Just one week ago, members of the 117th Congress took the oath of office. Raising our right hands, we swore to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” I took this oath two years ago, as well, and cited it when I voted to impeach the president the first time, following the Mueller report. This week, I’ll vote to impeach the president a second time, following the rampage he organized.
This past November, we held a free and fair election. Due to record turnout, President-Elect Biden won by a significant margin. Rather than concede with grace, President Trump began spreading propaganda—baseless lies—that the election was rigged, that votes were stolen, and that he won by a landslide. This movement was either actively supported, or at best ignored, by Republicans who were elected on the same ballot.
On Jan. 6, this propaganda campaign climaxed to an all-out assault on our democracy when the President of the United States instructed a violent mob to attack government buildings and officials. Doors and windows were smashed, lawlessness and chaos took over, and in what felt like an instant, my colleagues and I became victims of domestic terrorism under the dome of what we thought was one of the securest and most symbolic buildings in the world.
But the truth is, it wasn’t an instant. This wasn’t a peaceful protest that happened to spiral out of control. What unfolded was the result of a disturbing trend that had been brewing and growing, without scrutiny and without consequence, for the last few years.
There is no question that the attack on the Capitol was harrowing. To see a place so sacred and meaningful defiled and disrespected is extremely heartbreaking. Yet, what’s even more devastating, and downright disturbing, is the attitude that we should simply gloss over the attempted coup from last week to find unity amidst the wreckage.
We are at an impasse. We simply cannot move forward from here without holding the President and his party accountable for their actions, or lack thereof. The only way to overcome the division is for Republicans to finally recognize and call out the MAGA cause for what it is: a movement entrenched in white supremacy, in entitlement, and in loyalty to one man, rather than country. For too long, Republicans have either been complicit in the face of this President or have dutifully fallen in line with him. So they, too, are responsible for the pillage that occurred.
My colleagues must reckon with this. They need to know that Americans are serious about consequences. Most of all, they need to know that we reject fascism and authoritarianism; after all, a failed coup attempt that was ignored in 1923 led to a brutal dictatorship only a few years later. History repeats itself—unless we act swiftly and strongly. If the true goal is to preserve our constitutional liberties and our democratic system, we need to act courageously against those who threaten them, even if they sit amongst us in Congress.
Over the last week, I have come out in support of every possible means of removing the current President from office, as soon as possible. He should never be able to hold federal office ever again. Also, investigations into those who voted to overturn our election must begin immediately. As a former prosecutor, I know that this is what the road to justice looks like. I signed onto two impeachment resolutions, as well as a resolution calling on the Vice President and Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment. I will honor my oath and vote in support of impeachment this week.
It’s clear: no assault on our fought-for and hard-earned republic should be tolerated and easily dismissed. We will not be deterred from bringing justice to Americans, so that our democracy always prevails. I hope individuals from all sides of the political spectrum join me in this pursuit. Unity now is putting country over party.
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2021.
They sure get upset when it’s their house, but when it’s our house…not so much. In fact she has also sat by as Portland Oregon has been turned to rubble. Night after night.
Do your job. This is not part of it:
“the President of the United States instructed a violent mob to attack government buildings and officials.”
Please provide the time and date he instructed a violent mob to attack.
What happened was a tragedy. But by using this tragedy to accomplish a political hit job is not warranted.
This will further divide the country. A divide that won’t heal but simply turn into a one party dictatorship that will destroy the economy and additional lives.
Congress used to serve the people but it is increasingly evident that it really only serves it’s political party and their agenda of control.
Beside the fact that there was no evidence of widespread election fraud.
https://populist.press/election-fraud-evidence-mounts-dems-divert-attention/
So right @Inpeach
They actually changed house rules so they could name call.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) also chimed in, calling Trump the “racist-in-chief.”
Normally, such language is prohibited by House rules. But House Democrats passed a temporary rule change on Tuesday that applies to debate on H. Res. 21 and H. Res. 24. The former urged Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump (which he declined to do); the latter is the article of impeachment against President Trump.
The rule change “Provides that the prohibition against personality in debate with respect to references to the President shall not apply during consideration of H. Res. 21 or any special order of business providing for the consideration of H. Res. 24.”
We have a federal building that houses Congress being run by out of control children.
Well stated, Congresswoman Kirkpatrick. It is a disgrace that the Republican Congressmen and women of our state can not take a stand and call out the lies that continually and unrelentingly come out of the White House. Thank you Congresswoman Kirkpatrick for standing up for our constitution and for truth and decency from our elected officials that all citizens deserve.
Az democrats that would not support border security further eroding pay equity and job opportunities.
An FBI that once again lied to Congress in an attempt to overthrow the President. They knew Jan 5 of the plans. Video clearly shows radical “fire starters” that drew the mob in.
A year of coddling antifa and blm as they burned, looted and vandalized cities including federal courthouses in Oregon.
Congressional representatives that sat idly by as voting rules were changed illegally to allow for additional election fraud.
The failure of Congress to investigate all of the evidence pointing to quid pro quo as US aid to foreign countries is “stolen back” by former officials and family members.
There is some decency and truth. We aren’t getting it. Apparently we don’t deserve it.
How did you feel about the pillaging that happened last summer? Is pillaging the capitol building different from pillaging the businesses upon which the American economy is based? More people died, and more property damage was done, by non-MAGA riots this past summer. All rioting is wrong, and we expect you to say so. Otherwise, you are part of the partisan problem.
CAUGHT ON VIDEO: Antifa Protester John Sullivan Brags About Posing As Trump Supporter, Breaking Window At US Capitol Building During Riots
Comment please Ann. We are waiting.
I hope you get run out of town on a rail in your next race.
Wow, Republicans are still believing “the Big Lie” even though 60+ lawsuits & the Supreme Court has thrown out His lawsuits. What more do you want? There’s no proof. So how dare you try to take my legitimate vote away. Even after you ran & hid from Trump’s mob you dare to come back & vote to strip my vote away? 130+ of you fools. You swore to uphold the Constitution not one man. Republicans have pulled some real dirty tricks the past 4 years & have gotten away with it so get ready to swallow it.
So Thank you Rep Ann Kirkpatrick, for upholding the Constitution & for doing what is right. Every single Republican that voted not to Impeach Donald Trump should be ashamed of themselves for one but should take a long look at themselves in the mirror. The party of law & order has imploded. A police officer died & someone will have to pay for his loss of life.!
I am for equal rights, opportunity and justice under the law. If a person is destroying property, robbing stores, or attacking police, they should all be punished. The Democrats in Congress seem to feel that people should only be held accountable if they are attacking a building they occupy. They have a very strange concept of equality.
Well said, Rep. Kirkpatrick. Glad you are safe.