The first email to arrive, here at the Daily Post, concerning the events of January 6 in Washington DC, came from the Colorado Republican Committee, sent at 2:12pm, while the occupation of the US Capital Building by Trump supporters was still ongoing.
Colorado GOP Statement on Situation at the U.S. Capitol
Colorado GOP Chairman Ken Buck released the following statement today regarding the situation at the United States Capitol:
“What has happened at the U.S. Capitol today is disgusting and anti-American. The American people have the right to protest peacefully, but this is not peaceful and it’s not a protest. I condemn this in the strongest terms and urge everyone to stop this madness immediately.
“I want to thank the U.S. Capitol Police for their service and work in keeping members and staff safe.”
The next email came from the Western States Center, sent at 2:39pm.
Eric Ward, Executive Director of the Western States Center, Responds to Violent Insurrection of Nation’s Capitol Building
Today, hundreds of armed far-right militia members attacked the US Capitol Building, smashing windows, assaulting police, and sieging congressional offices. Eric Ward, the executive director of the Western States Center, issued this statement:
“The current scene at the Capitol is a fitting end to the Trump era. This president has relentlessly fueled conspiracy theories and repeatedly spurred his supporters — including white nationalists and militia members — to violence. There is no excuse for throngs of Americans attacking the national seat of democracy in an effort to block the peaceful transfer of power. Blame rests squarely with Trump and his many enablers.
“Responsible elected officials should publicly condemn the attack on the Capitol and urge all protesters to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. The violence has to stop, and our elected leaders must lead. We can see that Trump is seeding extremism and political violence for years to come. It will take a concerted effort, particularly by responsible Republican and conservative leaders, to safeguard democracy and stave off bloodshed.”
At 2:49pm, we received an email from the Colorado Democratic Party.
Colorado Democratic Party, Electors Condemn Trump Supporters Storming U.S. Capitol
The Colorado Democratic Party released the following statements condemning the unlawful activity seen in the U.S. Capitol today by Trump supporters:
Morgan Carroll, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party:
“The Colorado Democratic Party condemns the attempted coup and lawless behavior displayed at the US Capitol, carried out by domestic terrorists in the name of Donald Trump. This is the consequence of elected officials and political candidates entertaining harmful disinformation and unfounded conspiracy theories and spreading them to their followers.
“This is not a matter of political ideology. This is a matter of putting our country, and the laws on which it was founded, first. Elected leaders and officials from both parties must stand together against this unprecedented threat to our democracy.”
Polly Baca, Presidential Elector:
“President-elect Biden has demonstrated the leadership needed to confront this assault on our democracy. Under his leadership we will survive and thrive!”
Bryan Hartmann, Presidential Elector:
“While the Electoral College isn’t without its flaws, I proudly cast an Electoral Vote in adherence to the law and by the will of the people. We can disagree with laws while abiding by them — that is the American tradition. This attempt to subvert our democracy and disregard the will of the people is abhorrent. It’s a direct assault on the US Constitution and the democratic institutions that define us as a civilized people.
“This coup attempt is a disgusting and unforgivable extremist move incited by Donald Trump — We know the disruption will ultimately fail in its purpose, but there will be consequences. Above all else, the will of the people is stronger than anything; their voices will be heard and respected. I’m more proud than ever to have cast the peoples votes for Biden and Harris! We can be confident that much better days are ahead.”
Alan Kennedy, Presidential Elector:
“As a Colorado presidential elector and a veteran, I am appalled that Trump incited insurrection to prevent Pence from counting our certified electoral votes as required by the Constitution. Trump has pushed our democracy beyond the breaking point and we are seeing the consequences on live television. We are better than this. But make no mistake: We the People will prevail.”
Judi Ingelido, Presidential Elector:
“I am appalled that these mobs, spurred on by the President of the United States, are violently interfering and trying to stop the Constitutional process by which we elect our President and Vice President and continue the peaceful transition of power. It sickens me to watch Republican senators and representatives call into question the fair and free elections that took place and were supported through many Court decisions, all for their own political aggrandizement. They and Trump have unleashed this horrific mob that we are now watching throughout the country and throughout the world. May God protect our law enforcement…”
At 3:39pm the Democrats of the Colorado General Assembly weighed in.
Democratic Leadership Condemns Attack on American Democracy
Senate President Leroy Garcia, House Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following joint statement condemning the violent assault on the US Capitol and attack on American Democracy:
“American democracy is under attack. Nothing short of a siege is raining down on Congress, incited by a president who has refused to give up power after a free and fair election and enabled by those willing to turn a blind eye as our foundational principles are trampled. Our democracy is precious and requires constant vigilance and protection. Today was a harrowing reminder that it can crumble without the efforts of everyday Americans working to keep it strong.
“Now is the time for every patriotic leader in our nation, regardless of party, to call for peace and an immediate halt to this violent attack. Our country has a rich history of bipartisan cooperation and common sense. We must work together to ensure that these values prevail again and encourage the public to remain peaceful and solemn in the face of those who wish to divide us.”
Around 8:34pm, the “Save America” intruders had been removed from the Capitol Building, and Colorado’s US Senator Michael Bennet was able to email his thoughts, which are also shared in today’s Daily Post.
Bill Hudson began sharing his opinions in the Pagosa Daily Post in 2004 and can’t seem to break the habit. He claims that, in Pagosa Springs, opinions are like pickup trucks: everybody has one.