FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Our work shows democracy in action.
Statement on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack
Jan. 6, 2022 – Jan. 6, 2021, was a terrible day for our country. Rioters, instigated by lies about the legitimacy of the 2020 election, attacked and breached the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to stop the certification of the election. Our statement that day reflected the pain we felt as we watched the events unfold, which ran counter to the core values that we believe in: appreciation and gratitude for one another, respectful relationships with elected leaders, and faith in the institutions of our democracy.
Despite the shocking and painful events of that day, we are grateful that our institutions held firm, the election results were certified, and the voters’ choice was respected.
As an organization determined to solve the climate crisis, we are no strangers to the frustrations of partisanship and disinformation. We appreciate that a select committee is now working to investigate and report upon the facts, circumstances, and causes of the Jan. 6 attack, and public hearings are planned in the coming months. We hope this process will bring clarity and accountability.
Our staff and volunteers set the standard for healthy, productive engagement with our nation’s representatives. But Jan. 6 has made that engagement harder. We used to hold more than 500 peaceful lobby meetings on Capitol Hill each June. Now, congressional offices have added security measures in place, keeping lawmakers safe but limiting their face-to-face interaction with constituents like us.
Despite these challenges, our work continues. We’re growing our diverse coalition of advocates, modeling cooperation and understanding in our outreach across the country. We’re approaching Congress with optimism and integrity. In short, we are showing democracy in action. We invite you to do the same through your work as a climate advocate and your participation as a voter in this year’s elections.
If we continue to work together—with each other, within our communities, and with Congress—we will sustain our democracy and stabilize our climate.
CONTACT: CCL Communications Director Flannery Winchester, 615-337-3642, *protected email*
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