Gettysburg Connection Readers Respond to January 6, 2021 Events

This morning has dawned clear and sunny bringing perhaps some optimism following yesterday’s images of mayhem and anarchy.

Many national and state lawmakers have spoken out against yesterday’s violence.

Gettysburg Police Chief Robert Glenny said this morning that he was monitoring the situation but has not scheduled any extra officers. Glenny said the department had received no intelligence indicating there would be any issues at this juncture.

Meanwhile, our readers have expressed their thoughts about the events and I am pleased to be able to share them with you.

Please check back as we will be posting more comments as they are received.

Stay safe and thanks as always for your support.

Unfortunately it did not come as a big surprise, I had even told my brother in England to watch for bad news on that day.  My fervent hope is that ALL the perpetrators, instigators and collaborators are brought to justice.  I would also like to offer my condolences to the family of the Officer who was murdered and to all those that were injured.  The Capital Police were put in an untenable situation and someone should pay for that.

Jean Kilchenstein, Gettysburg

It strikes me that if we could somehow find a way to abolish the electoral college, we could have avoided this particular event as well as the four-year travesty that led to it. 

Mark Purdy, Gettysburg

I am sad about what happened.   Sadly I am a republican…I still hold my head up and hope there are others who agree that not all of us like Trump.  His Twitter and Facebook pages have been deplorable.  I hate reading it. I watched this assault on the Capital.   And first…asked how did this actually happen.  You can’t walk sideways in an airport without getting yelled at.   But they scaled the walls and got into our capitol.  Again how?  Maybe that’s the Republican in me?  But I do question the security measures that were not in place when it was all over social media that the they were coming.  So maybe they wanted to make a statement.  Both sides did.  And none came out victorious.  Its time.  Trump needs to go.  America needs to move on to a better place. This all has to stop.  Both Republicans and democrats have to come to an understanding that we have to work together.

Laurel Holthause, Freeland MD

It was a very sad day for America. The anger on both sides of the aisle is palpable and in some situations understandable but this is not the answer to resolving issues. Calm and fairness must prevail or there will be no peace.

Nancy Adams, Biglerville

We have only begun to see the damage Trump has done to our country. If our democracy survives, and President-elect Biden begins to try to fix all that Trump has broken, the rot will be exposed. And we will all be sickened by it.

Rita Welty Bourke

I am glad I went down to the March on the 6th.  Very disheartened by what ended up happening.  I was not one of the individuals that went up the Capitol steps.  I did not get that close.  I had my Irish Wolfhound with me so did not want him or myself to get anywhere near the tear gas.  I was in support of looking into voter irregularities especially since Pennsylvania is one of the worst culprits of possible fraud.  But violence is not the answer to any problem.

Susan Wine, Gettysburg

I attended the Trump rally yesterday in DC and my experience there was vastly different from what the press is reporting.  After Trump’s speech we marched up from the Ellipse and Washington Monument thru the Mall to the Capitol.  It was a patriotic and enthusiastic crowd with most waving or wearing Trump signs, banners, and hats (me included).  I saw no violence or threatening behavior from anyone in the sea of people and a friend and I got up very close to the back of the Capitol building itself. 

About 2:30 we decided we’d better start our return to where our bus was parked at Union Station so we began our descent thru the crowd.  Along the way we encountered one girl who my friend said was sick.  He stopped to inquire about her and was told by her companion that she’d been sprayed by the police.  She turned to look at me and she did indeed look miserable, but it didn’t occur to me to offer her my water bottle to help her flush her eyes, so we kept going.  I found it hard to wrap my mind around her story since she was in the middle of the crowd where there was no police presence.

Then when we got to the street area, we walked across a downed barrier, thinking nothing of it since there was no one there to guard the thing, and its original purpose in being there was not apparent.  Then as we were waiting to cross the street a lone police car barreled by with lights on and siren blaring.  At the same time a squad of police/SWAT types in black uniforms quick-marched in unison up the hill.  Amused, I believe everyone standing there wondered as I did, “Where’s the fire?”  That’s how unaware we were of what was happening nearby but out of sight and sound of us.  Only when we were approaching Union Station were we apprised from others with Smartphones of some of the things that had taken place inside of the Capitol.  It seemed surreal since we had just come from the grounds there and would have testified to God that nothing amiss had happened. 

Then when we got back on our bus another attendee showed us an online photo of the girl who’d been shot and killed–we were horrified–and of someone who’d apparently gotten into Nancy Pelosi’s office and danced on her desk–(to be honest, I wanted to high 5 that guy!)  He also told us about a guy he met who’d been shot by the police with a rubber bullet.  The guy actually took the bullet–“all bloody”–out of his pocket and showed it to him.

I am very sorry indeed for the few — out of a huge crowd, who rioted and terrorized people and caused destruction in the building.  I condemn that shameful behavior!  But I am also very sorry for people who have turned on President Trump–like some of his own staff in the White House–in the wake of this incident and after what I believe to be a “cooked election.”  There still remains a large percentage of the population in this country who are convinced there is abundant evidence of election fraud. 

A hearing took place in our very own Gettysburg on Nov 25th when Rudy Giuliani and a host of other officials listened to personal testimony from witnesses which was very compelling.  It is no wonder the president and his supporters are very frustrated by the courts shutting down, for procedural reasons, all cases presented to them and then the Democrats and media blatantly insisting there was no evidence.  When will this be investigated and heard? 

To top it off, Facebook and Twitter removed Trump’s plea to his supporters to leave peacefully and observe law and order.  I will soon be shutting down my Facebook account to protest against Big Tech’s abuse of power in suppressing comments with which they disagree.  Are they above the First Amendment?  Not to me!

Christine Lurk, Germany Township

Yesterday was a sad day for our country. Lies were told repeatedly about the election even though votes were accurately counted and recounted and no facts of fraud were presented in many court cases. All to placate a delusional man and his supporters. What happened is a direct result of the lies and people need to be held responsible for what happened and what brought it about and that includes the people in government offices.

Dorie Skinkus, Gettysburg

In answer to your request for my thoughts on what happened in our Capital yesterday, I feel ALL those who took part in the attempted coup or incited the violence in some way thru their denial of the PROVEN fair election results whether they happen to be citizens or elected officials who denied the results of the election to appease Trump should face some reprimand for their disgusting actions, including sanctions imposed on those in office.

Sandra Cromer

There are no words adequate to express the disbelief, the horror, the anger and the anguish that washed over us as we watched the hours of incredible television images.

Compounding these feelings was the absolute incredulity of virtually NO police/security presence or preparation for an event that was bragged about for weeks.

An armed (yes, some were) mob of rioters, completely without control, that breached the nation’s capitol building and disrupted the constitutional process of formally counting the electoral college votes that made Joe Biden our next president and Kamala Harris our next vice president – who could ever have imagined such an occurrence?

It is an outrage and cannot go unpunished, from the evil inciter to the weakest-minded follower blindly taking instruction from him.

We’ve feared something like this for more than four years, and our fears have been realized. 

It’s encouraging today that the police/security presence is very visible – and we can be gratified that Pennsylvania was one of the states to send help – and that identification and charging of rioters is beginning.  It’s encouraging today that investigations and explanations are being demanded and that calls for removal of the current president are being made.

What’s not encouraging today is that members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives continue to spew fraud and conspiracy theories which added to the incitement of yesterday’s insurrection.  It’s not encouraging today that members of Congress fear for their own safety and that of their families and staff.

The world is watching, and we have so far been found wanting.

Marcia Wilson, Chair

Adams County Democratic Committee

A terrible exhibition by a herd of mindless people who believe the lies of a narcissistically insane president. Kudos to the majority of the politicians who regrouped to complete the confirmation of the legally elected president elect; shame on those who continued to encourage the false claims of election fraud.

Harry Gentry

What happened at the Capitol yesterday was clearly an insurrection, an attempted coup d’etat incited by the current President, Donald Trump. There must be consequences for his behavior; if there are no consequences our country as a democracy is doomed. Trump must resign NOW. If he refuses to resign, then he must be removed from office via the 25th Amendment. The country is in great danger from Trump continuing to wield the power of the Presidency even for just two more weeks. 

Jeff Colvin, Gettysburg

As a military veteran and retired colonel, I do not – nor would I ever – condone the violence we saw today. I join with all patriotic Americans in condemning what occurred in the Capitol. There never is justification for this sort of behavior. I not only love but I fought for this country, our constitution and its rule of law.
My wife and I went to Washington, DC, today to support President Trump which should not surprise anyone familiar with my views on this election and my concerns about its integrity.
My position on lawlessness is equally as clear. When it was apparent that this was no longer a peaceful protest, my wife and I left the area and made our way out of the area. At no point did we enter the Capitol building, walk on the Capitol steps or go beyond police lines.
Today was a sad day for our country. It hit me especially hard because I’ve spent most of my adult life
defending our nation’s freedoms and ensuring that our constitutional rights are protected. Those who violated those laws must be prosecuted.

Sen. Doug Mastriano, PA 33rd District

I just received a statement from our current State Senator, Douglas Mastriano. In it he condemned the violence that occurred yesterday at the US Capitol, but fell short of taking any personal responsibility for trying to disenfranchise Pennsylvania voters. His direct attack on representative Democracy has persisted through multiple certifications of state counts, failed lawsuits, and repeated refusals to peacefully accept the results of our election.

I agree with Tim Kearney (no relation) that Senator Mastriano needs to be removed from office as a result of his complicity with this failed coup d’etat.

Ryan Kerney, Gettysburg

Yesterday’s events were pathetic and tragic.  And anyone that was there that thought something like that wasn’t possible, well they are just being thoughtless and naïve.  But for the first time we saw some Republican lawmakers finally step up to the plate.  Some though, like a middle school kid, raised their hands and said, “It wasn’t me!”   The fact is …… we are all responsible.  Democracy requires work on our part.  Are we electing the right people into the right positions or are we so tribal that we just vote the party line without thought, without knowledge, without fear of consequences?  Democratic Citizenship requires effort.  It requires engagement.  Read a newspaper!   Don’t count on social media to keep you informed.  Don’t count on FOX News, or even CNN to give you the straight scoop.  Go ahead and watch FOX, but watch CNN too.  Watch PBS news.  Read!  Listen!  Don’t get angry, don’t give into conspiracy theories.   Believe it or not the more you know ….. the better decisions you can make ….. in general but particularly on Election Day.   

Yesterday was a tragedy …… we are all responsible!

Make a commitment to help DEMOCRACY SURVIVE ….. EDUCATE YOURSELF!

Rich Sterner, East Berlin

I think those infecting our democracy should be jailed for treason, sedition or whatever it takes because they are trying to overthrow our election process to install a dictator. The man has lied and goaded his followers for so long, spreading his venomous lies and conspiracy theories that have all been debunked, that I am appalled that he is actually still in office. I say he should be relieved of duty before he incites anymore riots or starts World War 3 as a distraction for himself!

Kathleen O’Dell

Trump has been building his followers from day 1 and our fears have been it would result in what happened yesterday in our Nations Capitol. Trump should be held accountable and removed from office immediately in order to prevent this from ever happening again.

Barb Zimmerman, Gettysburg

The events of yesterday should not be a surprise to anyone that has watched the events of the last five years unfold.  The warning signs were clear, even during the campaign leading up to the election.

Donald Trump has disrespected the American people at every turn. The attack on our Democracy was performed in plain sight of every American. On many occasions our current President has thumbed his nose at the traditions of this great country. Drunk on power and ill-intentioned, Donald Trump has tarnished the image of the Office he holds, the system of checks and balances we hold dear, and the image of the United States the world over. Yesterday laid bare the lack of caring, and the disdain he holds for the Rule of Law. His actions the actions of his Son and Rudy Giuliani were the direct cause of the flash point we saw yesterday.  

Whether you support the President or oppose the President, we must stand together as a people. Democracy is fragile. Democracy is messy. Democracy is the best darn system in the world, and it must be preserved and protected.

The storming of the Capital was wrong. There is no justifiable excuse for the sedition we saw and experienced. The act was unlawful. That is a fact. Perhaps some will say it was. Perhaps some thought this was deserved. It was not.

We are wounded as a country. Our system is in perilous territory. Our way of life threatened. It is time for every American to take pause. Let us think about our forefathers intentions. Men of power that understood the dangers of a man just such as Donald Trump. They knew what was at stake. In that knowledge, they crafted a set of laws and procedures to prevent the hostile take over of power. And as the brave members of Congress demonstrated last night, those procedures work when implemented.

The fall out of the insurrection will have profound effects on all of us. Political lives are going to be ruined. The participants of the mob in DC and state capitals around the nation are going to have to deal with the consequences of their actions.  Lives lost yesterday can not be undone. The cost to many is going to extend far into the future.

There is hope however. Last night the truth was affirmed by most of the members of Congress. Only a few hold outs to the truth were present and accounted for. The election was fair and the outcome was recognized on both sides of the isle. I was impressed to see the leaders in both branches of the Congress acknowledge the truth. The Congress does not have the power nor the authority to overturn the will of the People. And that my fellow American is the only thing that separates us from the oppression experienced by humans suffering around the world under dictator rule.

You may or may not like the outcome of the election. And that is ok. That is democracy. But so is accepting the results of our elections. Because as long as we as a people can live by these tenants, the opportunity to change what we don’t like, will always be available to us through the election promise.

History was written in dark ink and blood yesterday. Moving forward, ask yourself: What side of history do you want to be immortalized in? Are you going to be a creator of liberty and freedom through your actions? Or are you going to be a destroyer of this great Nation. And no, you cannot have it both ways.

We are better than the actions of yesterday as a nation. But saying it is only talk. Living it is the American way.

Peace be among us.

Alban Ritterson, Gettysburg  

Thank you for this opportunity. I am appalled, saddened, and any other emotion that could be stirred up by the actions taken by Trump supporters. I rather suspect there could have been a few mingled in, whose interest was to undermine the original intent of the march, which was to show support to the President and protest the questionable election results. We, who supported the President at the ballot box, are deeply disappointed. We, the people, have always been told that our tool to defend our republic, is the ballot box. Some states change their voting laws arbitrarily, without debate or buy-in from their own state legislators. So, our choice was taken from us by questionable tactics. That invoked an anger that was neither righteous nor effective. We conservatives, should calm down and go at Congress in another two-years. But, this next voting cycle, should be tightly overseen and state legislators need to see that no unilateral decisions are made by governors and secretaries of state. I believe that President Trump’s actions over these past weeks could have and should have not mirrored the actions of the Democrats for his entire term in office.

James Brewer, Littlestown

There are no words to describe how we felt watching this and we’re Canadians…It was like watching a violent dark movie, too terrible to admit this was all real…We were sitting down, then standing up then sitting down at what we were witnessing..This was not the America we know and love…What and how could this happen? Even this morning reviewing all of the reporting, the pictures, the videos, was it all a bad dream??  How can any Commander in Chief allow this to happen, to instigate this and sit back in the White House and watch this on TV and call them patriots??

Thank God, today is another day, it is over (hopefully) and good shall overcome evil..Best wishes to all our American friends for a peaceful transmission and hope that the next 13 or so days goes smoothly and without incident. You shall overcome..

Roland Lefebvre, Montreal, Canada

Dear Gettysburg Connection,

Yesterday was an awful spectacle that highlights our nations ills.  Also an obvious outgrowth of the conspiracy theories promoted by Trump and local politicians such as Mastriano and Perry.

I don’t usually watch TV during the day, but I wanted to watch the counting of the electoral votes.  I knew there might be trouble. I’ve watched in horror how these politicians constantly repeat debunked theories of electoral fraud.  I also feared that the counting wouldn’t start or would be delayed.  I even bet by wife five bucks that something would stop the counting somehow (that was the bright side of the craziness I watched for so many hours yesterday).

I knew there could be trouble because I watch Mastriano’s Facebook live videos, follow Trump’s Twitter feed, and have been reading comments on the right-wing echo chamber, “Parler.”  I heard about the various rallies and the rhetoric of Trump supporters and their “wild” rally.  I read about how folks thought if the 1st amendment isn’t good enough, then the 2nd amendment would be needed and other alarming rhetoric.

Thankfully, things didn’t turn out worse than they did! I am relieved and impressed that Congress come back to the chamber and finished the work at hand.  Now we officially have a president-elect.  I look forward to Biden’s Presidency 

In the coming weeks, the biggest scandal of this debacle is that this mob was allowed to breach the Congressional Halls at all.  Where were the security?  I look forward to the resolution to this puzzling and embarrassing failure.  Thankfully, these folks weren’t allowed to open carry their long rifles, etc. as many Trump supporters have done here in Gettysburg and elsewhere.  I’d they had, we might have witnessed the death a American democracy.

J Scott Hill, Gettysburg

I am physically ill, could not sleep without dreams of traitors storming the Capitol, and still upset this morning. I protested many times in Washington against the war in Vietnam. I was with thousands of other peaceful protesters, we were rounded up, gassed, and arrested. Never did any of us have thoughts of taking over the Capitol as a way to show our displeasure. I am disgusted by these people. Although I claim to be tolerant, I believe all of these people should be arrested, charged, and convicted of crimes against the government.

Bard Shollenberger, Orrtanna

I feel embarrassed.

Laurie Swisher