To the Editor:

Thanks to Trump supporters an individual has been returned to an office that he once tried to take by force. “To the Proud Boys – stand back and standby” were not just words spoken during a presidential debate but a call to arms by a man desperate to cling to power and willing to do anything to keep it. Prior to the 2020 election the decision was made by Trump and his cohorts to declare victory regardless of who won. They lost but lied about it again and again and despite claiming they had the proof it has never materialized.

On Jan 6th, 2021, Trump riled up the mob and sent them to the Capitol with the words that we need to “fight like hell” and that they did. 174 police officers were injured that day with $3 million in damages that we taxpayers will be stuck with. People died because of Trump’s directive that day but thanks to his supporters he is unlikely to ever pay for what he did. While the riots were taking place Trump sat watching the destruction on TV hoping his supporters would be able to prevent the election results from being verified because his fragile ego couldn’t deal with being labeled a loser. Hours of violence took place before he finally told the mob to leave.

As promised, one of his first acts upon returning to office was to offer a blanket pardon to the 1500 or so insurrectionists, including the most violent, who had been convicted or charged. Being a convicted felon himself, he must feel he has more in common with these people then he ever would with the police officers who put their lives on the line defending the Capitol and its occupants that day.

Many of these felons are now seeking revenge against those who had the audacity to find them to be guilty of their crimes. They are now calling for the police, judges and juries to be prosecuted for doing their jobs. One thing we can be sure of is the next time Trump calls on these militias for support — they will not only be standing by and ready to fight, but they will not have to worry about facing any consequences for their actions because any violence performed in the name of Trump will be forgiven.

On January 20, 2017, Trump put his hand on a Bible and took the oath of office which turned out to be his first lie as president. He never intended to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, he was only interested in serving himself. This time he didn’t even bother to put his hand on the Bible.

Biden granted some questionable pardons before he left office but none of those individuals tried to overthrow the government and trample the constitution. Trump and his supporters will continue to try to whitewash the events of Jan 6th, wipe it from websites and lie about it just being a peaceful protest. Unfortunately for them we have the tapes.

Kathy Quinn

Newtown