I don’t usually think it’s appropriate to comment on events in Washington, but I feel compelled to address the events at the Capitol on Wednesday. I like to consider myself a rational and measured thinker, but Wednesday’s attack in Washington horrified me. I truly believe January 6^th will go down as a dark day in America’s history no matter where one might stand politically.

This is no longer an issue about which party’s policies are right or wrong – including the very emotional issues of things like racism or abortion. This is an existential issue for our country when the very foundation of what makes us who we are is under attack.

I commend the statements from many leaders in the insurance industry condemning the events of this week.  A number of these executives said in a letter that attempts to delay the certification of the electoral vote, which finally took place early Thursday after the Capitol was cleared of protestors, were “counter to the essential tenets of our democracy.” Among those signing the letter were: Brian Duperreault, CEO of American International Group Inc.; Dan Glaser, president and CEO of Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc.; Philip Ryan, chairman of Swiss Re Americas; and Alan Schnitzer of Travelers.

The statement continued, “Our duly elected leaders deserve the respect and bipartisan support of all Americans at a moment when we are dealing with the worst health and economic crises in modern history. There should be no further delay in the orderly transfer of power.”  The fact that we are even worried about the orderly transfer of power should boil the blood of every American.

I worked on Capitol Hill for three years and was awed and inspired every day I would walk into that building – a symbol of freedom and democracy that Americans and other nations looked up to.  To say I am angry is an understatement. I support and commend Vice President Mike Pence’s remarks after Wednesday’s riot: “To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win,” he said. “Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people’s house.”

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Rich Smith,
VCIA President