Something I Thought I'd Never See

While driving home after a thoroughly enjoyable escape to Duluth this past weekend, Captain and I were listening to a WCCO radio newscast.  They touched on the unrest in Washington D.C. and how state capitols were also beefing up security.  They mentioned Minnesota specifically, so we thought we'd detour to St. Paul and see what was what.

First off, I have to admit I have never been to or even near our state capitol.  We didn't have a field trip there in elementary school, and I didn't chaperone the field trips there that our kids went on.  I was sort of excited to explore the grounds at least; obviously we wouldn't get into the building on a Sunday and just unannounced.  

We didn't struggle as hard to find the capitol as we have when trying to find various other spots over the years.  We really do not do well in congested traffic.  However, once we found it, all the joy of our weekend leaked away.

At every street entrance leading onto capitol grounds there were (a) barricades, (b) two state patrol vehicles stationed with lights flashing, and (c)--this is the one that was a punch in the gut--armed National Guard members ready to defend.  Additionally, there were armed law enforcement personnel patrolling the grounds.

I wanted to cry; and in fact did a little bit.  How did we get here?  How in the name of all that is holy did America come to a point where disagreement requires violence?  How?!

My high school civics class was a long time ago, and my memory isn't as good as it used to be, but I'm certain that the First Amendment was written to protect citizens who voiced criticism of their government in a peaceful, dignified, and decorous manner.  Peaceful protests are absolutely a good and honorable thing.  Even if I don't agree with the demonstrators, I respect their right to voice their opinion.  Peacefully.  Please read on before reacting to that statement.  

I am just as certain that the First Amendment in no way, shape, or form outright protects or even implies protection for violence, whether against the government or fellow citizens.  My memory ain't that bad.  

Having said all of that, let me state unequivocally that the violence on January 6 at our nation's Capitol Building was wrong.  I don't care if it was Trump supporters, Biden supporters, Black Lives Matter supporters, Police Lives Matters supporters, a field trip of kindergarteners, baboons escaped from the zoo, or aliens invading from outer space.  

I.  Don't.  Care.

It.  Was.  Wrong.  

Before anyone tears me apart for my opinion, please go back and read that paragraph again, because I covered both sides there.  It was wrong.  Period.  Full stop.  

How did we get here?  When did it become untenable to agree to disagree?  When did the idea of "only we can be right" become so widespread?  

I don't know.  I wish I had the answer.  

Even though the question is too complex to be answered in a blog or on Facebook, it needs to be pondered, because I want to someday go to our state capitol, wander the grounds, and marvel at our great democratic values without having to see armed military personnel protecting it.