Last night, I should have worked since two deadlines are nearing rapidly. However, I couldn’t stop watching the news about protesters charging into the Capitol building. It was shocking, disturbing, to say the least. The photograph of members of Capitol security aiming their guns at people behind broken windows was particularly frightening. I couldn’t help wondering where the reinforcements are and will those doors hold. And I definitely couldn’t find any silver lining in those events. I do believe that every government should be aware of what an angry mob can do and keep in mind that they serve the people, not the other way round, but Wednesday events ‒ no excuse.
This morning, I read that Marco Rubio wrote: “This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy.” Okay, Senator, pride, personal and national alike, is positive and welcomed. But this is arrogance. And not only that, it is unfounded. Not to mention that this is an insult to all third world countries.
I think that America is a great country and a visit is definitely on my list one day. But America isn’t only educated, kind, open-minded people. America isn’t only Manhattan. Protestors waving the Confederate flag are also America. People who actually voted for Trump are also America. Snake-handling pastors are also America. As well as barely literate, inbreeding communities. Not to mention the Ku Klux Klan. Not to mention the people torturing prisoners in Guantanamo Bay. Not to mention the police officer who killed George Floyd and the ones who watched. Senators whose words make me ashamed on their behalf…
All that is America. The good, the great, the beautiful, the inspirational, but the bad, ugly, and appalling too. Just like any other nation. As I said, pride is good, and you should be proud. But arrogance makes you look ridiculous and unfit of being a representative of the people – even in most third world countries.