Like anyone reading this, the members of the Philipstown Democratic Committee know what it’s like to lose. We know how it feels to be disappointed in the outcome of a contest. Losing—from rec soccer to politics—is part of the deal.

On January 6 in Washington we saw the very worst of what can happen when a leader refuses to accept that deal. The storming of the Capitol—an assault on democracy and decency—was disheartening, destructive and deadly. It was an act of bad faith of the lowest order.

We condemn in the strongest terms the inflammatory rhetoric of President Trump and his enablers. And we denounce the violent actions of the mob that pillaged the halls of Congress, endangered the lives of our representatives, the Congressional and building staffs, the press, and the Vice-President of the United States; and led to the deaths of five people, including a police officer.

Those responsible for the January 6 riot must be held to account. Their actions were steeped in delusion and powered by, among other things, a denial of the truth. It can’t be allowed to happen again.

If we act in good faith we can, perhaps, begin to climb free of this dangerous mess. Democrats and Republicans can and should disagree without demonizing, lose without lashing out, and achieve without annihilating.

Philipstown is not without its problems, many of them serious, but it is a caring and generous community. To preserve that, we must—at the very least—commit to acting in good faith. If not, we all lose.

Respectfully,

Philipstown Democratic Committee
Janice Hogan, Chair and Ned Rauch, Vice Chair

P.S. We hope you were able to join our inauguration festivities on January 20. Our profound thanks to Jim Mechalakos and Mary Mechalakos, Open Book, (Michele and Rick Gedney) and especially to Jonathan Kruk, the world's best master of ceremonies. If you missed the event, you may see the recording on YouTube.