Sedition in the house?

As the source of local news and informed journalism, your newspaper bears responsibility to inform your readers of significant events. The free press is protected by the U.S. Constitution. Our democracy was founded on the idea of informed voters.

There is currently an effort to undermine our government and deny selected voters their voice. The president has spread theories of voter fraud (debunked by every state government and his own attorney general) and refused to accept certified election results. His rhetoric has incited violent, extremist actions in his followers across the nation and now, here in Spokane.

The act of inciting revolt or violence against the government with the goal of destroying or overthrowing it is sedition - a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. These statements and acts should not be taken lightly, or dismissed as free speech. There is a legal difference between protected free speech and seditious activities.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers has signed on - with 105 other Republican members of the House - to an attempt to override the will of the voters, as confirmed by the secretaries of state of all 50 states. Acknowledging the president’s right to challenge the election results is one thing. Standing in solidarity as he tries to use the courts to overturn the election is a significant step toward sedition.

As a Vietnam veteran, I hope the voters in eastern Washington take note of Ms. McMorris Rodgers’ unpatriotic activity and vote to remove her at the earliest opportunity.

Rick Young

Liberty Lake