REVISED -MAYOR LAURA R. HOYDICK’S STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
STRATFORD – Mayor Laura R. Hoydick today issued the following statement on the violence in Washington, D. C. yesterday:
“What unfolded in Washington, D.C. yesterday was a shameful and disgraceful display the likes of which I never imagined I would see in my lifetime. To see the very heart of our republic breached by a violent mob invading the seats of our legislative government is heartbreaking. It was nothing less than insurrection unfortunately escalated by the President. In this, the President is accountable for his actions and his words which contributed to these events. I pray for those that lost their lives in yesterday’s violence and extend my condolences to their families.
“America should be better than what we have seen unfold in recent days. We need to make a collective effort to stop escalating political disagreements into intolerant confrontations and recognize that we have more in common than what divides us. With our nation currently in the grips of a global pandemic the stakes are high, and we cannot forget that we need each other.
“Each day here in Stratford I am a witness to the incredible acts of heroism and caring from those on the front lines during this health crisis and acts of kindness and humanity by members of our community. Words matter – so let us use them to inspire and support these overtures to our fellow Americans – and condemn those that resort to violence.”
*This is a revision to the previous statement issued. The first statement contained a line also condemning violence associated with the events surrounding George Floyd, and I have removed it. It was not my intention to suggest any moral equivalence between protestors in the wake of those events, and the disgraceful events of yesterday. I support Black Lives Matter, and the objectives of those protests. I meant only to condemn all violence. I have heard the criticism of the remarks of those who expressed it to me, and recognize it detracted from the intended message of unity.
by Councilwoman Kaitlyn Shake
Councilwoman, District 2
Town of Stratford
kshake@townofstratford.com
January 7, 2021 12:00
What we witnessed yesterday at our Nation’s Capitol was a direct attack on our democracy incited by the words of our sitting President. In the last 240 years we have had successful ceremonial and peaceful transfers of power. Yesterday was one of the darkest moments in our country’s history. Thankfully, the House and Senate were able to safely reconvene and proceed late into the night to certify the electoral college votes.
Make no mistake that the hundreds of people who violated several federal laws and breached the capitol grounds through violence and rioting actively participated in domestic terrorism–they were not protesting. The motive of those involved is rooted in the hate and rhetoric speech of white supremacy and white supremacy is terrorism.
I call on my fellow Councilors and Mayor Laura Hoydick to publicly condemn the President’s words and actions of the domestic terrorists who attacked and put in danger: our democracy, members of congress and their staff, capitol building staff and law enforcement.
Senate Chaplain Barry Black delivered a powerful prayer just moments after Congress had affirmed President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory, condemning the “desecration” of the Capitol building and reminding lawmakers of the weight of their words and actions:
“We deplore the desecration of the United States Capitol Building, the shedding of innocent blood, the loss of life, and the quagmire of dysfunction that threaten our democracy, these tragedies have reminded us that words matter and that the power of life and death is in the tongue,” he continued. “We have been warned that eternal vigilance continues to be freedom’s price.” Senate Chaplain Barry Black
Editor’s Note: The following opinion piece was written by Steve Taccogna, Chair Stratford Democratic Town Committee, and was intended for members of the Stratford DTC, but (full disclosure here, I am a member of the Stratford DTC) as I read Mr. Taccogna’s piece I made the decision to print it, as it’s more broadly applicable to many residents in Stratford.
by Steve Taccogna
Chair of the Stratford Democratic Town Committee
Like so many of you, watching the events unfold at the Capitol yesterday kept my attention glued to the news. As I watched on as open insurrection unfolded in the halls of government, my thoughts covered a lot of ground. How could this happen here? Are there going to be any consequences? Where does the violence end today? If they were black, would any of them still be alive? Like many of you, I wrestled with the uncomfortable reality that these people aren’t some mysterious “other”. They are in our community. We can drive around Stratford today and still see Trump signs defiantly waving with delusional pride.
I wanted to take a minute to reach out to everyone and to remind us all that we’re not facing any of this alone.
While we all look forward to turning the calendar over to a new year, the unfortunate reality is that it is not an impermeable barrier in time against the struggles, evils, or wrongs of the previous 365 days. What we saw yesterday was part of the disgraceful final act of what a corrupt, morally bankrupt, failed administration has been openly cultivating for the last four years.
That same continuum of time can also work for hope and good. Trump’s legacy won’t fade quickly or easily, but we showed in 2020 that we can fight against it and that we can win. Georgia went Blue. The Biden administration will restore proper order to the executive branch. McConnell can no longer hold the Senate hostage. We are equipped to start to push back COVID.
There is no magic pill for the challenges we face, there never was nor will be. Working together, tirelessly pushing against what we know to be wrong, and advocating for a better community at all levels we will succeed. The first six days of 2021 reminds us to remain vigilant and dedicated to our shared struggle. I hope you all are well, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together.
