Today marks one month since an angry mob — fueled by misinformation, conspiracy theories, and the bruised ego of a disgraceful man — sieged our nation's Capitol Building. The failed insurrection was not merely an attack on our elected representatives, it was a direct assault on our democratic values. Though the petulant president who incited the violence on January 6th no longer holds a position of power, the forces that enabled his anti-democratic actions and carry the torch of hatred, division, and white supremacy still exist within our political structures. While the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter is, and always will be, committed to environmental and climate justice, we cannot ignore the fragility of democracy in this moment of our nation's history because if democracy dies, so does the dream of a livable planet and a more equitable future.
The climate justice movement runs on people power. The effectiveness of grassroots activism, or any form of public advocacy for that matter, is dependent on our collective ability to influence political actors who are ultimately accountable to their constituents. In our current system, the odds are often against those who call for policy and decisions that put the needs of communities above the interests of corporate polluters. Yet we still find ways to win, because our democracy, though imperfect, allows for large numbers of ordinary people to achieve great change when we band together, beating big money with big movements. To attack our election process and our democratic institutions is to reject the notion that people can and should have a say in our local, regional, and national governance.
We applaud the House of Representatives for impeaching the former president a second time, and we hope the U.S. Senate will demonstrate that no one is above the law. But it’s a dangerous mistake to assume the threat to our democratic values has perished after the last presidential election. We firmly agree with Sierra Club’s Senior Director, Environmental Justice and Healthy Communities, Leslie Fields who notes:
“Any elected officials who through their incendiary rhetoric encouraged or abetted the assault on the Capitol must face judgment—if not in the courtroom, then at least at the next ballot. A People’s House cannot include a sedition caucus.”
In our own Virginia General Assembly, we have elected officials who, at best, were complicit in the former president’s attempt to throw out the people’s will, and, at worst, a disciple of his brand of anti-democratic politics. They must be called out. Senator Amanda Chase and Delegate Dave LaRock trafficked in conspiracy theories and misinformation about the outcome of November’s election. Neither has condemned the insurrection that unfolded at the Capitol, but they both participated in the rally that incited the violence. They both are willing to undermine our democracy, so both are undeserving of the power and platform that comes with a seat in our state legislature. They should resign immediately.
It’s understandable to see events like the Capitol attack and think that dark forces are winning, but we remain fiercely optimistic. The former administration, and the indecency it represented, was defeated by millions of people coming together — organizing, mobilizing and voting; successfully led by those who have historically held the least power.
We can ensure our planet remains livable, and we can achieve a bright, equitable future for every community, just as long as our collective voice can be leveraged effectively to influence our institutions and decision-makers. In times like these, optimism is necessary, but so is caution. There is no “powerful together” without democracy.