Images of out-of-control, armed rioters storming the U.S. Capitol last week, were broadcast around the globe, tarnishing the United States’ cherished reputation for peacefully transferring power.
The rioters — followers of President Trump — attempted to disrupt the certification of the electoral college vote, which was the last procedural step before Joe Biden is inaugurated as the next president of the United States on Jan. 20.
It was a naked act of insurrection and should be treated as such. Those who illegally invaded the Capitol and interfered with the peaceful transfer of power deserve full prosecution under the law.
And questions were raised by the approach of some members of the Capitol Police as the rioters started breaking into the Capitol. How could the mob be allowed to break into the Capitol? Would they have been treated differently if they had been people of color?
The insurrection was deeply disturbing for Americans who believe in our Constitution and our democratic republic.
Peaceful demonstrations and protests are an honored American tradition, but violently breaking into the U.S. Capitol and interrupting a session of Congress is the definition of sedition.
The shameful display in Washington last week stands in stark contrast to the teachings and example of Martin Luther King Jr., whose life and legacy we will be celebrating in the coming days.
This year, San Antonio’s MLK march will be virtual, but it will be particularly poignant coming on the heels of renewed attempts to silence and suppress the votes of Americans. The African American vote in swing states has clearly been a target of those trying to overturn the election results.
The voting rights that King and the civil rights movement fought so hard to win were under attack from the violent rioters seeking to overturn the results of our national election.
Although he has been gone more than 50 years, Martin Luther King Jr.’s words are as powerful today as they were when he said them.
As King taught us, we are part of “an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
We will move forward with the power of faith and with faith in the power of love.
In this era of increasing declarations and displays of hatred from the forces of regression, we will remember that the humanity uniting us is stronger than the forces that attempt to divide us.
We will embrace our common cause and reject the blindness of prejudice.
Commemorating Dr. King’s legacy is one of the most special moments in our public life each year as we express our deep appreciation for the work that he did during his time among us.
We wouldn’t have the Civil Rights Act without Dr. King’s work. We wouldn’t have the Voting Right Act.
Clearly, we must continue his fight against inequality. That battle is being fought on many fronts as we seek to eliminate implicit and institutional bias from all aspects of government and public life.
We have come a long way. And we know we have a long way to go as last week’s horrid display in Washington demonstrated.
We must not be discouraged by the efforts of some to push us back toward a less enlightened era. With God’s help, love and faith will prevail.
I am proud to stand with you and continue pushing for progress, for equity, for the tenets of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream.
Ron Nirenberg is mayor of San Antonio.
