Yesterday’s attack on our country, and our people was the culmination of years of divisive rhetoric, misinformation, and hate from Republican leaders at all levels of our government. The Republican refusal to accept the will of American People is directly responsible for today’s militant attack on the United States Capitol as well as other attacks on our democracy, our government, and dedicated public employees. A record number of voters have chosen Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to be our next President and Vice-President, the people have spoken.
This was not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, white supremacists who stormed the Michigan Capital planned to abduct Governor Whitmer. Public Servants in Minnesota have had to request armed guards to protect visitors and themselves from anti-mask agitators. Our Republican leaders have not just failed their duty to protect the millions of government workers they employ on our behalf; they are actively encouraging this violence.
The encouragement and complicity of Republicans right here in Minnesota and South Dakota cannot go unanswered. Governor Noem; Senators John Thune, Mike Rounds; Representatives Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Jim Hagedorn, Pete Stauber, Dusty Johnson; GOP Chairs Jennifer Carnahan, Dan Lederman; and provocateur Mike Lindell, must all be held accountable for fueling misinformation, division and ultimately encouraging these and other attacks.
These attacks on our government emphasize exactly why we remain committed to defending the rights of the workers in Minnesota and South Dakota, who deal with the consequences of their rhetoric and actions every day. Labor rights are inseparable from our democratic values, and the president’s attacks on democracy are an attack on the foundations that form our right to organize, and our right to stand in solidarity with one another.
Council President Mark Reger
Vice-President Peggy Kinzler
Executive Director Shannon Douvier
Lawmakers evacuate the floor as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
