This tendency to heap guilt upon others for crimes such as this because of who they support on Election Day must end. Trump voters were aware of his character on Nov. 3. They approved of his words, actions, and political maneuvering. But they are not to blame for his claims about a stolen election or events that happened more than two months later in Washington, D.C. However, if, in hindsight, any of his most ardent admirers support the insurrection, then they are to blame, too.
In the post-Trump world, there is sure to be blanket hatred, especially from the media, of those who voted for him in 2016 and 2020. Some have even called for members of his administration to be harassed in public and excluded from segments of society. The wrath of those who dislike the man so much that they condemn millions for actual domestic terrorism, in which they took no part, goes beyond all reasoning. Overwhelmingly, people on both sides of the political aisle were heartbroken and outraged by what they saw.
Politicians use the words “unity” quite often to describe what the country needs going forward. This doesn’t mean there won’t be many disagreements about problems and solutions. But it should mean that people share common beliefs against mob violence for political gain. At the same time, it requires an honest assessment of who is at fault, despite personal prejudices.
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