Minnesota Democrats have a very poor track record condemning political violence, with the exception of selective outrage when it supports their implicit bias and agenda. A perfect example occurred at the start of the 2021 session following a summer of far-left radicals burning down Minneapolis, when I was still serving in the MN House, and the Democrat controlled House brought a resolution to the floor regarding January 6th.
HOUSE RESOLUTION No. 1
A House resolution condemning violence and violent rhetoric directed at our United States Capitol and state capitols, and affirming support for democracy, rule of law, and the certified results of Minnesota's election and the elections of the other states.
Whereas, on January 6, 2021, an armed mob breached the United States Capitol, endangering the safety of Members of Congress, law enforcement, and staff; and
Whereas, the mob damaged property in the United States Capitol and forced Members of Congress to evacuate, many wearing gas masks; and
Whereas, Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick was killed; and
Whereas, members of the mob breached and attempted to breach the chambers of the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives, minutes after Members of Congress evacuated; and
Whereas, pursuant to the 12th Amendment to the United States Constitution, the United States Congress was gathering in joint session to certify the Electoral College results; and
Whereas, the Electoral College has cast 306 electoral votes for Joe Biden to 232 electoral votes for President Donald Trump; and
Whereas, the electoral ballots had to be physically carried out of the chamber to prevent them from being damaged by the mob; and
Whereas, Minnesota's electoral votes had not yet been certified when Congress was forced to flee; and
Whereas, public officials around the nation have made troubling statements that led to Americans questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election; and
Whereas, efforts to thwart the will of Minnesota voters are undemocratic; and
Whereas, attempts to block certification of Minnesota's election results have been rejected by the courts; and
Whereas, precautionary measures were required for the Minnesota State Capitol, including mobilizing law enforcement; Now, Therefore,
Be It Resolved, by the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota that it unequivocally condemns violence directed at the United States Capitol and at state capitols.
Be It Further Resolved, that those who participated in the criminal destruction of property and assaults on our law enforcement officials at the United States Capitol should be arrested and prosecuted.
Be It Further Resolved, that the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota stands behind the will of Minnesota voters and supports the full certification of its electoral college votes by the United States Congress.
Be It Further Resolved, that the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota condemns attacks on our democracy.
Be It Further Resolved, that the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota reaffirms our commitment to democracy, free and fair elections, and the rule of law.
All Republicans in the House were willing to condemn those who broke the law on January 6th, however, there were several individuals, including myself, who were unwilling to participate in this politically motivated resolution considering that Democrats had refused to stop or even condemn the violence of the Black Lives Matter riots that previous year. Rep. Drazkowski (now Senator), then offered an alternative resolution that would give all members the opportunity to condemn ALL political violence regardless of who is the instigator, and asserting support for the lawful and peaceful practice of the first amendment. His version of the resolution was ruled out of order by Democrat leadership to prevent their members from having to vote on record against it.
"Whereas, we, the members of the Minnesota House of Representatives, unequivocally condemn the violence that happened at the United States Capitol in Washington DC on January 6. We urge a thorough investigation and that the perpetrators be arrested, tried, and punished under all applicable laws; and
Whereas, we also condemn the violent incursion into the Congressional chambers to prevent the certification of the electoral college and the presidential election; and
Whereas, we resolve to unify the divisiveness across the state and country; and
Whereas, we resolve to heal the political divide within the state of Minnesota and work towards a brighter and better future for all Minnesotans of all backgrounds, races, and countries of origin; and
Whereas, we denounce all discrimination and recognize that the path to a better Minnesota is founded in tolerance of not only the physical appearance of others but the differing of opinions and approaches on fixing challenging problems ahead of us; and
Whereas, we condemn the burning down of private businesses in May of 2020 in Minneapolis that had a disparate impact on minority-owned small business owners struggling to survive Governor Walz's economic lockdown; and
Whereas, we condemn the violent rhetoric in front of a police officer's home in Hugo, Minnesota last summer and the beating of an effigy of a police officer's wife in front of children; and
Whereas, our election laws were subverted by the action of the courts in direct contradiction of our constitution and our statutes, and we resolve to ensure election security and integrity so that our laws are respected and citizens' rights upheld; and
Whereas, in our struggle for independence, the ordinary citizen's ability to speak freely to air grievances against the current Government was the impetus for support among the people; and
Whereas, we regard as dark and mistaken times in our Republic, the many occasions the courts have jailed members of the media for speech unflattering to the Government and imprisoned citizens due to race or creed without trial; Now, Therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota condemns any action that interferes with anyone's ability to speak against their Government and condemns any attempt to use violence as a political weapon."
The Democrat playbook calls for swift condemnation of political violence from the right, while either remaining silent or supporting/justifying political violence from the left. In the minds of Minnesota Democrat leadership, political violence occurring many states away and quickly contained by law enforcement is more important than the weeks of violence in Democrat-run cities permitted to continue in their own back yard.
