To the Journal editor:

In A.D. 455 the barbarian, Gaiseric, and his hordes invaded and sacked the city of Rome. On Jan. 6, 2021 our own, domestic barbarians invaded, sacked, and looted the Capitol Building of the United States of America, egged on and led by our very own Gaiseric.

Is there blame and shame for this insufferable act? Of course there is. Blame and shame first on the latter day barbarian, domestic terrorists calling themselves protesters.

Our complicit legislative leaders (including our own U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet) deserve a rich helping of blame and shame for their support of baseless lies about a stolen election.

And certainly the major share of shame and blame go to the narcissist-in-charge who for months has fanned the flames of rage and paranoia in his quixotic base.

Perhaps there’s enough shame and blame left to go around to all of us for permitting these rogues, whether in the streets or in the White House, to abuse the cherished ethos of this great land.

Make no mistake, these were not acts of reasoned concern over a disputed election but expressions of frustration and rage by domestic insurrectionists intent on toppling our legitimate, legal government. There are heavy penalties, which should be enacted, for such behavior.

Rome never recovered from the barbarian invasion of 455. Let’s pray we’re more fortunate.

Sincerely,