Editorial: Zeldin Wants To Forget About Jan 6th Events - Not So Fast

Congressman Lee Zeldin (CD1) wants a kumbaya moment. You know, the moment when you become a convert and wrap your arms around peace, harmony and justice for all.  Most residents in CD 1 want this too.  

Unfortunately for Mr. Zeldin and for voters it is not the time to put the events of January 6 behind us and it would be wrong to do so. There are too many questions about the events that transpired that day and many questions regarding how the behaviors of elected officials, including Lee Zeldin led to the rioting.

What transpired at the United States Capitol was an attempt to overturn the results of a fair and honest election - the will of the American public.  We know this because the Trump administration brought more than 60 legal challenges in six states in different courts before judges of different political affiliations, many of whom were appointed at Donald Trump’s request, and lost each time. These same challenges were the basis for Senator Cruz and Senator Hawley’s and Lee Zeldin’s attempt to thwart the legitimate election results.

We know this was a fair election, Republican Mitch McConell said so, as did Republican Senator Romney. On the floor of the senate Republican Senator and supporter of Donald Trump South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham said, “Pennsylvania. It went to the Second Circuit. So much for all the judges being in Trump’s pocket. They said, “No, you’re wrong.” I accept the Pennsylvania Second Circuit that Trump’s lawsuit wasn’t right. Georgia, they said the secretary of state took the law into his own hands. He changed the election laws unlawfully. A federal judge said no. I accept the federal judge, even though I don’t agree with it. Fraud. They said there’s 66,000 people in Georgia under 18 voted. How many people believe that? I asked, “Give me 10,” and had one. They said 8,000 felons in prison in Arizona voted. Give me 10. I got one. Does that say there’s … There’s problems in every election. I don’t buy this. Enough’s enough. We’ve got to end it.”

Department of Homeland Security’s former cyber security chief for the 2020 election Christopher Krebs, in a statement, urged Republicans to stop the attack on the election results. “They are also dangerous and only serve to confuse, scare, and ultimately undermine confidence in the election,” Krebs said. 

Lee Zeldin decided long ago that his political future was aligned with Donald Trump and Trump supporters. Defending Donald Trump against charges of racism in a 2016 CNN interview , Rep. Lee Zeldin “defended Donald Trump from charges that he’s racist for criticizing a judge because of his Mexican heritage by asserting that he could also argue that President Barack Obama “is a racist” because of his policies and rhetoric”.  In 2020 Zeldin served on President Trump’s impeachment defense team defending against abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges.

Zeldin, by objecting to the certification of the 2020 election results once again chose Trump over the constituents who called and used social media imploring him not to support Trump’s efforts to overthrow the election results. 

Newsday held nothing back in their editorial of January 7th “Responsibility also lies with the politicians and enablers who gave oxygen to the president and his mob. People like Sens. Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley with their presidential ambitions and phony principled Electoral College objections. Donald Trump Jr. threatened Republican lawmakers in an expletive-filled speech at the pre-assault rally Wednesday morning. Rudy Giuliani called for “trial by combat” at the same event. And Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin, like Cruz and Hawley, stoked the grievances and resentments of rioters with his backing of Electoral College objections despite having no evidence to support them. With the riot underway, Zeldin tweeted to the attackers to stop but that won’t remove the blemish of being part of the “Sedition Caucus.”

On January 7 Zeldin’s office released the following statement:

“We live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. We have big challenges at the moment, real disagreement over important issues, and a precarious future as a republic. 

“Following Congress’ certification of the Electoral College results, in 13 days, on January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of Delaware, will be sworn in as the next President of the United States, and Kamala D. Harris of California, will be sworn in as the next Vice President of the United States.

“For our nation to thrive, we need our economy growing, our national security strong, our freedoms defended, our Constitution protected, and so much more. 

“Moving forward, there will be continued debate and there will be disagreement, but out of that must be a healthy, guarded and even thriving republic. Right now, I am not going to dwell on any doubt, but to recommit to working towards a vigorous defense of lady liberty at all costs, and the pursuit of unity whenever possible.

“I just returned home from our nation’s Capitol after witnessing firsthand from inside the House chamber yesterday the best of America clash with some of the worst of it in a moment of my life I will never forget. 

“I love our country and I ask for your prayers tonight for each other, for any hope of unity, for your wisdom, for a peaceful transition of power, for President Trump and Vice President Pence, and for President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris.

“For this moment, let’s take one collective deep breath, recharge and renew our spirit for whatever lies ahead. We are all Americans first.”

Many in Zeldin’s district are appalled that they are unable to communicate with him, a problem that is ongoing, and has been exacerbated by the events of January 6th.  Currently, there is a petition being circulated by Democrats calling for his resignation.

Zeldin’s attempt to move beyond the reprehensible behavior he shares with Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley and others is self serving, childish and unacceptable.  Five people are dead because of bad decisions and their attempt to overturn the election results. 

The investigations must continue. Electeds who foolishly and willingly participated in this sham perpetrated against Americans must be held accountable. Coming together to address issues facing America is something we all want. Congressman Zeldin is offering crocodile tears.

Pat Biancaniello