Senate Republicans and the January 6th Insurrection: Unavoidable Accountability

Will Senate Republicans face the consequences of refusing to participate or cooperate with a bipartisan investigation into the January 6th Trumpist insurrection? The answer is unequivocally yes. When they finally come to terms with their mistake, they will likely try to spin it into a narrative of 'well, we were never invited!'—a desperate and transparent attempt to deflect responsibility. However, such maneuvers will not work in this political arena.

Why an Investigation Was Inevitable

The events of January 6th were a violent and brazen attempt to overturn a democratic election, and the subsequent break-in at the Capitol was met with chants calling for the hanging of the Republican Vice President and the Democratic Speaker. It is politically naive to assume that no congressional investigation would be initiated. The inquiries into various incidents, such as the Benghazi attack and the Clinton email controversy, have set a precedent that there would inevitably be scrutiny of a high-profile political event like the insurrection.

Issues With the Senate's Initial Decision

It is clear that the Senate made a significant miscalculation in their handling of the investigation. The original deal stipulated limits in both time and scope. Despite the democratic agreement to every one of Mitch McConnell's demands, the Republicans still rejected the proposal. This decision ultimately paved the way for Nancy Pelosi to lead the investigation, ensuring that the process would not be rushed.

With access to all FBI information, we can anticipate a more thorough and detailed investigation. Additionally, the exposure of numerous Republican congressfolk supporting the insurrectionists, many of whom will be recorded on video, may have serious repercussions. Since the Democrats are taking the investigation seriously, it is crucial that they ensure it delves deeper to uncover the funders and planners behind this American disgrace.

The Importance of Recovery

The world's perception of the US's ability to recover from an attempted fascist coup is critical. This investigation is far from being just a formality; it is a necessary step to ensure accountability and preserve the democratic process. By acknowledging and investigating these events, the US can demonstrate that it is serious about maintaining and reinforcing democratic institutions.

Investigation's Current State

Although the “investigation” has been somewhat undermined by new revelations, including information that the FBI and House leadership were aware of the gathering and did not take action to prevent the breach, this setback is unlikely to erode the overall task of uncovering the truth. The dissemination of misinformation and discrediting efforts will not be successful in silencing the voices of those demanding justice and accountability.

The death of the unarmed female veteran at the hands of an SS officer during the insurrection further highlights the severity of the events. This tragic incident is just one example of the violence that was unleashed, and as more details come to light, it is essential that these lessons are absorbed by those in power.

Taking the Investigation Seriously

It is imperative that the investigation moves forward with the necessary rigor and depth. Both Republican and Democratic representatives must work together to uncover the full extent of the involvement in the January 6th insurrection. Failure to do so would not only undermine the democratic process but also continue to tarnish the US's image abroad.

Ultimately, the Senate's refusal to cooperate with the initial proposal has led to a significant delay in the investigation. However, the Democrats now have the opportunity to lead with a more comprehensive and thorough approach. This is not just about assigning blame; it is about recovering from the attempted fascist coup and ensuring that such an event does not happen again.

In conclusion, the Senate Republicans will inevitably face the consequences of their refusal to participate or cooperate with the bipartisan investigation into the January 6th insurrection. This is a critical moment for the US to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.