Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What are your retrospective perspectives on the 2021 US coup attempt?

Rick Rosner: The last thing I read on Twitter before I came down to talk with you tonight is people expressing their anger at the head of the DOJ, Merrick Garland. While a thousand regular people who rioted that day have been arrested and prosecuted, no senators, Congresspeople, or members of Trump’s cabinet have faced similar consequences. Perhaps some members of Trump’s cabinet and Trump himself may eventually face charges, but thus far, it has mostly been regular people who have been prosecuted. There is substantial evidence indicating that numerous Republican senators and Congresspeople were complicit in these events, yet no charges have been brought against any of them.

I firmly believe that Trump, along with several individuals in his circle, such as Roger Stone and possibly Michael Flynn, orchestrated this event, in addition to the scheme involving false electors. This incident represents the most egregious attack on the democratic system in the United States since the Civil War.

There are debates about whether Merrick Garland is cowardly for not prosecuting more high-profile figures or for taking so long to pursue Trump. Some argue that justice takes time, and I understand the importance of bringing charges that will result in successful prosecutions. However, I firmly believe that Trump and his associates are fundamentally anti-democratic. If there are claims that it was not MAGA supporters but FBI agents disguised as them, I must reject such notions as baseless and absurd. I would like to see more high-ranking individuals prosecuted for their actions. This period was a dark time for the United States and remains so. I am hopeful that Trump will be decisively defeated in the upcoming election, which is approximately 90 days away, allowing him to face actual consequences for his actions and stand trial alongside others.

I doubt that Kamala Harris, if elected president, would begin her term by increasing national tension by pursuing charges against the January 6th participants more than four years after the events of 2021. Some individuals may evade justice, much like Nixon did for Watergate when Ford pardoned him in the interest of national healing. While Ford may have believed in this course of action, he was also a Republican protecting a Republican. I hope that Democrats will gain control of the White House, the House, and the Senate in significant numbers to achieve meaningful progress. This may not involve further prosecution of the January 6th participants beyond what the DOJ has already done, but it would allow for curbing the influence of the Republicans.

Mark Meadows, Trump’s chief of staff, was deeply involved in the conspiracy, allegedly burning documents while the riot was occurring, according to witnesses who have turned state’s evidence. He and many others were engaged in egregious misconduct.

Rick Rosner, American Comedy Writer, www.rickrosner.org

Scott Douglas Jacobsen, Independent Journalist, www.in-sightpublishing.com

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