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“Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary,” remarked renowned twentieth century intellectual Reinhold Niebuhr. True to the observations of the US-born political philosopher, it was one’s inclination to injustice that once again proved the usefulness of a democratic system. It was lust for power that caused mayhem at the US Capitol on January 6. It all started with outgoing US President Donald Trump’s resolution to stick to power despite defeat in the elections. Initially, Trump on the polling day stressed that his vote box was overflowing. But the moment he realised that his dream of getting a second term as US President would remain unfulfilled, he started questioning the election process. Beyond a doubt, the unprecedented violence in the Capitol was triggered by Trump’s refusal to pave way for smooth transition of power. It was evident that Trump virtually instigated his supporters to derail the joint session of the US Congress to stall the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential victory.
However, the outgoing US President and his supporters undermined the strength of institutions in a democracy. They failed to remember that Institutions are paramount and not the persons holding power for fixed terms. Thus, no matter how violent the rioters were on that day, ultimately it was democracy that prevailed over everything else. This is why, within hours of the attack, the US Congress resumed its session and went forward with the certification process. And when the new president takes oath on January 20, the US will definitely reestablish its institutional integrity once again.
Democracy becomes stronger when institutions act impartially. Before unleashing the rioters on the Capitol, the outgoing US President urged the persons heading institutions to turn the electoral results in his favour. But, he didn’t find a single person including Vice President Mike Pence in his favour. Rather, it was Pence who resumed the Congressional proceedings and oversaw the counting of votes. Another Republican and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Judiciary Lindsey Graham also strongly resisted any attempt to alter the electoral outcome by force. Many Republican Congressmen also voted against Trump denouncing his objections to the election process.
The inability of Trump to accept defeat gracefully has further blemished his already scarred record, now he will always be held accountable for the Capitol attack. History will remember January 6 as a ‘black day’. It will always bring back memories of a power-hungry politician who tried to clinch onto power in defiance of the popular wish. Many feel that the attack has damaged democracy considerably. But in reality, it has strengthened the system. The said attack has made all aware of the danger that democracy is facing. It is crucial that all democratic nations establish proper checks and balances so that in the future no ambitious person or party attempts to hijack the popular mandate.