My mind is only half on work today. Like many Americans, my work was cut short yesterday because of the events on Capitol Hill.

I have to admit, a mob invading Congress was not on my bingo card for 2021.

Yet, the markets are up, the edifice both tangible and intangible remain, and the majority of Americans are appalled by the inaction and action of President Trump. However, the sinking feeling in my gut remains. For 120 years, America has been saved by this type of political violence. The belief in a peaceful transition of power has been a hallmark of the US, something that few other countries can state that they have seen during the same time frame. Unfortunately a belief can quickly turn into a dream, and political dreams backed by a belief in the righteousness of one’s cause have a tendency to turn into violence.

Now, Democrats, with few exceptions, have almost total control of the reigns of power. What they choose to do with that power, both guided and misguided, could very well reshape America. In a nation in which Politico reported that between Democrats and Republicans over 60% of them believed that political violence was justified in certain circumstances, and the Brookings Institution who wrote “…there is a greater level of polarization in American society, breeding the idea that those who vote for the other party are at best misguided fools and at worst, enemies and traitors”, the road ahead for the American experiment is treacherous, regardless of who is in power.

2020 has been a year in which we have seen both sides of the political spectrum turn to violence to support their specific agendas. 2021 has already started continuing this trend. Will the recent actions on Capitol Hill, move the media and elected officials to actively condemn, prosecute, and prevent violent outbreaks, whatever their reason, I doubt it. Will the political violence abate? I hope, but wouldn’t bet on it.

I hope that the future proves me wrong.

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