All involved must be brought to justice to protect our fragile democracy, reader says

Justice required

The events of Jan. 6, 2021, constitute more than a riot, an attack, or an insurrection, but a planned and organized, attempted coup d’etat, an effort to overthrow the government of the United States.

The momentous events of this day challenge the notion of American exceptionalism, the idea that democracy in the U.S. is a model for the rest of the world.

Democracy is a fragile political construct that can be challenged at any moment in time, even here in the United States.

While more than 700 people have been arrested for participating in the attempted coup, our political leaders and their supporters who planned and organized this event have not yet been brought to justice.

To protect our imperfect democracy the Justice Department must take action to bring all concerned to justice.

Wayne Northcutt, Mt. Pleasant

What about Afghanistan?

In President Joe Biden’s disdainful address to our nation regarding the riot that took place at our capitol on Jan. 6, he had the audacity to say, “Democracy was attacked a year ago today” and “We are in a battle for the soul of America.”

How could he be battling for the soul of America when he left numerous Americans and allies in Afghanistan to die at the hands of the Taliban?

He went on to name many wars that were fought so that we could vote. I guess he forgot the part where we fought to survive against communism and dictators that would enslave us.

Biden claimed that those who took part on Jan. 6 were terrorists as if it was a well thought out plan. If you look at what happened to our embassy in Benghazi, those terrorists did act with a plan; they came with the intent to kill our ambassador and his protectors.

What really burns me the most about President Biden is his saying he is there to protect democracy and the people of our country. Saying you are here for us is disingenuous; your actions or lack thereof speak volumes.

Gregory J. Topliff, Warrenville

Help Alzheimer’s families

More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, which can be an emotionally, physically, and financially draining role.

The bipartisan Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act (H.R. 1474) would provide much-needed relief for our nation’s dementia caregivers.

As someone who has lost both grandmothers to Alzheimer’s, I understand firsthand the impact this disease has on families across America.

My mother moved my grandmother to multiple facilities not only to ensure the best care, but to be near her and help when needed. My aunt and uncle took my other grandmother into their home and were her primary caregivers for the majority of her battle with Alzheimer’s. A nurse was also paid to assist.

These gracious acts took a toll on my family.

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act would provide funds for training and support for unpaid caregivers of people living with all forms of dementia. Through this bill, funds would support community health centers, senior centers, and more, serving diverse communities to provide training and support for caregivers.

Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in asking South Carolina’s Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott to cosponsor the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act.

Kyndel Lee, West Columbia

Level the playing field

Abortions are likely to be banned before assault rifles are banned.

It’s not about the sanctity of life. It’s about power and control.

Children and teenagers are killing themselves and each other with guns.

Murder among young people rages.

Adults die by guns hourly in our country.

If we’re going to live by the Second Amendment, people need to swap their assault rifles and handguns for muskets, the gun available when the Second Amendment went into effect.

Level the playing field and give everyone else a chance.

Elizabeth Jones, Columbia