The world has witnessed an extraordinary moment in the United States—an invasion of the Capitol, evacuation of members and staff, and the suspension of constitutional procedures by which we traditionally recognize the ascension of a new President to office. Wednesday, January 6 was a sad moment in the history of our nation!
But the US Congress reconvened on the same day, in a building littered with broken glass, and the leadership of both parties announced that the constitutional process would continue. Congress took up where it had left off, before rioters interrupted the proceedings, and persevered until 4:00 in the morning, certifying the election of our new President and Vice-President, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who will be inaugurated on January 20.
These events have affirmed—not diminished—the rule of law. Rule of law germinates in the legislative texts written by drafters. As those texts advance through the enactment process, often accompanied by amendments prepared by drafters to incorporate a growing consensus, the words take root in a national tradition that imbues them with the power of law.
What legislative drafters do in the ordinary course of business uplifts and sustains the rule of law. Drafters embody in statutes the representative will of the people, and the people in turn lend their collective support in moments of crisis, when those laws are threatened.
In Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 6, the rule of law prevailed. Rioters were removed; the legislative branch returned and discharged its constitutional duty.
Take heart, as we enter this new year of peril and promise, and best wishes to you all in 2021!
