The answer is that principles matter. You fight & die for principles, not a flag. You don't fight for a flag that stands for nothing, or stands for evil.

Yes that's important. But your principles have to address complex ethical questions such as the situation we have before us. If there were violent J6ers then should they be punished right away or should the punishment be deferred until we have equal enforcement under the law? Should they be pardoned due to their victim status? The pardon is also a legitimate legal instrument. Is it really fair, based on principles, for them to be tried by a DC jury? Is that really a jury of their peers?

Given the behavior of the justice system, which violated several constitutional rights, should any of the convictions handed down be considered legitimate?

What do your principles allow you to do to combat unequal enforcement of the law? Will you withhold services from progressive areas to coerce them? Will you pursue indictments against Democrats even if the evidence is less than ironclad?

This is not the time for a pat answer like "do the crime, do the time." Especially when J6ers have received 18 years in prison for trespassing.