We can think of two times in a 40-year-plus career in journalism that it was difficult to find words to express our feelings.

The first time was more than a decade ago, when we were called upon to write an editorial the day after the Independent-Reporter was gutted by fire.

The second time was this past week, after hoodlums stormed the nation’s Capitol and trashed the Democracy they claim to love.

We want to scream at the thugs and their masters who were responsible for the death and destruction. But that would do no good and, even worse, it would lower us to their level.

That does not mean we think decision makers should turn the other cheek. The rioters broke the law and they should pay the consequences. So should anyone who enabled them and that starts with President Trump. We don’t care if he only has five minutes left in the White House. For once in his life, Trump should be held accountable for his bad behavior.

The same is true for the country in general. It’s time for responsible citizens to do more than read the Declaration of Independence in grade school and then fail to live by the principles all of us should cherish in thought and action.

Those of us fortunate enough to have been born in the United States talk about living in the greatest nation in the world. That’s true to a point, at least until you study history and realize we have a past tarnished by slavery and other practices that don’t fit into our narrative of all men are created equal.

There is a difference between who we are and who we strive to be. We will always believe this country is capable of greatness, even in its darkest moments. That was true as Wednesday passed and more distressing photos and videos surfaced of the attack on the nation’s Capitol.

Our moment of light came as Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey was photographed after midnight helping to clean up the Capitol after the attempted coup. Congressman Kim said he saw the mess in the rotunda and felt moved to do something about it.

“I didn’t want to see it in that state;’ Kim said.

Our hope is a majority of Kansans — a majority of Americans — are willing to do the hard work needed to move us closer to democracy’s promise and away from the anger and hatred that threatens our country.