To the Editor:

In 63 B.C., frustrated by his failure to be elected leader of the Roman Republic, the aristocrat, Cataline, tried to topple its elected government. Backed by elites and poor, alienated Romans, he fled Rome while his associates plotted to burn the city and murder its leading politicians.” The Roman historian, Sallust, wrote these words describing the failed conspiracy of Cataline.

 On January 6^th, 2021, our American Republic was threatened by a would-be dictator who tried to topple our elected government. Backed by several political elites, many in Congress, and a mob of devoted followers, former President Donald Trump called them to Washington, D.C. where he encouraged them to stop the peaceful transfer of power – by force. A makeshift gallows was erected to “Hang Mike Pence” …”and Nancy Pelosi” while Trump’s followers vandalized property, beat security and police officers and tried to find the Vice-President. 

  Meanwhile, Donald Trump fled to his dining room where he watched it unfold for almost three hours. When told about Mike Pence’s situation, he said, “So what?” The conspiracy failed. 

I’ll echo John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, who recently said, “If he becomes President again, God help us.”

Jacqueline Koch
Edwards