Marking the Jan. 6 certification of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, President Joe Biden took to The Washington Post to reflect on the violent events of January 6, 2021, marking a stark moment in the American political landscape. Biden claimed that the peaceful transfer of power had been disrupted, signaling that such moments could no longer be taken for granted.
“For much of our history, this proceeding was treated as pro forma, a routine act,” Biden remarked in a rare opinion piece for a sitting president. “But after what we all witnessed on Jan. 6, 2021, we know we can never again take it for granted.” He then went on to describe the frightening assault on the Capitol, noting the violence against elected officials and law enforcement.
“Violent insurrectionists attacked the Capitol, threatened the lives of elected officials, and assaulted brave law enforcement officers.”
Biden emphasized that the resilience of American democracy should be a source of pride, even as he pointed out that this kind of violent disruption should never be allowed to happen again. He called for national remembrance, invoking a timeless lesson.
“We should be proud that our democracy withstood this assault. And we should be glad we will not see such a shameful attack again this year. But we should not forget. We must remember the wisdom of the adage that any nation that forgets its past is doomed to repeat it. We cannot accept a repeat of what occurred four years ago.”
While Biden strongly criticized the actions surrounding the events of January 6, he also pointed the finger at former President Trump for his role in the unpeaceful transfer of power. His remarks, coming during another transition of power, underscored his ongoing criticisms of Trump, whom he had long labeled as a “threat to democracy.” The timing of Biden’s reflection was notable, especially after Trump had narrowly survived an assassination attempt just weeks prior.
“An unrelenting effort has been underway to rewrite — even erase — the history of that day,” Biden wrote. “To tell us we didn’t see what we all saw with our own eyes. To dismiss concerns about it as some kind of partisan obsession. To explain it away as a protest that just got out of hand.”
“This is not what happened.”
Biden stressed the importance of preserving the historical truth for future generations. He highlighted the significance of passing on accurate accounts of the January 6 riot, especially as new generations come to learn about the events through the lens of history books, testimony, and media.
“In time, there will be Americans who didn’t witness the Jan. 6 riot firsthand but will learn about it from footage and testimony of that day, from what is written in history books and from the truth we pass on to our children. We cannot allow the truth to be lost.”
The issue of narrative manipulation was not without opposition. Representative Barry Loudermilk from Georgia released a critical report last month, accusing Democrats and anti-Trump forces of fabricating a false narrative surrounding January 6. Loudermilk’s report further criticized the Jan. 6 Select Committee for allegedly withholding evidence in an investigation that painted Trump and his supporters in a negative light.
“Four years later, leaving office, I am determined to do everything I can to respect the peaceful transfer of power and restore the traditions we have long respected in America,” Biden concluded. His remarks underscored his commitment to ensuring a peaceful transfer, referencing his invitation to the incoming president for a smooth inauguration. The president’s focus on the events of January 6, 2021, demonstrated how deeply personal and political the transition process had become.
“The election will be certified peacefully. I have invited the incoming president to the White House on the morning of Jan. 20, and I will be present for his inauguration that afternoon.”
Biden’s final thoughts turned toward the sacrifices made by those who helped build and defend the nation, urging Americans not to forget the importance of preserving democracy.
“But on this day, we cannot forget. This is what we owe those who founded this nation, those who have fought for it and died for it. And we should commit to remembering Jan. 6, 2021, every year. To remember it as a day when our democracy was put to the test and prevailed. To remember that democracy — even in America — is never guaranteed.”
Biden concluded with a powerful call to action for the nation, reminding citizens that democracy is the foundation of American life and that it is the responsibility of every generation to safeguard it.
“We should never forget it is our democracy that makes everything possible — our freedoms, our rights, our liberties, our dreams. And that it falls to every generation of Americans to defend and protect it.”
{Matzav.com}