Statement of Peter Loge, director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication on the U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate January 6 public hearings:
“The January 6, 2021 insurrection was an attempt to overthrow our democracy. The physical attacks were the result of repeated rhetorical assaults on the foundations of our democratic experiment. Words have consequences. Those who promoted and engaged in the attack on the U.S. Capitol must be held accountable. Those who continue to baselessly attack our democratic institutions should be condemned.
Politicians and pundits have an ethical obligation to promote, or at least not undermine, the foundations of our democracy. You cannot burn down a house and then expect to live in it.
Our democracy only works if those who participate in it believe it works. Our nation is an idea that only continues if we continue it. That means supporting and constantly improving the political system in which we are privileged to participate.”