I’ve been thinking a lot about January 6, 2021, and how that day continues to be a lightning rod for debate. From my perspective—as someone who leans conservative—it seems like there’s a story here that most folks aren’t hearing. To me, the narrative isn’t just about chaos and insurrection; it’s about justice, due process, and the hope for national healing. Let me break down what I see.
Was It Really a Riot or Just a Protest?
A lot of us believe that January 6 was mostly a peaceful protest. Many of the people gathered were just trying to air their opinions and express their political beliefs. Instead of a violent uprising, what actually happened, according to this line of thought, is that law enforcement—even the Capitol Police—helped people gain access to the Capitol. This created a situation where the event was miscast as an all-out insurrection. Take Siaka Massaquoi, for example. He entered the Capitol only to later claim that he felt trapped by a system that misled him about what he was getting into. It’s not hard to see why many conservatives view this whole day through a very different lens than the mainstream does.
Where’s the Justice?
One of the things that really gets under my skin is the way people connected to January 6 have been treated in the courts. So many of these individuals have been stuck in lengthy legal battles without the speedy trial they’re entitled to under the Constitution. Lawmakers like Rep. Andrew Clyde and Rep. Rich McCormick have pointed this out again and again. It just seems unfair that people—mostly charged with minor or questionable offenses—are being detained for years. Instead of justice, what we’re seeing feels more like a failure in due process.
What’s Up with the FBI?
Then there’s the issue with the FBI. Whistleblowers and voices like Massaquoi’s have shared a pretty troubling picture of how the FBI has handled its business around January 6. Many conservatives feel that aggressive tactics and the heavy use of informants show a biased system targeting right-leaning individuals. A recent report from the DOJ’s Office of Inspector General even revealed that there were FBI informants present inside the Capitol during the protest, a fact that only adds fuel to the fire. It makes you wonder: Are we really seeing an impartial investigation, or is there more at work here?
A Step Toward Reconciling the Past
Here’s where Trump’s pardon comes in. For many on the right, his decision on his first day in office to pardon those convicted in connection with January 6 is seen as a glimmer of hope—a real step toward righting what we view as a long-standing injustice. These individuals, many charged with what seem to be minor offenses, have been caught up in a nightmare of legal battles. Trump’s pardon feels like a move toward healing, a way to finally put this chapter behind us and start fresh. It’s more than just politics; it’s about mending a system that seems to have lost its balance.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, the conservative perspective on January 6 isn’t about denying that something happened—it’s about demanding justice, insisting on due process, and believing that Americans should have the freedom to express their political views without fear of endless punishment. As we move forward, I think it’s crucial that we continue to question the official narratives and seek reconciliation that respects the rights of everyone involved.
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