Our view: Primary goal is to get to the truth of Jan. 6 – Journal Inquirer

The congressional inquiry into the Jan. 6 invasion of our capital is getting little or no cooperation from Republican lawmakers. That in itself is unfortunate as violence against our elected officials cannot and should not be tolerated.

Over 100 witnesses have taken the Fifth Amendment in refusing to answer questions which they have every right to do. Of course, former President Donald Trump has claimed there is an inference of guilt to those who plead the Fifth but surely, he exempts those of his followers who are possibly doing so to protect him. To our former president consistency is the hob-nob of virtue.

The investigating committee should consider offering immunity from prosecution to those pleading the Fifth which forces them to answer questions or be prosecuted. After all, Trump has openly said he will pardon them anyway so they would be absolved from fear of jail time i.e., if they testify in Trumps favor.

But by an offer of immunity, the investigators can force open that Pandoras box of silence and find out the truth. Of course, a witness operating under such a waiver must be truthful, as the offer is valid only if a witness tells the truth. Admittedly that by itself may become a problem for some of the more involved witnesses but that is their problem. The committee should act accordingly as its primary purpose is to obtain information not necessarily to jail perpetrators, which is the job of the Department of Justice.

Follow this link:
Our view: Primary goal is to get to the truth of Jan. 6 - Journal Inquirer