A school teacher from Pennsylvania was on Smerconish this morning on CNN. He’s been suspended by his school for being at the Washington Monument on January 6. He took part in no rioting or destruction.

So What Should Happen?

To me, the teacher was simply exercising his First Amendment right. He joined hundreds of people protesting the outcome of the election. He was wearing his MAGA hat. I don’t agree with him. But I definitely agree he had the right to be there and peacefully protest.

70 Percent

Some 70 percent of those who responded to Michael Smerconish’s online poll said the teacher should not have been suspended. They agreed he was simply exercising his right to free speech.

800 Entered the Capitol

Some 800 people, authorities believe, stormed into the Capitol building. But what about those who were just carried along in the crowd and caused no damage or harm? Should they be prosecuted? I think that’s a shaky line. To me, the authorities should carefully examine every bit of footage they can find. Those who did no damage can be perhaps ticketed for unlawful entry.

Those Who Threatened or Damaged

However, for anyone who threatened life, injured life, damaged contents, ransacked offices, scattered papers, absconded with furniture or papers–those terrorists deserve rigorous prosecution.

Fine Line

There’s a fine line perhaps in some of the cases. But I hope those involved err on the side of prosecution. In other words, let’s make it clear that peaceful protest is fine and protected speech. But once the line of lawlessness is crossed, prosecution will be swift and sure.

January 6

January 6 cannot be forgotten or easily forgiven. Six people lost their lives, including a Capitol police officer who committed suicide in the aftermath. The Capitol–the people’s legislature–was desecrated. The terrorists must pay for their actions. But peaceful protestors need not pay.