Andy Kim: It was a month ago when I found this broken eagle while cleaning the Capitol... [View all]

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Andy Kim
@AndyKimNJ
It was a month ago when I found this broken eagle while cleaning the Capitol after the insurrection. I kept it as a tender reminder of the enormous work ahead to heal. This is one of several symbols I want to share with you as we think what comes next for our nation (THREAD)
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It was a month ago when I found this broken eagle while cleaning the Capitol after the insurrection. I kept it as a tender reminder of the enormous work ahead to heal. This is one of several symbols I want to share with you as we think what comes next for our nation (THREAD)
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SYMBOL OF THREAT: This shattered window on the center doors of the Capitol is the last remaining major damage I saw left as I walked around the Capitol last night. It remains as a symbol of the hate that penetrated our democracy and flooded inside.
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SYMBOL OF LOSS: This week, we paid our respects to Officer Sicknick. I learned that over 140 police were injured. Suffered from cracked ribs, smashed spinal discs, stabbed with metal fence stake, one officer lost an eye.
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SYMBOL OF UNCERTAINTY: I now have to pass through two layers of razor wire fencing to get to work at the Capitol. I walked the perimeter this week with the National Guard and they said they have no idea how long this protection will be necessary.

SYMBOL OF GRATITUDE: The reminders of trauma have been met with incredible kindness and compassion. The attacks, meant to break our democratic process, have instilled a newly strengthened resolve to protect it. 100s of signs thanking Capitol Police line tunnel under the Capitol.
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SYMBOL OF RESILIENCE: I saw this quote over a door in the Capitol. It reminded me that healing is more than about accountability of the President and others that participated that day. “Oppressions and injustice and hatred is a wedge designed to attack our civilization”
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SYMBOL OF COMMUNITY: I still see members of Congress, staff continuing to struggle with their own trauma and grief. I get text messages regularly from my colleagues with a simple “how are you doing?” I appreciate that they are looking out for me and I for them.
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SYMBOL OF HOPE: When I arrived at my office this week, there were hundreds of cards from all over the country expressing hope from the image of me cleaning the rotunda. One woman said the actions reminded her of her immigrant mother and father who taught her humility.
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What we do next with that resolve is on my mind today. Do we let this moment fade, let those who brought our country to the brink of disaster be held unaccountable, or let the conditions that led to this attack go unaddressed? No.

We cannot, for a moment, treat the attack of 1/6 as something normal that happened. It was a truly dark day in our nation's history and it deserves a response of that magnitude.
The actions of those who perpetrated this attack - from inciting it to the death of a police officer - must be punished as to send a clear signal that violence is not an acceptable path to political change.

We must also work to strengthen the very institutions placed under attack. Our democracy is far too fragile if a demagog with a social media account and a megaphone can incite an insurrection.
We need to rebuild trust, understanding and accountability for our democratic institutions. We need to invest in civics and service to counteract lies and hate.

And finally, we need to recognize that this is the job of all of us - not just those at the Capitol. We are part of a singular American story. I am working on some ideas to do just this and I hope to work with all of you. I hope that is the true legacy of Jan 6. (end)
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