CAPITOL: The ‘why’ of violence

The despicable attack on our nation’s Capitol was an assault on our Democracy, and Donald Trump bears much responsibility. Besides looking at how and who were to blame, it is equally important to examine why.

In spite of Trump’s apparent deficiencies and lack of qualifications, he was elected president in 2016 by tapping into a significant part of the electorate which felt ignored, “the deplorables.”

Within days of his inauguration, the press was calling for his impeachment, and the House obliged. After two years and millions spent in investigation, the allegations of collusion with the Russians proved to be false.

While the president enjoyed substantial achievements, his character flaws overshadowed his successes. So why did he come close to being re-elected? There is still a significant population that does not think the mainstream press and Washington elite hear them. Some struck out with criminal violence.

Why would some feel isolated and alienated? The mainstream media has censored conservative news and thought along with network television. Social media has joined the censors. Many universities have joined as well. This has occurred primarily in the name of political correctness — the first victim being truth.

The censors are feeding the society leftist propaganda. In the Soviet Union, the government was the propaganda arm. Here the propagandists are private entities. The effect is the same; we receive only their version of the truth.

It is important that we restore a climate that encourages honest debate from the colleges to Congress and all in-between fostering truth and understanding.

Nothing excuses what happened at the Capitol. Openness and honesty throughout our society would reduce frustration and make violence unthinkable.

DEAN HAAGENSON

Hayden