The violent Capitol insurrection will go down in history as an event that changed America. Trump republicanism had already bullied the nation off course, sending her lurching down the wrong track in the direction of catastrophe. On January 6, 2021, the Republic reached that dreaded destination. History was derailed as more than two centuries of peaceful transitions of power ended in violence and death.
February 6 was the one-month anniversary of the Capitol insurrection. House Democrats took time to reflect, each in his and her own way. Rep Andy Kim, representing New Jersey’s 3rd district, chose to share his reflections via Twitter. It’s a journey of mourning but also of hope and strengthened resolve as he considers what needs to come next.
There were many heroes that day and there are many more among congressional Democrats who are working their damnedest to get America securely back on track. Andy Kim is one of them.
SYMBOL OF THREAT: This shattered window on the center doors of the Capitol is the last remaining major damage I saw left as I walked around the Capitol last night. It remains as a symbol of the hate that penetrated our democracy and flooded inside. pic.twitter.com/9DM0ffWM7V
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) February 6, 2021
SYMBOL OF UNCERTAINTY: I now have to pass through two layers of razor wire fencing to get to work at the Capitol. I walked the perimeter this week with the National Guard and they said they have no idea how long this protection will be necessary.
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) February 6, 2021
This sidewalk memorial was brought inside to preserve it.
SYMBOL OF RESILIENCE: I saw this quote over a door in the Capitol. It reminded me that healing is more than about accountability of the President and others that participated that day. “Oppressions and injustice and hatred is a wedge designed to attack our civilization” pic.twitter.com/wdGs3uHIqD
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) February 6, 2021
SYMBOL OF HOPE: When I arrived at my office this week, there were hundreds of cards from all over the country expressing hope from the image of me cleaning the rotunda. One woman said the actions reminded her of her immigrant mother and father who taught her humility. pic.twitter.com/dMujD2jgOA
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) February 6, 2021
We cannot, for a moment, treat the attack of 1/6 as something normal that happened. It was a truly dark day in our nation's history and it deserves a response of that magnitude.
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) February 6, 2021
We must also work to strengthen the very institutions placed under attack. Our democracy is far too fragile if a demagog with a social media account and a megaphone can incite an insurrection.
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) February 6, 2021
And finally, we need to recognize that this is the job of all of us – not just those at the Capitol. We are part of a singular American story. I am working on some ideas to do just this and I hope to work with all of you. I hope that is the true legacy of Jan 6. (end)
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) February 6, 2021
Thank you, Andy Kim.
Mr. Kim. Thank you for your service to our country. I found your actions and words comforting. We support you!
The photo of Andy Kim cleaning up the mess is powerful. I hope his constituents know how lucky they are to have a representative like him. What a decent human being. I was especially moved by the photo of the broken eagle – so profound.
We are so lucky to have so many extraordinary people on the Democrat team. We must give them as much support as we can.
I am saddened that he who shall not be named and his followers were able to perpetrate this most heinous crime against our country! I am not mad, I am not angry, I am F’ing PISSED OFF that any of the seditious traitors might escape the punishment that they so justly and richly deserve! Our country cannot heal from its divided state without accountability and acknowledgement of the truth from those who lied about the 2020 election! Those that believed the lies of he who shall not be named and his sycophants need to hear the truth from those who lied, so that they can believe the truth.
We are lucky to have public servants like Andy Kim and the many other decent Democrats that are fighting for he future of our nation right now!
What I find astonishing is that no one counters the “let’s just move on” comments from the GQP with the fact that committed another breach of his oath the very next day after the first impeachment trial!
He hasn’t learned his lesson and we cannot have him run for office again to continue his illegal actions. The lesson he learned from the first impeachment was that he could continue committing offenses without anything to stop him.
They should put a huge tv screen in the house and senate and every time one of them starts lying it should flash a picture of the dead officer, the broken eagle, and the sign that speaks of oppression, injustice and hatred is a wedge to attack our civilization, and the picture of the broken window. It should keep flashing all of the above until they stop what ever lie they are telling at that time. It would be flashing every time a republican speaks. They don’t know what truth is.
This Twitter thread, while in reaction to a horrible event, is so beautiful & inspiring to me. It gives me a small glimmer of hope, that this umbra of madness that our country has been engulfed by, may soon pass. I wish there were more like Mr. Kim.