For Immediate Release—January 8, 2021
Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America
Contact: John Cook (Communications Coordinator)
Phone: 785-656-1444
Email: dsamadison@gmail.com
MADISON DSA CARAVAN AND RALLY AGAINST FASCISM ON JANUARY 9TH, 2021
In response to the right-wing coup attempt on January 6, 2021, Madison DSA demands Senator Ron Johnson immediately step down from office.
Madison, WI – Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America (Madison DSA) is hosting a car caravan from the Capitol Square to Senator Johnson’s Madison office at noon on Saturday, January 9, 2021. At Senator Johnson’s office, there will be a socially distanced rally with speakers from several Madison organizations.
On January 6, 2021, the nation watched in horror as an emboldened group of right-wing extremists overran the U.S. Capitol, attempting to prevent the certification of electoral college votes. These fascists went completely unimpeded by the police, and were encouraged by President Trump and several Republican Senators and Representatives, including Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson. Madison DSA absolutely rejects and denounces these actions, and demands the immediate resignation of Senator Johnson.
Senator Johnson joined a chorus of Republican elected officials in repeating and amplifying false claims of “voter fraud and irregularities” in the 2020 election. He went so far as to sign onto a January 2, 2021, joint statement in which he declared his intent “to vote on January 6 to reject the electors from disputed states.” That he chose not to go through with this vote after it became politically inconvenient is not a credit to Johnson, but an abdication of responsibility for the fascistic violence which he helped foment. Senator Johnson’s endorsement of this right-wing attempt to cast doubt on the election heightened the fervor and violent rage of Trump supporters and directly led to the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Senator Johnson’s actions have been entirely unacceptable and undemocratic. Madison DSA demands his immediate resignation. We call on other organizations and community members to join us on Saturday, January 9 to make it clear that Wisconsin will not stand by as our elected officials endorse conspiracy, seed sedition, and embolden fascsim.
###