By Christopher M. Peeks February 12, 2024
In a recent telephone interview with former Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks, I asked the congressman his thoughts on President Donald Trump's broad Executive Order that pardoned those involved on January 6. I hoped to gain insights from Mr. Brooks, who spoke to the crowd. The former Congressman, unfairly vilified for his alleged role, who told me in a previous interview about the anger he felt when he later witnessed the crowd storming the Capitol, had this to say.
"It is anti-law enforcement and law and order to pardon those (as Vance argued) who violently attacked police officers.
"I'm fine with pardoning all others who were peaceful protestors (albeit trespassers or very vocal in their views)."
Trump's "Fuck it! Release them all!" comment reflects Trump's inability to follow public policy arguments and ramifications, and understand distinctions between varying kinds of conduct. In effect, Trump adopted the Democrats' "Let it burn" positions of 2020 when they declined to forcefully prosecute BLM arsonists and rioters who damaged so much of some cities. It is bad policy to base prosecution decisions on whether the criminals are "our people" or "their people." But Trump lacks the patience and intellect to understand that.
Congressman Brooks served in the United States House of Representatives from 2011-2023, serving the people of Alabama's fifth Congressional District.
Christopher M. Peeks
Reporter and Columnist
Alabama Political Contributor
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