Mayor Oakes, your comments were a disgrace for the City of Staunton: Letter
JASON ATKINS
Distinguished Members of the Staunton City Council:
As a Staunton resident, a Marine veteran and a political scientist, I am appalled by the Jan. 15 article in which Mayor Oakes seemingly defends the individuals and groups who forcefully occupied the U.S. Capitol a couple weeks ago.
She reportedly stated that Riots are the language of the unheard. That statement is completely contrary to the founding fabric of this country. Should the mob remain a simple protest, following laws and remaining non-violent, I completely supported their First Amendment right for free speech. But once violence was introduced to the equation, protection no longer applied.