Having made a commitment to nonviolence, I certainly do not condone the invasion of the U.S. Capitol on Jan 6. However, I do believe it could be a learning experience, in a whole host of ways, related to civics and democracy.

I also believe the elected officials, their staff and the workers in the Capitol who were traumatized by the events may now be able to identify with those around the world who are subjected to war.

Needless to say, the siege of the Capitol, which lasted a few hours, hardly compares to the endless wars the U.S. has perpetrated on whole populations across the planet. However, maybe it was enough for our elected officials to understand the death and destruction that our $750 billion military budget exacts particularly on civilians – most of whom are women and children.

I hope, as these legislators craft future military budgets and hold the Pentagon accountable for their audit failure, they will think about how Jan. 6, 2021, traumatized them, and change lives globally by reducing the budget and mandating a successful Pentagon audit.

Ginny Schneider
South Portland

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