A press release from Erie County Executive, Mark Poloncarz reflects on the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building.
The release follows in its entirety:
One year ago today, our democracy was almost lost during the treasonous insurrection at the Capitol. If not for the bravery of the Capitol Police and other law enforcement officers, we could be living in a much different America today.
Nothing about that day should be forgotten, nor should recent attempts to whitewash the events be allowed to succeed. Every single person who had a role in the day’s attack on the Capitol must be held responsible. This was not a peaceful protest, this was an attempted coup d’état. All must be held responsible.
Unfortunately, our nation’s democracy is still at risk. Members of Congress, local elected officials and even school board members have been threatened for doing their job. We are no longer a democracy if threats against officials doing their sworn duty become commonplace.
Additionally, a significant portion of our population has fallen for the “Big Lie” that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Simply put, Joe Biden was elected president. Republican election officials in Arizona and Georgia have all confirmed Biden’s victory.
The only attempt to “steal” the election occurred last January 6, when thousands attacked the Capitol to stop our Constitution’s requirement to count the Electoral College votes and certify the presidential election.
The insurrection proved our democracy is not guaranteed. We cannot ignore what occurred. We all have a role to protect our democracy and ensure its future. As George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Let us never repeat that day.
Mark Poloncarz
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