.”
We appreciate Gov. Scott’s clear thinking and his willingness to hold the president responsible for his dangerous and irresponsible actions.
At this critical moment, we call on all elected leaders in the state, especially Gov. Scott’s Republican colleagues in the Vermont House and Senate, to endorse his specific call to action.
It’s too late to remain silent about the kind of domestic terrorism being stirred up by the president and his supporters. President Trump is now an unpredictable danger and a menace.
Let this be a moment of unity here in Vermont as we condemn the disgraceful behavior we witnessed yesterday and work for a better future.