Letter to the editor: Local leaders have blood on their hands

As a lifelong resident of Westmoreland County, I am appalled at the cruelty and ignorance on display in this county. Jan. 6 was one of the darkest days in American history with the storming of the Capitol during what should have been the routine certification of the Electoral College votes. While the riots did not stop the lawful certification process, lives were lost due to the “big lie” perpetrated by President Trump and pushed by Sen. Kim Ward and Reps. Guy Reschenthaler and Eric Nelson, among others.

These people have blood on their hands. They are also trying to disenfranchise Pennsylvanian voters because they do not like the results of the election. My husband and I have been told by many Republicans that Democrats do not know what is best for them and should let the Republicans make the rules — that is their definition of compromise. That is my definition of autocracy, and Jan. 6 was a demonstration of the length Republicans will go to if they do not get their own way.

This is not America. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions, including those who pretend to be leaders.

Elizabeth Veronica Weaver

Jeannette