To the editor:
For Christians, January 6th marks The Epiphany, when light pierced darkness revealing the Christ Child to the Gentiles. Every four years, our democracy shines its light through the peaceful transition of power.
Three years have passed since 01/06/2021, when a mob stormed the US Capitol building attempting to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election. As a US Marine veteran who spent four years on active duty defending our Constitution and the freedoms it provides, I was mortifi ed by the events of that day. Witnessing the attack on our democratic institutions felt like a personal betrayal of the oath I took to protect and uphold them.
Adding to the gravity of this day, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated the attack’s cost at over $3 billion, encompassing both direct expenses like repairs and indirect burdens like lost productivity and emotional trauma. These figures are staggering, but the true cost extends far beyond monetary value. The erosion of trust, the divisions sowed within our communities, and the lingering threat to our democracy are wounds that will take time and dedicated effort to heal.
Let’s all honor The Epiphany by shedding light on facts. Visit credible news sources, attend town hall meetings, and engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold different views. Most importantly, exercise your right and responsibility to vote in the 2024 election. Each informed ballot cast is a beacon of hope in the ongoing struggle for unity and a brighter future.
Sincerely, Rob Franzo Leelanau Township
