Having been glued to the television during the Watergate Hearings, I can certainly appreciate the significance of the January 6 Committee holding televised hearings. Excellent! I only wish there were some way to hold promoters of Covid-19 misinformation criminally liable, too. Your thoughts today highlight the two most significant focal points for our battered attention spans: January 6 as a celebration of the triumph of democracy, and staying well so that we can be of service in the upcoming elections, as well as celebrate life itself. Thank you as always for your sober but never dull thinking!
I remain hopeful—probably in a fantastical way—that Merrick Garland will surprise us with a raft of indictments next week, on the first (NOT the one-year) anniversary of the insurrection, with T___p leading the list.
Please help me understand how this TV event will be different from the televised conclusions of the second impeachment of trump. Those were brilliant presentations by Neguse, Raskin and many others. But they were all for naught in the end. Please dissuade me from thinking the January 6 Committee’s televised sessions over 9 months will end up in the same “out there but who cares” category.
I was in college during the Watergate hearings. My brother was part of the team that orchestrated the Watergate hearings and he got me a ticket for the first day of John Dean’s testimony. That day and entire occurrence of those hearings were remarkable . But they were presented at a time (before social media of course) when there were only 3 networks and public TV. No fox fake network of lies. And we had trusted tv nightly newscasters—Cronkite, Huntley, Brinkley, Chancellor, etc. There were morals about what got reported and morals (for better or for worse) about what was considered “news.”
Today anybody can broadcast whatever they want, and call whatever they produce “truth,” and whatever their opposition produces “lies.” Even when the latter is the truth. And then the actual truth gets relegated to the bottom of the heap, and called “Democrats’ lying to get headlines.” I sure hope something different will occur with these new planned presentations. I’m not convinced at this point they will get the attention and stature they deserve.
"...you are in a position to know the truth—and act accordingly. The current resurgence of the coronavirus is exhausting, inconvenient, divisive, and deadly. Do the right thing." So...is the right thing to campaign on a slogan: "Republicans kills Americans."? Maybe that's too strong. "Anti-vaxxers kill Americans?" In memory of a great and tough American and Democrat -- which slogan would Harry Reid choose?
Great article - as always. Thank you! I would like to add that there is another group of anti-vaxers. Myself not included (I'm triple vaccinated), many friends and a couple of family members who are active democratic voters, white, progressive and affluent have chosen not to get vaccinated. They claim they need more information, and that their doctors are advising them to take personally prescribed ivermectin and supplements, and some are waiting for the Novo-vax vaccine. Unlike other anti-vaxers they are masking up and all have stayed safe thus far, but this is significant group. Thanks for all you do.
Thanks again for exactly what I needed and want to share. I'm going to post this call to axtion on January 6 to follow up on the one from yesterday. BTW I didn't "like" the first newsletters I read because I didn't realize I had to go back up to the top to find the "heart" or the comment button. Is there any way to add this to the bottom as well (probably not if this is a stock template) or at least post a standard invitation at the end of each newsletter, uner the "Talk to you tomorrow"? e.g "I welcome your thoughts. To 'like' and/or comment, please return to the top of this newsletter." Perhaps even with "return to the top" as a live link. Just a thought!
Robert, I very much enjoy your newsletters. I'm a big fan of the audio option and in the last couple of editions of the newsletter the record level has been very low.
It’s been nearly one year since armed right-wing militants attacked our Capitol and tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Since that time the same faction that attacked our country on January 6th is hard at work silencing our voices by restricting our freedom to vote, attacking fair voting districts, and quietly preparing future attempts to sabotage free and fair elections and with it our democracy.
We must not forget what happened -- and we must demand action from our leaders to prevent another attack on our democracy.
So this January 6, exactly one year later, Americans across race, place, party, and background are holding more than 175 events throughout the country to say: In America, the voters decide the outcome of elections. The promise of democracy is not a partisan issue but a calling that unites us as Americans.
Find an event in your community on Jan. 6!
Sign up to host a candlelight vigil in your community if not already on the map!
Join a planning call for hosts today if you'd like to learn more about hosting an event.
Sign up to host a candlelight vigil in your community if not already on the map!
Join a planning call for hosts today if you'd like to learn more about hosting an event.
To prevent this kind of attack from happening again, our elected leaders must pass urgent legislation that will protect this country from anti-democratic forces who are continuing their efforts to destroy it.
That’s why we must stand together in this moment –– we need to keep up the momentum for our freedom to vote.
The January 6th attack by right-wing militants demonstrates the dangers facing our nation and only further underscores the urgency with which we need to transform our political system into one that works for all Americans. The U.S. Senate and President Biden must do whatever is necessary to pass the Freedom to Vote Act, Protecting Our Democracy Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and DC Statehood.
Coming together, we can prevent another January 6th attack and realize the promise of democracy for all of us - no matter our color, zip code, or income - so we all have an equal say in the decisions that shape our daily lives and futures.
Thanks so much for the many ways we can commemorate January 6th. I will share this with my group, Seniors Taking Action, many of whom I know will take advantage of these suggestions. While we have members in other states, we are mostly based in NY and desperately want the voting rights act to pass. We DO call our own Senators who of course support it, but we’re mindful that trying to reach other Senators we’re not constituents of is not fruitful. Are there other tactics you’d recommend?
"Motivated reasoning" - how brilliant. Starting with the result they want - wow - thank you. And thank you for this detailed and thoughtful reply. Many thanks for all you do.
As always, Mr. Hubbell hits the bell which tells us all it's time we get up, go to the nearest door or window and shout.." I'M MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE. " And 1 more thing- Lest we forget...the names of the 8 Senators and 139 Representatives who voted to overturn the Election Results that same night on January 6th are available for all to see and each of us should look up the ones from their State and write a letter to their local newspaper editor and ask the Citizens not to forget those names when voting in the next election. If there was to be any overturning of votes, it should have been those so-called representatives of Democracy. Be well and Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year to all. Bud Al from Sunny South Florida
Thank you, Robert, for your amazing compendium of January 6 activities. Shared and credited to you!
Having been glued to the television during the Watergate Hearings, I can certainly appreciate the significance of the January 6 Committee holding televised hearings. Excellent! I only wish there were some way to hold promoters of Covid-19 misinformation criminally liable, too. Your thoughts today highlight the two most significant focal points for our battered attention spans: January 6 as a celebration of the triumph of democracy, and staying well so that we can be of service in the upcoming elections, as well as celebrate life itself. Thank you as always for your sober but never dull thinking!
I remain hopeful—probably in a fantastical way—that Merrick Garland will surprise us with a raft of indictments next week, on the first (NOT the one-year) anniversary of the insurrection, with T___p leading the list.
Please help me understand how this TV event will be different from the televised conclusions of the second impeachment of trump. Those were brilliant presentations by Neguse, Raskin and many others. But they were all for naught in the end. Please dissuade me from thinking the January 6 Committee’s televised sessions over 9 months will end up in the same “out there but who cares” category.
I was in college during the Watergate hearings. My brother was part of the team that orchestrated the Watergate hearings and he got me a ticket for the first day of John Dean’s testimony. That day and entire occurrence of those hearings were remarkable . But they were presented at a time (before social media of course) when there were only 3 networks and public TV. No fox fake network of lies. And we had trusted tv nightly newscasters—Cronkite, Huntley, Brinkley, Chancellor, etc. There were morals about what got reported and morals (for better or for worse) about what was considered “news.”
Today anybody can broadcast whatever they want, and call whatever they produce “truth,” and whatever their opposition produces “lies.” Even when the latter is the truth. And then the actual truth gets relegated to the bottom of the heap, and called “Democrats’ lying to get headlines.” I sure hope something different will occur with these new planned presentations. I’m not convinced at this point they will get the attention and stature they deserve.
Thanks for yesterday’s nudge on vigils, etc re Jan 6th. I found one here in Portland (Maine) and so far have recruited 6 (masked) friends to join me.
It’s time to make some good trouble.
Kathryn
"...you are in a position to know the truth—and act accordingly. The current resurgence of the coronavirus is exhausting, inconvenient, divisive, and deadly. Do the right thing." So...is the right thing to campaign on a slogan: "Republicans kills Americans."? Maybe that's too strong. "Anti-vaxxers kill Americans?" In memory of a great and tough American and Democrat -- which slogan would Harry Reid choose?
Great article - as always. Thank you! I would like to add that there is another group of anti-vaxers. Myself not included (I'm triple vaccinated), many friends and a couple of family members who are active democratic voters, white, progressive and affluent have chosen not to get vaccinated. They claim they need more information, and that their doctors are advising them to take personally prescribed ivermectin and supplements, and some are waiting for the Novo-vax vaccine. Unlike other anti-vaxers they are masking up and all have stayed safe thus far, but this is significant group. Thanks for all you do.
Thanks again for exactly what I needed and want to share. I'm going to post this call to axtion on January 6 to follow up on the one from yesterday. BTW I didn't "like" the first newsletters I read because I didn't realize I had to go back up to the top to find the "heart" or the comment button. Is there any way to add this to the bottom as well (probably not if this is a stock template) or at least post a standard invitation at the end of each newsletter, uner the "Talk to you tomorrow"? e.g "I welcome your thoughts. To 'like' and/or comment, please return to the top of this newsletter." Perhaps even with "return to the top" as a live link. Just a thought!
Robert, I very much enjoy your newsletters. I'm a big fan of the audio option and in the last couple of editions of the newsletter the record level has been very low.
Keep spreading the truth!
Richard
Here is additional information and opportunities for vigils, etc on Jan 6. Check with Public Citizen. The link would not paste.
Jonah Minkoff-Zern <jzern@citizen.org>
Wed, Dec 22, 11:23 AM (7 days ago)
to Jonah
It’s been nearly one year since armed right-wing militants attacked our Capitol and tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Since that time the same faction that attacked our country on January 6th is hard at work silencing our voices by restricting our freedom to vote, attacking fair voting districts, and quietly preparing future attempts to sabotage free and fair elections and with it our democracy.
We must not forget what happened -- and we must demand action from our leaders to prevent another attack on our democracy.
So this January 6, exactly one year later, Americans across race, place, party, and background are holding more than 175 events throughout the country to say: In America, the voters decide the outcome of elections. The promise of democracy is not a partisan issue but a calling that unites us as Americans.
Find an event in your community on Jan. 6!
Sign up to host a candlelight vigil in your community if not already on the map!
Join a planning call for hosts today if you'd like to learn more about hosting an event.
Sign up to host a candlelight vigil in your community if not already on the map!
Join a planning call for hosts today if you'd like to learn more about hosting an event.
To prevent this kind of attack from happening again, our elected leaders must pass urgent legislation that will protect this country from anti-democratic forces who are continuing their efforts to destroy it.
That’s why we must stand together in this moment –– we need to keep up the momentum for our freedom to vote.
The January 6th attack by right-wing militants demonstrates the dangers facing our nation and only further underscores the urgency with which we need to transform our political system into one that works for all Americans. The U.S. Senate and President Biden must do whatever is necessary to pass the Freedom to Vote Act, Protecting Our Democracy Act, John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and DC Statehood.
Coming together, we can prevent another January 6th attack and realize the promise of democracy for all of us - no matter our color, zip code, or income - so we all have an equal say in the decisions that shape our daily lives and futures.
In solidarity,
Jonah Minkoff-Zern
Pronouns: he, him, his
Campaign Co-Director, Democracy Is For People
Public Citizen
(202) 588-7749
Thanks so much for the many ways we can commemorate January 6th. I will share this with my group, Seniors Taking Action, many of whom I know will take advantage of these suggestions. While we have members in other states, we are mostly based in NY and desperately want the voting rights act to pass. We DO call our own Senators who of course support it, but we’re mindful that trying to reach other Senators we’re not constituents of is not fruitful. Are there other tactics you’d recommend?
"Motivated reasoning" - how brilliant. Starting with the result they want - wow - thank you. And thank you for this detailed and thoughtful reply. Many thanks for all you do.
As always, Mr. Hubbell hits the bell which tells us all it's time we get up, go to the nearest door or window and shout.." I'M MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE. " And 1 more thing- Lest we forget...the names of the 8 Senators and 139 Representatives who voted to overturn the Election Results that same night on January 6th are available for all to see and each of us should look up the ones from their State and write a letter to their local newspaper editor and ask the Citizens not to forget those names when voting in the next election. If there was to be any overturning of votes, it should have been those so-called representatives of Democracy. Be well and Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year to all. Bud Al from Sunny South Florida