Editor's note: This is one of two opinion articles written by local members of Butler County Republican and Democrat central committees.
American tragedy, global embarrassment and conspiracy theories led to one of the darkest days in American history.
On Jan. 6, 2021, the entire world watched one of the biggest lapses of judgement in our nation’s history. We watched POTUS incite a physical attack and takeover of our nation’s capital based upon a conspiracy.
The entire world watched a mob consisting of thugs and insurrectionists, armed with strong delusions, guns and hatred cause a temporary closing of our nation’s capital. The insurrectionists busted windows, broke through doors and overran Capitol police causing the needless deaths of five Americans thus far. Make no mistake, their actions were nothing short of a coup attempt with the intentions to overthrow a Democratic election.
The question for all, how did we arrive at this place? For nearly 11 years, POTUS started a conspiracy claiming the nation’s first African American president was not born in the United States.
Make no mistake, POTUS, Sen. (Josh) Hawley, Sen. Ted Cruz and other elected officials, had intentions of stripping this country of any equal rights and any voting rights for all citizens. Had this coup attempt been successful, the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness would have vanished right before our very eyes.
A nation’s ability to choose its leaders is the bedrock of a free society. Our nation voted to restore and protect programs such as voting rights, workplace safety, public and private unions, equal pay for equal work and all individuals are created equal.
A coup would appoint, and not elect, individuals into positions of power from POTUS down to city municipalities. This type of behavior and misconduct occurs in countries like Russia, China and North Korea.
We were very proud to see Congress return back into session later the same evening, and complete the work they started earlier in the day. Their return into session was a strong signal and message to POTUS, Sen. Josh Hawley, Sen. Ted Cruz and the entire world that America will not be intimidated by acts of violence.
There is no greater time in history for the implementation of the 25th amendment to remove POTUS from office for violating his Oath of Office. Not only did POTUS fail to protect American citizens, he incited the coup attempt that has (caused) death and destruction of property.
I will only speak about the State of Missouri, Sen. Josh Hawley should immediately resign from public office. He is just as responsible for knowingly perpetuating and stoking baseless lies and conspiracy theories claiming a fraudulent election occurred, knowing he was 100% incorrect. If he claims he didn’t know, or he believes otherwise, this further proves he doesn’t possess the required skills and abilities to lead nor guide a free democratic society. The majority of the world realized Trump received “less votes” in states he lost than other Republicans that ran on the same tickets. The Georgia runoff is a perfect example.
Kevin Ellis is chairman of the Butler County Democratic Central Committee.