I am posting a section of my book
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory! Racism, Religion, Ideology and Politics in the Civil War Era and their Continuing Importance regarding the actions of Southern Democrat Secessionists who had already split their party during the 1860 election because I think it is very relevant today.
Former and twice impeached President Donald Trump and his supporters attempted a coup by attacking Congress as it undertook its
Constitutional duty to officially count the votes of the
Electoral College.
The assault made under the direct order of the former President was brutal and led by White Nationalists, Neo-Nazis, armed self-proclaimed militias, and a host of Theocratic Christians whose Crosses and Flags were prominent in the attack. The Terrorists who attacked the Capitol almost captured former Vice President Mike Pence who they threatened to hang, even bringing a gallows to the Capitol lawn, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and many others. During the at
Susannah Colt: Trump, Biden, and a brief history of inaugural addresses
President-elect Joe Biden speaks during an event at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., on Tuesda to announce his health care team. AP
I completely agree with Randall Balmer’s suggestion (
Sunday Monitor Forum, Dec. 6) that on Inauguration Day President Joe Biden should offer a few conciliatory words to Donald Trump as a way to heal the nation’s wounds. However, I’m afraid there will be no one present to receive those words, literally and figuratively. The question on everyone’s minds, especially the bookies and oddsmakers, is will Trump show up for Biden’s inauguration? Will Biden have the opportunity to thank his predecessor in person the way all the presidents since Jimmy Carter, except for two, have thanked their predecessors for their service? Can you guess which presidents hold that distinction? You would be correct if you said Ronald Reagan and Donald J. Trump.