Sanctity of Buildings

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Desecrated. 6 January, 2021. In 2024, Americans will vote to protect the Capitol building.

It is just a building. The walls, doors and windows are of no value. It is what happens inside that gives it credibility or discredits it. The value of houses in a neighbourhood is cut in half when liquor stores open 24 hours, and massage parlors and gambling dens move in. What do they say in real estate? Location, location, location.

Some buildings are so important, they are enveloped by sanctity. The Capitol Building in Washington D.C. in America is full of it. Why? Because of what happens inside. Congressmen and women meet there to make laws for America. I’m using sanctity reluctantly though because it is usually found in pastors' sermons, and places of worship are not on the menu today. Christians wear their best clothes when they go to church, and that includes best shoes. That is why people say: “I was in my Sunday best.”

Not in temples and mosques. You take off your shoes as a sign of respect. Before terrorism engulfed the world and America in particular, most government buildings like the Capitol did not have million-dollar security systems like today. Why? Because of sanctity. What takes place inside is for citizens’ good and they in return never thought of harming them in any way, until 6 January 2021, when Trump supporters waged war on a building that houses America’s past, present and future.

The world was shocked, but I can imagine the fear and disbelief when congressmen and women hid under desks and sent texts to their families about the attack. It was worse for Capitol Police, the first line of the encounter with the insurrection.

Before 6 January, Democrats and Republicans agreed on the Capitol’s sanctity. In fact, it was never discussed. It was common knowledge like Fourth of July. Not anymore. The Republican Party has taken a conscious decision to revoke the Capitol’s sanctity, by making Donald Trump the 2024 presidential nominee.

That will be the question in November. Do you believe in the sanctity of the Capitol and the work done inside, on behalf of the American people?

Nonqaba waka Msimang

Executive Blogger

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