"LET'S STOP IGNORING J6"

As promised, the first Executive Order was to pardon the J6 "Insurrectionists", I mean "Defendants". That not how it is seen through the eyes of those who protected the Capitol that day!

As Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency once again, the shadow of his first term—and the violent culmination of it in the January 6th insurrection—looms large. The implications of his return to power are staggering, particularly when viewed through the lens of those who risked their lives defending the Capitol.

One of the most alarming promises Trump has made is his intention to pardon all those convicted or charged for their roles in the January 6th attack. This vow strikes at the heart of the rule of law, sending a chilling message that violent attempts to subvert democracy will not only be excused but celebrated. It undermines the sacrifices made by law enforcement and signals to potential bad actors that such actions may carry no real consequences in the future.

By positioning insurrectionists as patriots, Trump effectively rewrites history, erasing the gravity of the attack and reducing it to a political talking point. This distortion of reality is not just dangerous—it’s destabilizing. It threatens to embolden a new wave of anti-democratic violence, as those who stormed the Capitol feel vindicated, and others see the lack of accountability as tacit approval for similar actions.

Trump’s reelection also signals a deepening of America’s political and social divides. The narrative he has perpetuated—one of grievance, victimhood, and mistrust of democratic institutions—has already fractured the nation. The events of January 6th, fueled by these divisions, underscore how this rhetoric manifests in real-world violence.

With Trump back in power, the potential for these divisions to grow is immense. His leadership thrives on inflaming cultural and political tensions, often at the expense of unity and progress. For those tasked with protecting the symbols of democracy, this creates an ever-present threat: not just of physical violence, but of the erosion of trust in the very institutions they serve to protect.

Perhaps the greatest danger of a second Trump presidency is the further erosion of democratic norms. Trump’s disdain for the checks and balances that underpin American democracy was evident during his first term. From undermining the judiciary to using federal agencies for personal gain, his actions displayed a willingness to place himself above the law.

With a renewed mandate, there’s little reason to believe he would act differently—if anything, the opposite is true. Trump’s ability to claim reelection, despite his role in inciting an insurrection, signals a concerning shift in how the public and political leaders view accountability. His return could embolden others in positions of power to disregard constitutional constraints, setting a precedent that undermines the long-term stability of democratic governance.

For public servants, law enforcement, and military personnel, Trump’s reelection represents a profound moral injury. How does one continue to serve a government led by someone who so openly disrespected their sacrifice? The emotional toll on these individuals cannot be overstated.

The psychological scars borne by those who defended the Capitol on January 6th remain raw. Trump’s reelection threatens to reopen those wounds, forcing these individuals to confront the reality that their efforts to protect democracy are now being undone by the very leader they sought to defend against.

Trump’s return is not just a political event—it’s a crossroads for America. It forces the nation to reckon with its identity and values. Will Americans choose to uphold the principles of democracy, or will they allow division and authoritarian tendencies to take root?

The lessons of January 6th must not be ignored. The attack on the Capitol was not an isolated incident but a symptom of deeper societal fractures. Trump’s second term could exacerbate these fractures, turning them into irreparable breaks.

As citizens, leaders, and defenders of democracy, the responsibility now lies in vigilance. This is not just about opposing a presidency—it’s about safeguarding the foundational principles of the nation. The experiences of those who have already sacrificed so much serve as a stark reminder of what’s at stake. The question is whether America will heed that warning or allow history to repeat itself.

In this pivotal moment, the voices of those who defended democracy illuminate the dangers ahead and challenge us to stand for justice and accountability, even in the face of adversity. The battle for the soul of the nation continues, and the outcome is far from certain.

Today, we’re joined by

Harry Dunn

Dunn, a U.S. Capitol Police officer and one of the most prominent voices to emerge from the January 6th attack. Dunn, a 15-year veteran of the force, has spoken openly about the harrowing experience of defending the Capitol, enduring verbal and physical assaults from the mob, and grappling with the emotional aftermath. His courage and advocacy have made him a symbol of resilience and a staunch defender of democracy.

And now for today's Mea Culpa:

Donald Trump’s ability to manipulate narratives and whitewash historical events is one of his most formidable and dangerous tools. Through calculated rhetoric and relentless repetition, he rewrites reality, molding public perception to suit his agenda. As we head into his second term, this tactic poses a profound threat to truth, accountability, and the fabric of democracy itself.

The January 6th insurrection serves as a stark example. Rather than acknowledging it as an assault on democracy, Trump and his allies have recast the attackers as patriots and martyrs, erasing the violence and lawlessness that defined that day. By vowing to pardon all charged or convicted insurrectionists, Trump amplifies this distortion, signaling that rebellion against the democratic process is not only acceptable but heroic. This historical revisionism undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for future generations.

The broader implications are chilling. A leader who can rewrite history can also redefine the nation’s identity and values. Trump’s rhetoric erodes trust in institutions, fostering division and resentment. The more his base accepts his narrative, the more emboldened he becomes to dismiss accountability, disregard facts, and consolidate power.

And yet, I remain hopeful—though sadly not optimistic. My hope lies in the possibility that Trump’s vitriolic rhetoric is just that: words designed to galvanize support and stir controversy, without the intent or ability to enact the darkest elements of his agenda. There is a part of me that wants to believe that America, even under Trump’s leadership, will find its way back to unity, that we will rediscover the values of compassion, compromise, and community that define us at our best.

I hope that the nation will thrive despite the polarization, that Trump will surprise even his harshest critics by steering the country toward progress rather than division. But this hope is tempered by the reality of what we’ve already seen. The patterns of the past suggest a different trajectory—one where the country’s fractures deepen, and the truth becomes an even more elusive casualty.

As Trump prepares to take the helm again, we are at a crossroads. While it’s essential to hold onto hope, we must remain vigilant. The path forward will require resilience, unity, and an unwavering commitment to truth. Only then can we ensure that America’s story, no matter how tumultuous, remains one of perseverance and progress.

And as always, thanks for listening.