The case for punishment of Donald Trump for inciting insurrection at the Capitol focused for much of today on his encouragement of domestic terrorism.

So it was good timing, perhaps not coincidental, for an op-ed in USA Today by Conner Eldridge and Joyce White Vance, both U.S. attorneys in the Obama administration. Eldridge was U.S. attorney for the western district of Arkansas and now practices law in Rogers.

Advertisement

In conclusion, they write:

It’s past time to acknowledge and reject perspectives and institutional impediments that have prevented the government from treating domestic terrorism as a priority. The Biden administration can mandate a no-tolerance policy for those who refuse to see white supremacists and other extremists for the serious threats and criminals that they are. We cannot ignore the reality that both systemic and direct racism are reasons the domestic terrorism threat has been minimized and were among the catalysts for the violence at the Capitol. We all know that the response would have been much different if a group of Black Lives Matter protesters had marched toward the Capitol, much less stormed it.

As the nation focuses on the Jan. 6 insurrection and before the memory of it fades, now is the time to make the changes we need to ensure a focused and sustained effort, led by the White House, to prevent domestic terrorism. If we do not take these steps, history tells us more Americans will lose their lives at the hands of domestic terrorists. We must not allow that to happen.

 

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Current COVID lull is the eye of the hurricane, UAMS doctor says Next article CNN clarifies: Tom Cotton asked for a knife on Jan. 6, not a gun