Millennial Action Project Founder and CEO Steven Olikara Statement on Violent Insurrection of January 6, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 7, 2021

PRESS CONTACT:

Stacy Lewis

[email protected]

WASHINGTON — Millennial Action Project Founder and CEO Steven Olikara released the following statement regarding the violent insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol yesterday:

“January 6, 2021 will go down as a turning point for our democracy, either towards renewal or destruction. I pray it will be the former, but we will all have to work harder for it. 

“The violent breach of the U.S. Capitol—only the second in its history—has provided us a window into one possible, destructive future. It is a future in which the American people have lost their faith in our elections, institutions, and leaders, and the longest-burning light of democracy extinguishes. That future is the inevitable conclusion of a political industry run on perpetual hate and incendiary rhetoric.  

“This moment should move us to take a step back and ask: how do we want our voices to be heard in this democracy? That choice is not between Democrat, Republican, or Independent. It’s a choice between absolutism or pluralism. Death or dialogue. Radical hatred or radical love.  

“If we are to be one country, thriving as a democratic republic, we must have the courage to have conversations. We must have leaders driven by a desire to serve and make a difference, not simply to make a headline and gain power. Our leaders should strive to appeal to our better angels, not to our darkest impulses. 

“We are at the breaking point. We must recommit ourselves to love, not just when it’s easy, but when it’s hard. As Dr. King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

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