Letter to the editor: Comparing riots of 2020, 2021

All spring and summer we had protests that turned into riots causing injury, death and destruction of property and businesses. Law enforcement lines were ignored and rioters cheered as police cars were overturned and set on fire. Videos showed looters breaking into stores and stealing merchandise. Millions of dollars in theft and damages in Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle and other cities, but liberal leaders called it “peaceful protest.”

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris supported Black Lives Matter and antifa protests. Harris even stated in an interview that more was likely to come in the days ahead. The liberal media turned a blind eye toward the riots even when the rioters tried to destroy federal government buildings in several “peaceful protests.”

But on Jan. 6 when protesters in Washington turned into rioters and stormed the Capitol, all hell broke loose in the media that was mostly silent for over six months of riots and destruction of lives and property. The hatred of President Trump has become more obvious as “politicians” from all sides screamed impeachment, resignation and treason. They were silent for the more than six months of total chaos across the country but now are ready to crucify the president.

The rioters could not have hurt the president more because they broke the law just as much as those who pushed aside barriers and law enforcement officers all year. The law is the law and must be enforced against all no matter race or creed or political party.

Rev. Tony Joseph

Johnstown

The writer is pastor of St. Stephen’s Orthodox Church, Latrobe.