Editor’s Thought Bubble: These Republicans have blood on their hands

Wednesday was among our nation’s darkest days. For the first time since 1814, invaders breached the sanctum of the U.S. Capitol. Two centuries ago, it was the British army. In 2021, it is fellow Americans, so ensconced in lies and fantasies that they have abandoned all reason. So committed are they to do the bidding of the sociopathic would-be president-for-life that they are willing to commit violence in his name and for his glory.

With the shooting death of one rioter and the deaths of three others in yesterday’s failed coup attempt, the blood is on the hands of Republicans who placated and enabled and cheered on this monstrous president and led us to this unthinkable moment, particularly so for those who have spent the past two months manufacturing and peddling lie after lie about the election. That list includes Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelli Ward, U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar, state Rep. Mark Finchem, state Sen. David Livingston and state Sen.-elect Kelly Townsend.

History will judge the entirety of today’s Republican Party harshly. But if there is any conscience left in our politics (and I sincerely hope there is), those who fed and encouraged and celebrated and defended yesterday’s seditious actions will be expelled from public service for violating their oaths to defend this country from enemies, both foreign and domestic.