In the US, the January 6 Committee published transcripts of those who repeatedly pled, during Committee interviews, The Fifth Amendment.

• Roger Stone was asked “What he thought of coups taking over the government?”  He pled The Fifth.
• Michael Flynn was asked whether he believes in the peaceful transfer of power.  He pled The Fifth.
• Others (Trumpeters interviewed by the Jan. 6 Committee) were asked whether they respected the rule of law.  They pled The Fifth.

In Canada, some leaders in the January Occupation Convoy advocated replacing the Prime Minister and Parliament, with the (unelected) Governor-General and Senate – and themselves.

There are some in society, with influence and power, who do not believe in the principles of democracy. 

How do we best defend democracy?

• By being aware of national issues.
• By participating in public debate.
• By voting.

This last – voting – is not enough without an opinion – ideally well-considered – of what is being voted for or against.  Accepting society ‘as it is’ invites democratic entropy.  There is always a path forward. 

Democracies die of desuetude.