I'm sure that a big part of that timidity is the knowledge that their houses would be firebombed and their children abducted and murdered. No question.

But we can't abandon our principles out of fear of what the Republicans might do next time they gain power, because they will do it whether or not they have hurts to avenge. We need to get them out of power and keep them out of power.

Participation in the insurrection is documented enough to put a substantial portion of the Republican congress into prison or tied up legally trying to stay out of prison. And next time their base tries something the cops don't pull punches anymore.

And don't worry about starting a civil war. It's already started.