I can't understand why everyone is so certain the Democrats will lose out in the mid-term election. If people are unhappy with what Biden has or has not accomplished, wouldn't they vote for Democrats to overcome the roadblocks erected by McConnell and his fellow Republicans, whose only priority appears to be to prevent Biden from doing anything. I have heard Mitch referred to locally as the Great Sphincter.
After the excesses of Fascism at the time of WWII and the extremisms generated by the Cold War, it is painful to fathom how an electorate could choose and elect an ignoble president and support his narcissistic, tyrannical rantings. I think we need to engage future generations in discussions of human behavior and the similarities and differences between individual and group behavior. This is already done in classroom discussions of bullying. The discussion can be expanded in an age appropriate way to teach and analyze history. Global citizenship. As a parent and a teacher, my experience convinces me that this process
requires about 20 years.
For now, we need to pressure our elected representatives to hold the insurrectionists, including Trump and his cronies, accountable.
Good against evil. There are those who will cling to Donald Trump's words and not believe anyone else. It is a sad time for America and democracy. Let's hope we keep our common sense in November.
Thank you for this article. I looked forward to watching this to hear from the committee themselves, the information they were discovering.
I am now a newly-retired teacher, and feel I can actually voice my opinions, political and personal, more freely now that I am out of the classroom. It was very difficult for me to hold my tongue throughout all of TFG’s presidency.
So that I can better understand “my family members’ opinions” to the whole political scene, I made sure to tape all of the FOX commentators that were “discussing” the hearings, even though they were not showing them “live” like the other 8 stations they disparaged in their comments as “brainwashing” the country. I taped ‘Tucker’ first and boy do I now understand the complete opposite thinking he touts on his program. He had 4 or 5 “guests” (it was after midnight and my brain was telling me to go to sleep) that he brought on as experts because he “doesn’t do panels” to help him put down the members of Congress that were participating in the hearings. He kept referring to Lindsey Graham’s comment (I assume) that the officers had guns, why didn’t they shoot?; he kept referring to the lies of how many police officers were killed “during” the riot, (especially Officer Sicknick), and how they Did Not die during the riot-the only person who was killed was Ashli Babbitt for doing nothing- no weapon or anything; how this is the Democrats way of trying to sway upcoming elections instead of taking care of what’s happening in the country right now- high gas prices, inflation, murders, etc.; and more.
It was definitely eye opening and gave me understanding of why the people who disbelieve the actual facts they can see with their own eyes, and believe the rhetoric that is put out by this particular commentator, is more “truthful” than what they could be witnessing with their own eyes.
I hope to be able to watch the next 3 shows I taped last night to hear more, for a better understanding of TFG’s followers.
His “followers” include many in my own family, which has driven a HUGE canyon of opinion between us.
As a teacher, I have always watched and read as many varying opinions, different TV channel broadcasts, etc., to be able to make my own opinion on issues. That is they way I have always been. I always looked at both sides of an issue before I made my mind up. That is what I tried to teach my students throughout this whole era of political difference. As I taught the Constitution, I could hear the input from the Far-Right coming from the mouths of Babes (5th-graders), and I could only give them the facts of the printed document and content I was teaching. They begged me to tell them who I voted for, and I declined, explaining why we have private voting and that in my position as a teacher, I was not there to talk about my opinions, but to teach them to find their own opinions. I discussed both sides of the Parties, with no opinion of either, as best as I could. Some would tell me which side I was on by my responses. I would respond with reasoning for the opposite. They left me, not knowing how I voted, nor what Party I leaned towards. I truly tried to give them “just the facts.”
I am looking forward to watching the remaining hearings. I want to be able to hear the facts for myself to understand what happened that day- the day I cried in my classroom as students watched what was going on in our nation’s Capitol Building. I tried to explain how this was not right, no matter which party you supported. This was NOT the way to do things. This was a vulgar day in our history.
Having just finished watching…I’m waiting for the adrenaline to leave my body and then I will probably sleep for 15 hours. Holy cow people. That was riveting. I wasn’t familiar with Senator Bennie Thompson, but he is a powerhouse in a Southern Mississippi accent and demeanor. I was teary by the time he finished relating the history of the oath of office. I’d known it, but hearing and seeing it embodied in the Senator’s words and life, just brought me to tears, touched me deep in my soul.
And then Senator Lynn Cheney. What can one say? She has put her political career on the line and she laid clear her utter disdain for her colleagues who still support the former guy on a number of occasions. She put them on notice. I have nothing but deep admiration for her, and was riveted by her rhetoric.
I almost can’t speak to the new video. By the time it finished, and the Chairman declared a 10 minute break, I realized I hadn’t taken a normal breath in I don’t know how long, and every muscle in my body was tensed up. Wow. And the videographer, speaking of his experience and how he managed to get embedded with the Proud Boys…what a professional and how grateful we must be for his professionalism.
And finally, the Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards, oh my goodness. In an interview prior to the hearing, she spoke about how she couldn’t watch videos about the insurrection unless there was no sound. She said the sound was what triggered her. And then, she had to watch what, 10-15 minutes of that awful video sitting there, before she testified? My heart just hurt for her. Yet she showed the same bravery as on that day, talking about how she fought, was injured and lost consciousness, got up and found a way behind lines to help triage and help as a medic. She described slipping in her fellow officers’ blood before going back to fight, and being injured again.
Heroism. New information from Bill Barr and Ivanka Trump. Outstanding oratory. A clear line towards who was in charge on 1/6 and who incited the mob. And who did nothing. Who would not allow V.P. Mike Pence to call for reinforcements. It was all riveting in a way I don’t remember the Nixon hearings being, but I don’t remember our democracy being on the line then, either. (caveat: I was also waaaay younger than I am now and less politically savvy so that probably makes a bit of difference, yes? 68 now, and more than Roe, Viet Nam under my brain’s understanding…)
Until next week, may this be the truth-telling, the hard honesty we all need the most to keep our Constitution and democracy safe.
My sister & I watched Jan 6, 2021 events unfold in real time on tv & was moved to write my feelings in verse. I don't profess to be a poet, it was my way of encouraging my own optimism in a dark time. I just wanted to share it as I watch the proceedings tonight.
‘I think that I shall never see...’ A lovelier Democracy...
Franklin breathed ‘if you can keep it’ And Evil spat ‘all’s ended; Quit!
Iroquois, Greeks, & Founders wept as came the mob (thank god inept!)
Whence came the bloody-minded, craven mob Which tried to stop the People’s job,
Wrapped in flags & braying ‘theft!’ and crying fascist tears, bereft?
Where had their leader led them (from behind?) but to Selfie ‘fame’, the ugliest kind.
They say they’re for Law & Order? Well, I cry hoax! How dare those looters make such ‘jokes’
while trampling cops & scaring workers, trashing Our House; those crude, foul shirkers...
Americans won’t stand aside for future tries of a wannabe tyrant’s calls to Axis’ rise.
And, be warned oath-breakers, we do not sleep. We voters know hate is, first, sown, then reaped.
Division and self-serving are your wares & traps, but we Patriots know of these snares and, perhaps,
like Seuss’s Grinch of old, those lied-to Red states can start to feel their shriveled hearts expand, once, twice, thrice, & deal
a blow to zealous anarchy which tries to crush our
Grand Capitol, with grander view, on yonder Hill, Housing elected few
Washington laid cornerstone Lincoln repaired iconic dome.
Both of them, though sorely troubled, Found strength of purpose but re-doubled.
And had those zealots burnt her down? They’d find Democracy not gone, but found!
Remember, ideals live not in brick or stone But exist eternal, in blood & bone.
People rule the land, not mobs & crooks,
and science still reigns, dear ignorant schnooks!
Lofty words but simple truth, Freedom rings despite uncouth
ravings of the pitchfork-waving crowd
of wanna-be rapists, crappers, & all those loud, proud
ignoramuses, chivvied by sharp-eyed, soulless charlatan hucksters, leaving one godawful mess.
So sadly, and, oh, so painfully, we are reminded, the Experiment is still in progress & Freedom’s promise threatened, but constant.
We’re up to the challenge but it takes real works. Liberty & Country need thinkers, not jerks.
Lastly, Dear Reader, please do not despair
for tests of faith make us stronger, clear rank air.
And, if a Grinch can learn the ways of Good, Who’s to say none others could?
My greatest fear, and it is shared by many Americans is that justice will not be served on Trump because of the fear of a violent backlash by well armed NRA supported members who have already threatened an armed insurrection. There is a sizeable segment of the evangelical extreme right that openly state that an Armageddon type violence is their goal, anticipated and welcomed and even called for in their interpretation of their bible. Steve Bannon's stated goal is the total remake of American and European political system. He welcomes anarchy. And that is the goal. Most politicians are dancing around hoping this will go away. That is what Chamberlain thought in Hitler's ascent. The Republicans must be confronted head on and with plainly spoken words and a massive turnout at the polls. So far there is no evidence that the Republican strategies are failing. Just look at how the killing of children has absolutely no affect on banning assault weapons. Is this how American democracy winds down? With the wringing of hands and thoughts and prayers? I hope not. But am no longer certain. Today the dance continues...with hearings on the jan 6 insurrection. And Fox will not even run it live. So half of America will not watch or even care. Shameful? Yes. Frightening? Absolutely. Remember all those who said Trump could never be elected? All those who said Putin would not invade Ukraine?
There's an old Peanuts cartoon with Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty sitting under a tree. Peppermint Patty says "Do all fairy tales begin with "once upon a time". Charlie Brown replies, "No, many of them begin, "If I were elected, I promise...".
I can’t wait to watch every minute like I always do. I’ve spent a fortune on the people I trust. If my husband knew he’d freak out. Not because he doesn’t like those people. He just doesn’t put his money where his mouth is!
The Jan 6 Select Committee hearing is REALLY for future voters (18-30 year olds), because they will make the real difference by voting out corrupt inept politicians or they will live under an America system of government totally unfamiliar to any current citizen.
We saw exactly what happened on Jan 6 on “live” real-time TV: a “concerted” coup attempt to overthrow the America democracy by an unqualified pseudo-political figure.
The Select Committee hearings are “the smoking gun” in this criminal event, with clearly compelling indictable evidence. Well-meaning citizens of conscience KNOW what happened. The real question for so many of US is what will happen to these traitorous criminals? If nothing or very little is done, then we will witness history repeat itself with unfathomable consequence for our Nation and the World.
Drumpf is TOTALLY unfit and unqualified to serve as a president. He should be arrested and tried immediately for sedition, treason, and action unbecoming of a commander, violating the Oath of office. He is a clear and present danger to our National wellbeing and continued existence as a democracy! #votethemout
I believe we have close to 70% of the population against Trump. The other 30% should find a new country. They are UnAmerican
I can't understand why everyone is so certain the Democrats will lose out in the mid-term election. If people are unhappy with what Biden has or has not accomplished, wouldn't they vote for Democrats to overcome the roadblocks erected by McConnell and his fellow Republicans, whose only priority appears to be to prevent Biden from doing anything. I have heard Mitch referred to locally as the Great Sphincter.
"Real consequences for those responsible," we shall see.
After the excesses of Fascism at the time of WWII and the extremisms generated by the Cold War, it is painful to fathom how an electorate could choose and elect an ignoble president and support his narcissistic, tyrannical rantings. I think we need to engage future generations in discussions of human behavior and the similarities and differences between individual and group behavior. This is already done in classroom discussions of bullying. The discussion can be expanded in an age appropriate way to teach and analyze history. Global citizenship. As a parent and a teacher, my experience convinces me that this process
requires about 20 years.
For now, we need to pressure our elected representatives to hold the insurrectionists, including Trump and his cronies, accountable.
Good against evil. There are those who will cling to Donald Trump's words and not believe anyone else. It is a sad time for America and democracy. Let's hope we keep our common sense in November.
Thank you for this article. I looked forward to watching this to hear from the committee themselves, the information they were discovering.
I am now a newly-retired teacher, and feel I can actually voice my opinions, political and personal, more freely now that I am out of the classroom. It was very difficult for me to hold my tongue throughout all of TFG’s presidency.
So that I can better understand “my family members’ opinions” to the whole political scene, I made sure to tape all of the FOX commentators that were “discussing” the hearings, even though they were not showing them “live” like the other 8 stations they disparaged in their comments as “brainwashing” the country. I taped ‘Tucker’ first and boy do I now understand the complete opposite thinking he touts on his program. He had 4 or 5 “guests” (it was after midnight and my brain was telling me to go to sleep) that he brought on as experts because he “doesn’t do panels” to help him put down the members of Congress that were participating in the hearings. He kept referring to Lindsey Graham’s comment (I assume) that the officers had guns, why didn’t they shoot?; he kept referring to the lies of how many police officers were killed “during” the riot, (especially Officer Sicknick), and how they Did Not die during the riot-the only person who was killed was Ashli Babbitt for doing nothing- no weapon or anything; how this is the Democrats way of trying to sway upcoming elections instead of taking care of what’s happening in the country right now- high gas prices, inflation, murders, etc.; and more.
It was definitely eye opening and gave me understanding of why the people who disbelieve the actual facts they can see with their own eyes, and believe the rhetoric that is put out by this particular commentator, is more “truthful” than what they could be witnessing with their own eyes.
I hope to be able to watch the next 3 shows I taped last night to hear more, for a better understanding of TFG’s followers.
His “followers” include many in my own family, which has driven a HUGE canyon of opinion between us.
As a teacher, I have always watched and read as many varying opinions, different TV channel broadcasts, etc., to be able to make my own opinion on issues. That is they way I have always been. I always looked at both sides of an issue before I made my mind up. That is what I tried to teach my students throughout this whole era of political difference. As I taught the Constitution, I could hear the input from the Far-Right coming from the mouths of Babes (5th-graders), and I could only give them the facts of the printed document and content I was teaching. They begged me to tell them who I voted for, and I declined, explaining why we have private voting and that in my position as a teacher, I was not there to talk about my opinions, but to teach them to find their own opinions. I discussed both sides of the Parties, with no opinion of either, as best as I could. Some would tell me which side I was on by my responses. I would respond with reasoning for the opposite. They left me, not knowing how I voted, nor what Party I leaned towards. I truly tried to give them “just the facts.”
I am looking forward to watching the remaining hearings. I want to be able to hear the facts for myself to understand what happened that day- the day I cried in my classroom as students watched what was going on in our nation’s Capitol Building. I tried to explain how this was not right, no matter which party you supported. This was NOT the way to do things. This was a vulgar day in our history.
Having just finished watching…I’m waiting for the adrenaline to leave my body and then I will probably sleep for 15 hours. Holy cow people. That was riveting. I wasn’t familiar with Senator Bennie Thompson, but he is a powerhouse in a Southern Mississippi accent and demeanor. I was teary by the time he finished relating the history of the oath of office. I’d known it, but hearing and seeing it embodied in the Senator’s words and life, just brought me to tears, touched me deep in my soul.
And then Senator Lynn Cheney. What can one say? She has put her political career on the line and she laid clear her utter disdain for her colleagues who still support the former guy on a number of occasions. She put them on notice. I have nothing but deep admiration for her, and was riveted by her rhetoric.
I almost can’t speak to the new video. By the time it finished, and the Chairman declared a 10 minute break, I realized I hadn’t taken a normal breath in I don’t know how long, and every muscle in my body was tensed up. Wow. And the videographer, speaking of his experience and how he managed to get embedded with the Proud Boys…what a professional and how grateful we must be for his professionalism.
And finally, the Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards, oh my goodness. In an interview prior to the hearing, she spoke about how she couldn’t watch videos about the insurrection unless there was no sound. She said the sound was what triggered her. And then, she had to watch what, 10-15 minutes of that awful video sitting there, before she testified? My heart just hurt for her. Yet she showed the same bravery as on that day, talking about how she fought, was injured and lost consciousness, got up and found a way behind lines to help triage and help as a medic. She described slipping in her fellow officers’ blood before going back to fight, and being injured again.
Heroism. New information from Bill Barr and Ivanka Trump. Outstanding oratory. A clear line towards who was in charge on 1/6 and who incited the mob. And who did nothing. Who would not allow V.P. Mike Pence to call for reinforcements. It was all riveting in a way I don’t remember the Nixon hearings being, but I don’t remember our democracy being on the line then, either. (caveat: I was also waaaay younger than I am now and less politically savvy so that probably makes a bit of difference, yes? 68 now, and more than Roe, Viet Nam under my brain’s understanding…)
Until next week, may this be the truth-telling, the hard honesty we all need the most to keep our Constitution and democracy safe.
My sister & I watched Jan 6, 2021 events unfold in real time on tv & was moved to write my feelings in verse. I don't profess to be a poet, it was my way of encouraging my own optimism in a dark time. I just wanted to share it as I watch the proceedings tonight.
‘I think that I shall never see...’ A lovelier Democracy...
Franklin breathed ‘if you can keep it’ And Evil spat ‘all’s ended; Quit!
Iroquois, Greeks, & Founders wept as came the mob (thank god inept!)
Whence came the bloody-minded, craven mob Which tried to stop the People’s job,
Wrapped in flags & braying ‘theft!’ and crying fascist tears, bereft?
Where had their leader led them (from behind?) but to Selfie ‘fame’, the ugliest kind.
They say they’re for Law & Order? Well, I cry hoax! How dare those looters make such ‘jokes’
while trampling cops & scaring workers, trashing Our House; those crude, foul shirkers...
Americans won’t stand aside for future tries of a wannabe tyrant’s calls to Axis’ rise.
And, be warned oath-breakers, we do not sleep. We voters know hate is, first, sown, then reaped.
Division and self-serving are your wares & traps, but we Patriots know of these snares and, perhaps,
like Seuss’s Grinch of old, those lied-to Red states can start to feel their shriveled hearts expand, once, twice, thrice, & deal
a blow to zealous anarchy which tries to crush our
Grand Capitol, with grander view, on yonder Hill, Housing elected few
Washington laid cornerstone Lincoln repaired iconic dome.
Both of them, though sorely troubled, Found strength of purpose but re-doubled.
And had those zealots burnt her down? They’d find Democracy not gone, but found!
Remember, ideals live not in brick or stone But exist eternal, in blood & bone.
People rule the land, not mobs & crooks,
and science still reigns, dear ignorant schnooks!
Lofty words but simple truth, Freedom rings despite uncouth
ravings of the pitchfork-waving crowd
of wanna-be rapists, crappers, & all those loud, proud
ignoramuses, chivvied by sharp-eyed, soulless charlatan hucksters, leaving one godawful mess.
So sadly, and, oh, so painfully, we are reminded, the Experiment is still in progress & Freedom’s promise threatened, but constant.
We’re up to the challenge but it takes real works. Liberty & Country need thinkers, not jerks.
Lastly, Dear Reader, please do not despair
for tests of faith make us stronger, clear rank air.
And, if a Grinch can learn the ways of Good, Who’s to say none others could?
I hope Merrick Garland will be watching. And if so, will it be enough to make DOJ take action? I’m sadly doubtful.
My greatest fear, and it is shared by many Americans is that justice will not be served on Trump because of the fear of a violent backlash by well armed NRA supported members who have already threatened an armed insurrection. There is a sizeable segment of the evangelical extreme right that openly state that an Armageddon type violence is their goal, anticipated and welcomed and even called for in their interpretation of their bible. Steve Bannon's stated goal is the total remake of American and European political system. He welcomes anarchy. And that is the goal. Most politicians are dancing around hoping this will go away. That is what Chamberlain thought in Hitler's ascent. The Republicans must be confronted head on and with plainly spoken words and a massive turnout at the polls. So far there is no evidence that the Republican strategies are failing. Just look at how the killing of children has absolutely no affect on banning assault weapons. Is this how American democracy winds down? With the wringing of hands and thoughts and prayers? I hope not. But am no longer certain. Today the dance continues...with hearings on the jan 6 insurrection. And Fox will not even run it live. So half of America will not watch or even care. Shameful? Yes. Frightening? Absolutely. Remember all those who said Trump could never be elected? All those who said Putin would not invade Ukraine?
There's an old Peanuts cartoon with Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty sitting under a tree. Peppermint Patty says "Do all fairy tales begin with "once upon a time". Charlie Brown replies, "No, many of them begin, "If I were elected, I promise...".
About the Statue of Freedom.
“The crowning feature of the Dome of the U.S. Capitol stands 19 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds.”
https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/statue-freedom
I can’t wait to watch every minute like I always do. I’ve spent a fortune on the people I trust. If my husband knew he’d freak out. Not because he doesn’t like those people. He just doesn’t put his money where his mouth is!
The Jan 6 Select Committee hearing is REALLY for future voters (18-30 year olds), because they will make the real difference by voting out corrupt inept politicians or they will live under an America system of government totally unfamiliar to any current citizen.
We saw exactly what happened on Jan 6 on “live” real-time TV: a “concerted” coup attempt to overthrow the America democracy by an unqualified pseudo-political figure.
The Select Committee hearings are “the smoking gun” in this criminal event, with clearly compelling indictable evidence. Well-meaning citizens of conscience KNOW what happened. The real question for so many of US is what will happen to these traitorous criminals? If nothing or very little is done, then we will witness history repeat itself with unfathomable consequence for our Nation and the World.
Drumpf is TOTALLY unfit and unqualified to serve as a president. He should be arrested and tried immediately for sedition, treason, and action unbecoming of a commander, violating the Oath of office. He is a clear and present danger to our National wellbeing and continued existence as a democracy! #votethemout
“Stories are quintessentially human.”
Indeed, I can’t help but wonder if there can be any measure of humanity without them.
Of course, those who are afraid to know the truth about January 6, especially the Trump cult members, will not watch.