On the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, former President Jimmy Carter wrote an op-ed in The New York Times warning of the dangers of misinformation and the political divide.
The 39th president, who is now 97-years-old, said he hoped the riot would make the nation more aware of the dangers of the "toxic polarization" that threatens our democracy.
He said Americans should demand that political leaders uphold the ideals of freedom and adhere to high standards of conduct.
1. Political differences should not be used to undermine the constitution and fairness.
Better election security and reform is needed.
There are ways to re-unify the political divide.
Creating or amending existing laws can be used to eliminate violence from politics.
Social media should be used to spread accurate information.
The January 6, 2021, riots ended with five people dying and hundreds more injured.
More than 700 people have been charged in relation to the riot. The US House of Representatives has formed a bipartisan committee to investigate the Capitol insurrection, which includes subpoenaing lawmakers, media personalities, and former President Donald Trump's associates.
Carter said that the nation was on the verge of a widening chasm.
We are at real risk of civil conflict and losing our democracy if we don't act immediately. He said that Americans must work together before it's too late.
