The lesson from Reconstruction is that so many of our problems began in 1865 and 1866. Those who had lost and committed seditious, anti-democratic acts were allowed to go on without requiring meaningful penance. Thus, the seeds of the Lost Cause mythology were planted.

We can't repeat that mistake. There must be an affirmation of American democracy, a ratification of free and fair elections. The only way forward is to take Trumpism's anti-democratic impulses and destroy it root and branch. There will be no healing without a political reckoning.

This is precisely what constitutional tools like impeachment are for contrary to some law professors' assertions. If we do not use them and we fail to learn from history, the American project will irreparably suffer.