An alert from the FBI puts to bed the hope that QAnon might be fading, as some analysts had optimistically suggested. The conspiracy theory did lose some adherents, who disengaged when predictions failed to materialize and content was removed from social media sites. But others remain frustrated and angry, and officials warn they could be compelled to take matters into their own hands by "engaging in real-world violence—including harming perceived members of the 'cabal,' such as Democrats and other political opposition." It's probably fair to say that most of us didn't anticipate the rise and exponential growth of such a group just a few short years ago. Its endurance is attributable to the power of technology, a loss of faith in institutions, and other factors. But at the end of the day, one person could help quell at least some of the danger that QAnon and other extremist groups pose to the country. The fact that a former president would choose not to defuse but to exacerbate these threats—or that we're in this sorry position at all—is beyond appalling. Looking for sanity? Please join with other Americans next week for a national town hall on renewing America and restoring principles, mutual respect, and common sense. The challenges we face are great, but there is hope. —Melissa Amour, Managing Editor
Michael Gerson is a columnist at The Washington Post who formerly served as a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and as the chief speechwriter for former President George W. Bush.
The GOP members of Congress who are so eager to introduce unpassable bills to "Fire Fauci" should instead devote their energies into looking into why more than 80 million Americans voted to "Fire Trump." —Jim V., New York
The views expressed in "What's Your Take?" are submitted by readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff or the Stand Up Republic Foundation.
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