Four years ago today there was an armed assault on the US Capitol as insurrectionists, spurred on by a failed political candidate, tried to overthrow the government. People died in the attack.

In the aftermath, more than 1,500 people were criminally charged for their actions on that day, including the politician who incited the insurrection. As the cases wound their way through the legal system, many were jailed for their crimes.

It was a low point in American democracy. But perhaps not surprising in a nation rooted in rebellion.

Times have changed in the past four years though, and I wonder how history will view the violence of that day. Will it remain as an attempt to overthrow the government, or will it become the 21st century version of the Boston Tea Party?

In two weeks that failed presidential candidate will once more be president. He has promised to pardon those charged and convicted of the attack on the Capitol. He thinks there were patriots trying to prevent the certification of fraudulent election results.

It is a cliche to suggest that history is written by the winners, but there is a certain amount of truth to that. Right now the winners are those who tried to overthrown the American government four years ago. If their party continues its success, winning the presidency in 2028 and 2032 (which looks very likely from here) that will give them long enough to engrave their narrative into the American psyche.

After all, political messaging is rarely about truth. Tell a lie often enough, and shout loudly enough, and people will start believing you. I wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen with the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Indeed, it has already started.

How do we stop the rewriting of history? Is it possible? In this age of information overkill. I do wonder.