To the Editor:
This letter will be published on the first anniversary of the riots, formulated by the Republican Party, that came very close to wrecking our republic as well as our quality of political life. The Albany County Republican Party sponsored a bus full of supporters who were seeking to have the presidential election results overturned.

The Republican county chairman, Randy Bashwinger, along with the local Republican County legislators, Mr. Mark Grimm and Mr. Jeff Perlee, have said nothing to condemn what happened on Jan. 6 in our nation’s capital. Instead, they have taken the position that Jan. 6 was much to do about nothing. We need to do better than this.

Republican activity has concentrated on gerrymandering districts, both state and national. Republican activity has focused on reducing the availability of polling places for people of color. There has been absolutely no known activity by local, state, and national Republicans condemning QAnon, Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and others of their ilk. Why is this?

Republicans are working hard to avoid being labeled as a RINOs (Republican In Name Only). They are content to be one of the base — a base which, by their illegal conduct on Jan. 6, 2021 was content to overthrow the presidential election.

What an awful  legacy to accept. Let’s call Republicans what they are by their failure to condemn Jan. 6. They are really AINOs (Americans in Name Only).

How else can they explain what is happening in their party? Republicans, you need to stand up and repudiate the activity sponsored by your party. Anything less is a dereliction of political duty on your part.

John B. Haluska

Guilderland