A Message on the Jan. 6th Insurrection from HTC President Rich Maroko

January 7, 2021 2:04 PM

The events of January 6, 2021 will be immortalized in history as a stain on American democracy. The riotous mob that descended on our nation’s capital attacked the very foundations of our country and Constitution. I want to take a moment to condemn the treasonous actions of these domestic terrorists. In the darkest chapter of modern American politics, it was ordinary people who stood up to protect human life and preserve our democracy. I applaud the heroes of yesterday’s attack: the congressional aides who rescued electoral ballots and the elected officials who, after fearing for their lives, worked through the night to fulfill their constitutional duty. Thanks to their steadfast resolve in the face of terrorism, the election results were certified shortly after 3:00 AM.

Our Union has – and will always – fight for democracy. Yesterday reminded us of the fragility of our republic. I am grateful to all our members who, over the years, have upheld democratic ideals by voting and putting in effort to educate and mobilize voters. Before the attack on our Capitol yesterday, we were celebrating the success of HTC canvassers in Georgia’s Senate run-offs. The work our organizers did on the ground in Georgia is even more important in the aftermath of yesterday’s insurrection. With Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the Senate, the next administration will be positioned to combat voter suppression and protect our electoral system.

Preserving our democracy will require our active and continued participation in the political system.