With all the hope of a better year in 2021, there could not have been a worse start. On Jan. 6, 2021, the Capitol Building was stormed by a rally of pro-Trump supporters, rioting on behalf of their refusal to concede to the Biden-Harris victory in the 2020 election. During the catastrophe, rioters broke windows, climbed over walls and even stole important Congressional documents. 

This was no short of an act of terrorism, and this is a sign that both Democrats and Republicans must begin cooperating and compromising for a better future. 

In addition to the physical damage done on the Capitol, we were outraged at the blatant display of antisemitism and racism, as some ralliers were wearing T-shirts with the acronym “6MWE” (6 million wasn’t enough), referring to the amount of Jewish people killed during the Holocaust. Ironically, many of the rioters were chanting “USA” through the capitol building, despite destroying national property, as well as showing disrespect towards security and police, which went against their supposed value of law enforcement.

Although most Americans are saddened by this date, there is hope for a brighter future. After the riot, Congress reconvened and both Democrats and Republicans alike were able to share a common distaste for what happened, especially as victims of the event. Democrats and Republicans both have different beliefs, and the tension between the two parties can seem hostile at times. However, people from across the political spectrum can agree that this was a national disgrace to our country. It is time to work together to build a better America.