Part of the problem with your position is that we've never had a similar situation in our history. The riot was an explicit effort to disrupt the peaceful transition of power, which is our single most unique and sacred tradition. Human nature is not to give up power willingly, and we pulled it off for 240 years. Not even the civil war attempted to depose Lincoln, the southern states simply attempted to dissolve the union, which while obviously serious, is a different deal.
I'm comfortable with anyone who was charged unfairly, either pled guilty or was convicted in trial and who was then sentenced outside the sentencing guidelines appealing for a pardon. If Trump pardons anyone who was convicted of a violent felony, one would hope that it will come with an explanation for why, but all bets are off with the new administration.
The "just following orders" defense is not relevant. These people were not in the military, and even in the military you are not required to follow unlawful orders. Of course, thanks to SCOTUS, what in the future constitutes an unlawful order from Trump or what the implications are for anyone following said unlawful order is unclear at best. To call that problematic is an understatement.
One correction. The 'American people" didn't decide that J6 didn't matter. 49.8% of those who voted, or 1.6% more than those who voted for Harris, decided it didn't matter enough to prevent their vote. That was certainly enough to win Trump the election, but let's not pretend that half the country doesn't continue to have huge issues with Trump, who he is and what he represents.
Trump hasn't taken office yet and I think some of his supporters are already finding out they may not get what they thought they were getting when they voted for him. No question it's going to be a hell of a wild ride. Buckle up. We can look forward to Trump continuing to take on tough issues like renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.
