Unlike so much else in our current political environment that is fabricated, the attack of Jan. And the reality is that we are all exhausted by the outsized role American political discourse occupies in our lives. Still, that’s no excuse to turn away or minimize this moment. But, sadly, that won’t happen in any meaningful way across the country because, like everything else in our society, Jan. Ordinarily, the one-year mark of such a grievous event would be an occasion for bells to toll or a national moment of silence. The same police force that offered me protection has now suffered significant losses over the last 12 months. Lives were lost, people were injured, others were traumatized, and the seat of our national government was left in tatters. ![]() And most of us recall the tragedy of last year, when the Capitol itself was subjected to a violent, insurrectionist attack because a mob –– stirred up by dangerous rhetoric that had no basis in reality –– stormed the building. Pandemic restrictions are largely still in effect, and, based on conversations I’ve had with current legislative staff, the culture on the Hill has dramatically changed. Reflecting on that time nearly 20 years ago in the Capitol, it feels ages removed from our current context. I could not help but truly appreciate the brave individuals who were assigned to protect us from various terror threats day in and day out. I was thankful I could enjoy these brief moments of tranquility in safety because of those officers –– which was no small blessing in the midst of the post-9/11 tension in which I worked. Capitol Police who were present amidst the iconic paintings and statues. ![]() With the building closed to tourists and guests in the evening, it was usually just me and a few members of the U.S. Once he arrived at the area known as the speaker’s lounge, I would occasionally peel off and stroll through the rest of the historic building for some down time after a hectic day. When I worked there, I would often accompany my boss over to the chamber and discuss the legislative business of the day. ![]() It’s not uncommon for a series of votes to occur in either the U.S. Specifically, it is inside the Capitol rotunda around sunset. One of my favorite spots in the entire world is in Washington, D.C.
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