There’s an old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover,” which is an idiom coined during the Second World War. Simplistic enough, but it carries great weight even today. 

It has been one year since the events unfolded at our nation’s Capitol. Actions, to say the least, that would have never entered my mind. I am a firm believer of our states’ and federal constitutions, and with them come a lot of secured freedoms and personal responsibility for enjoying those. 

What separates our country from the rest of the nations is the “rule of law.” We are ALL afforded the opportunity for freedom of expression and redress of our grievances to the government. But, when any individual that is peacefully assembled with others, steps away from the group to pick up a rock, a stick, a stone, or any other instrument to assault, maim, destroy or inflict injury to property or person,-that has now become a riot. 

A lot of good, well-meaning organizations become hijacked by overzealous individuals participating in an activity that becomes out of control. I am currently not a dues paying member to the Oath Keepers, or have been for several years.  And I do not condone any of the actions of seditious activity of any of the individuals that were part of the events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol in January 2021. As we have seen all-too- well over the past couple of years, individuals of high-profile organizations degrade the overall reputation of its members. As with anything in life we say or do, it should be how we would like to have others treat ourselves.

Rep. Mike Clampitt

Bryson City