This republic has survived over 250 years.
It survived invasion and the burning of Washington, D.C., by the British in the War of 1812; a civil war in which 620,000 died; two world wars; the Great Depression; the assassination of presidents.
It has even survived the shooting and wounding of five members of the House of Representatives on the house floor on March 1, 1954.
It survived the shooting of a house member by a Bernie Sanders supporter in 2017.
It will survive what happened on Jan. 6, 2021.
That is, this republic will survive and thrive if everyone takes a collective breath.
That includes those in the so-called leadership positions in this country.
For once, all need to realize what is best for the republic may not be aligned with their closely held beliefs, nor what is best for their continuation in positions of power and/or influence.
There are deep divisions in our republic at this time.
The basis of all decisions in this time needs to be what is the best decision for the republic, not what is the best decision to advance a particular party’s position or power.
More speech, not less — even if you do not like what is said.
Your right to state your position on an issue is protected.
Your right not to ever be offended is not protected.
Robert Jewell
Sequim