The events of January 6 were an advertisement of threats:

Of rising militant violence
Of people spurning democracy
Of rising extremism in the Republican Party
Of racism in law enforcement (what would have happened if the rioters were Black?)
And more... https://twitter.com/jasonintrator/status/1354552061392801793

The response to the events will expose:

Who is—& isn’t—willing to put nation over party
Who will—or won’t—defend democratic order
The threats facing the nation now & in the immediate future
The influence of racist bias on judicial rulings
The status of the rule of law

Moments of instability can be opportunities for improvement & reform & redefinition.

They can be a chance to better support democratic ideals.

To reach for something better & more inclusive.

Easy to forget but important to remember: There can be hope alongside instability.