Statement on the Threat to Our Democracy
Members of the Board of County Commissioners, Orange County, NC
The violent insurrection at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was a threat to our American democracy, and a menace to the safety of the American people. Members of the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, NC, join residents across the nation and around the globe in condemning this assault, this blatant disrespect and disregard to persons, property and our Constitution.
While we appreciate those U. S. Representatives and Senators who had the integrity to accept the results of the 2020 Presidential Election, those who chose to do otherwise demonstrated, by their actions, disdain for the United States Constitution and thereby violated their oaths of office. Representatives and Senators, both Democrat and Republican, including Representative David E. Price representing the people of Orange County, voted for the impeachment of Donald Trump from the office of President of the United States. We stand in full support of such legal proceedings to defend the Constitution, and to hold accountable the President and all other elected officials who endangered the lives of the people they are entrusted to protect.
We call upon the Biden-Harris administration, and federal, state and local Departments of Justice and local District Attorneys to investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all participants in the insurrection. In addition, we call upon Members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate thoroughly the actions and engagement of law enforcement agencies, as well as the neglect and failure to take proper precautions to prevent or effectively intervene to stop the attack on Jan. 6. In particular, we note their reaction to a mob of white supremacists preparing for violence compared to the aggressive and militaristic over-policing by law enforcement when Black people, Indigenous People and People of Color engage in peaceful protest.
The terrorism of Jan. 6 was yet another example of the virulent prejudice, discrimination, implicit bias, and racism embedded in the psyche of this nation. While some lament, “this is not who we are,” sadly, this incident demonstrates that this is who we are. That said, we also are a people committed to work to advance an inclusive multicultural society, a nation dedicated to freedom, equality and justice for all.
Respectfully submitted,
Renée A. Price, Chair
Orange County BOCC