On the Storming of The Hill
unworthy of our republic
We are a nation of laws. That is, at the core, what we are. What we saw today was what happens when the Chief Executive actively incites a mob against the government he leads. None of this is American, in the American tradition, or can be defended by well meaning people. Full stop.
There will be more to follow that will lay out what happened today, but we had an unprecedented attack on the Legislative Branch by a mob incited by the Chief Executive, The President of the United States.
I’m really not interested in shades of grey or whataboutisms, there are no shades. Lucky for us, the balance of the American people are sound and the founders set a very solid set of checks and balances in place that will get us to through the next two weeks until we have a new President.
I feel no need to do a play by play; I’ve been up since 4am and am about spent (apologies for grammar etc, I am bone tired). Everyone should know the details; Trump whipped up the fringe of his supporters who he lost control of - I actually don’t think he knew or cared the power of his words in the wrong ears could do - and then when it was clear what was going on, he spoke late, he spoke off topic, he spoke weakly, he spoke in a manner that only validated his worst critics.
A woman, Ashli Babbit, was shot and killed because of it.
Trump betrayed his country, his followers, and the institution that he will soon leave. He also left absolutely no reason for any reasonable person to offer him any support in the future. I know some of you here are Trump people. This isn’t your fault ... but here on out, your efforts are better spent elsewhere.
As I have said here and elsewhere, mostly to people who were anti-Trump and checked out, if you are angry at what is happening at the federal level, focus on the local and state political action.
If you are not happy with how some states ran this election - and you live in one of those states - then fix your state. I live in Florida. After 2000, we fixed ourselves. We have not been an issue in any election since - and except for the perpetually conspiracy minded, citizens here have confidence in our system. Some of your states have garbage systems - fix them so no one can use it as a reason to incite people as was done in this election.
Bad people will take legitimate issues and use them as a way to get good people to follow them down a dark path.
That is enough of my tired mind, but I’ve been out of pocket this week and with this event felt I should drop my readers a note.
A better summary of what happened today is below; a statement by the 43rd President of the United States of America, George W. Bush.
I stand with him.
Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nation's government in disbelief and dismay. It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic -- not our democratic republic.
I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol -- and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress -- was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.
Insurrection could do grave damage to our Nation and reputation. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law. To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety.
May God continue to bless the United States of America.
I'm sorry that Ashlii Babbit died today. I'm sorrier that after serving honorably, she chose to be led down an angry and self destructive trail, buoyed by social media likes and hearts that led to her death. You're right. We need to focus locally and be rid of the malcontents both far right and far left, who seek only to disrupt and not engage to build our communities into more fair, just, educated and healthy places. But divisions run deep, especially where I live. Today, I received a call from a newly elected city council member. We talked with great enthusiasm about how our smallish city could use the Mayoral office for daily comms during this pandemic to talk about facts by looping in public health officials, first responders, and economic advisers to give clarity about what's being done, and to discuss the impact this year 2 of lockdowns is having on our citizens. He nor I are on the same side of anything, yet we agree that there needs to be a voice of reason that's beyond politics and works for problem solving for the common good. Then, I checked up on my elderly, very left wing neighbor who is in her '70's. She was instantly cynical, saying that we'd never see results from any of this, that polemics would rule over everything. And I just thought.... somewhere her hope got worn down. And that's what we all have to work against. Being so worn down, we stop working toward and with one another, but see some common ground we can agree on.
Really well put.