Let us give thanks to the Capitol Police after five hours of hand-to-hand combat Jan. 6. Mitch McConnell returned to the podium before midnight and stated if 81 million Democratic votes are discounted, based on a loser's allegation, any future US elections would be tainted by distrust and corruption. Police Sgt. Gonell was more in fear for his life than during his Army tour in 2004 Iraq. Being called a traitor for not allowing the rioters to hang Pence, as he was yelled at "Trump sent us," still tips at his soul. Four officers have since committed suicide from the trauma defending democracy as their families receive no death benefits unlike military suicides, which are considered death in the line of duty.

Jim Lindsay

Pawcatuck