"The People Against Fossil Fuels" demonstration was a recent week-long event in Washington, D.C. It featured indigenous people expressing concern for the earth by chanting "fossil fuels must go!" The events included parades, dancing and singing in the street, while blocking traffic. Sixty-six people were arrested for occupying the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In total, 655 arrests were made during the events.
The Jan. 6 insurrection: Federal officials estimate that about 10,000 rioters entered the Capitol grounds, with more than 800 breaching the building itself. Many were chanting to hang the vice president, kill the speaker of the House and to overturn the election. The tour de force consisted of rioters assaulting law enforcement officers while vandalizing and looting the congressional building and offices. It is estimated that the vandals committed at least $30 million worth of damage. Five people died in connection with the event. Many people were injured, including 138 police officers. “The commander-in-chief” refused to send the National Guard to restore “law and order,” but instead bid his supporters to "go home in peace."
As far as I can tell, no arrests were made at the time. It took nine months to "investigate" and bring charges to 684 of those who participated.
Do we need a clearer example of what priorities our government has?
Dennis Shain
Centralia
