💥 Courage Over Compliance: Why January 6 Still Demands Accountability
🗽 A well-informed citizenry is our strongest defense against tyranny. When corruption and authoritarianism rise, Americans push back—every time.
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Today, we are marking the anniversary of January 6 by standing up for democracy and justice. While President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have failed to uphold their allegiance to the Constitution, we must rise to protect our rights, freedoms, and future.
We can never forget what happened.
On January 6, 2021, a violent insurrection struck at the heart of American democracy. What should have been a peaceful certification of a free and fair election became an unprecedented assault on the U.S. Capitol—designed to overturn the will of the people. That day did more than interrupt a constitutional process; it robbed America of progress, weakened people-powered democracy, and cracked the foundation of the rule of law.
What Happened on January 6
A mob, fueled by lies by Donald Trump and complicit Republicans about a “stolen election,” stormed the U.S. Capitol
The constitutional certification of Electoral College votes was forcibly halted
More than 140 law enforcement officers were injured
Insurrectionists destroyed the building and its contents
Lawmakers, staff, and journalists fled or sheltered in fear
For the first time in U.S. history, the peaceful transfer of power was interrupted
The Lasting Damage—and Why the Threat Is Worse Today
Five years later, the danger to democracy has grown—not diminished. Political violence and threats against election officials have become disturbingly normalized. Violence tied to politics has surged to levels not seen since the 1970s. Public trust in democratic institutions has collapsed to 50-year lows, and international democracy experts now warn that the United States is sliding toward “electoral autocracy.”
Presidential Pardon for Political Purposes
Donald Trump has turned his back on America, its lawmakers, and the brave law enforcement officers who defended our democracy during the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
It is a sad day for America—and for the world—when the President of the United States turns against his own country.
By pardoning nearly 1,600 people convicted for their roles in January 6 and elevating individuals who praised or minimized the attack into positions of power, he reinforced a grim message: political violence will be rewarded. Accountability is optional. Loyalty to power matters more than democracy itself. Far from stopping the crisis, these actions accelerate it.
Trump’s pardons of the insurrectionists were not an act of justice or unity. It was an act of vengeance and self-interest. Trump has made clear that his agenda serves himself—not the American people—and that he is willing to deepen division and disregard the rule of law to maintain power.
January 6 harms and why we must vigilantly protect our rights and freedoms
Political violence rewarded: Pardons and promotions signal that attacking democracy carries no real consequences
Real-world harm: Some pardoned rioters have already been arrested again for serious crimes, including murder conspiracies, child sexual abuse, and deadly drunk-driving crashes
Power stolen from the people: An election decided by voters was nearly erased by force
Rule of law eroded: Selective accountability tells Americans that justice is unequal.
Democracy destabilized: Trust in elections, institutions, and peaceful transitions continues to unravel
January 6 was not an isolated riot—it was an attempted authoritarian power grab whose effects still shape our country. More than 140 officers were injured, lives were lost, and a core democratic principle—the peaceful transfer of power—was broken. Allowing those who attacked democracy to evade accountability only invites future violence and deeper erosion of the rule of law.
January 6 accountability is about protecting our future. When we act together, we defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that power in America belongs to the people—not to violence, lies, or authoritarianism.
Things You Can Do to Demand January 6 Accountability
Contact Your Members of Congress
Call, email, or write your representatives in the United States Congress and demand full accountability for those who incited, enabled, or participated in the insurrection.
Support Strong Democracy Legislation
Advocate for laws that protect the peaceful transfer of power, strengthen election security, and safeguard election workers from threats and intimidation.
Reject Disinformation—Share the Truth
Actively counter false narratives about January 6 by sharing verified reporting, court rulings, and the findings of the January 6 investigation.
Stand With Election Workers and Law Enforcement
Publicly support election officials and law enforcement officers who defended democracy and continue to face threats for doing their jobs.
Support Democracy-Protecting Organizations
Volunteer with or donate to civic groups focused on voting rights, government accountability, and defending the rule of law.
Demand Accountability at Every Level
Urge local, state, and federal leaders to reject political violence and hold accountable anyone who excuses or glorifies the insurrection.
Vote in Every Election
Primary, general, local—every election matters. Vote for candidates who respect the Constitution and the will of the people.
Help Others Participate in Democracy
Register voters, help neighbors access accurate election information, and remove barriers to civic participation.
Build People Power Year-Round
Join or help grow grassroots movements (like People Power United) committed to democracy, justice, and accountability. Democracy survives when people stay engaged—not just on anniversaries, but every day.
January 6 accountability is about moving our country forward. When we stand together, we choose progress over regression, people power over authoritarian control, and freedom over fascism. By defending truth, demanding accountability, and strengthening the rule of law, we affirm that democracy in America is built by everyday people—not ruled by violence, lies, or the ambitions of the powerful few.
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