Your 1/6/21 posts make me think of the summer 2022 feature by Trevor Noah: "The January 6th Committee: Investigating What We Saw With Our Own Eyes."
I find it helpful to read your raw and direct observations. You also accurately name wrongdoing and crimes. The passage of time can dilute and distract from basic, verified reality. Thanks for reposting your 1/6/21 writings.
But a friend told me Hawley is riding the Evangelical train to garner his success. You know, the “Jesus Saves” and we need a more religious, less secular country.
I think the only way to take back the GOP party and make these radical right lose their minority obstruction position , is for the majority of the GOP’ers let go of their egos and embrace working across the aisle! By doing so, they could get down to the job of actually legislating; working to give and take in what’s truly best for the people (ahhhh, like the original concept of our framers?), those 5+ extremists would become totally benign and ultimately irrelevant!
Dream on. They have gone way too far for a simple mea culpa and a promise to sin no more to suffice. The whole rotten edifice must be eradicated root and branch
The Republican Party is a dead corpse. There is nothing to revive. As much as I believe in the 2 Party system, at this time, we have only 1 viable, functioning Party in this Country.
I have a similar hope for the GOP as you do MaryAnn, but believe it would only take 6 or so of the more “centrist” House Republicans to work with the Dem leadership to identify a Republican that all of them can live with as Speaker. I can then imagine maybe 30ish Republicans helping that person get elected. The ball toward bipartisan governing would have started to slowly roll, and the Gang of 20 MAGAts would be henceforth impotent (though still regularly on FOX).
Fantasy? We’ll see. (Robt. Reisch wrote today in The Guardian of such an outcome.)
Jan 6, 2023·edited Jan 6, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Well; that was a trip down memory lane. Appreciate Jill’s blog video, thanks.
On Jan 6 I too heard some murmurings but didn’t pay close attention till I was out walking the dogs and my cell phone rang, it was my family member who is in law enforcement in DC “… I’m being deployed to the capitol, you are going to see some scary stuff on the TV but don’t worry, I’ll be OK”. How to strike fear in a family member’s heart. Just writing this makes that visceral feeling come back. Fast forward to 5:am next morning (meaning no contact for 19 hours)- “ I’m ok. Heading home. In all my years of service I’ve never seen anything like it; these people were animals. Oh, I better slow down I might get a ticket- ha- if I get stopped I’ll ask them why they weren’t at the Capitol with me. Gotta sleep, call you later. Love you”.
No real discussion could happen over the phone till there was physical meeting (months later). The private reporting from what this family member experienced was hair raising. This was war and they were loaded for bear and ready to do what trump told them.
No one can tell me that was a tourist day out or that trump didn’t call in his dogs to attack congress. There is not reason to even discuss it—it’s all on video.
I agree with you regarding the parallels between the January 6th insurrection and the Republican fight over the Speakership. Just maneuvering around the norms and rules being stretched - it’s so freaky that it’s done in plain sight.
@POTUS Biden to award the Presidential Citizens Medal on Friday to the following individuals during an event marking the 2nd anniversary of the #January6thInsurrection"
The Republican Party is STILL a domestic terrorist organization and that moron who emailed you that you went to far had (and probably still has) his head up his ass.
Donald Trump needs to be hanged, drawn and quartered, the traditional punishment for a traitor.
Selfish people will just keep being selfish because they are getting something out of it even if it is only a feeling of power and/or attention-positive or negative. They are not motivated by doing good for everyone, only for themselves. Democrats are more inclusive in their thinking which is a detriment when they try to be understanding of a selfish person. They are hopeful the selfish person will see the light. Change is hard though and I am reminded of a favorite song by The Rolling Stones...
"You can't always get what you want.
But if you try sometimes,
you just might find,
you get what you need."
I agree with MaryAnn Boylan 1/6/23. Real Republicans need to step up and work across the aisle but also with their own "rebellious" members for the good of the nation. But they should defend a position, not use extortion. And quit gerrymandering. How can we trust what you say your constituents are demanding of you?
And overturn Citizens United, which has been a disaster for Democracy since the moment it was decided by the Supreme Court. Money has no place in honest elections. It's clearly a bribe. C-Span should be able to provide some sort of equal exposure for candidates. And no negativity. Just the facts.
Very good comment. You are right about selfish people, though I don't understand what they get out of screwing everybody. Maybe that's what made me so sad reading the Atlantic article about MTG. She's selfish and vapid. Maybe that applies to the rest of them too.
Let's also not be reluctant to use the "F" word: Fascists, because that's what the insurrectionists are, the antithesis of patriots for democracy. And don't forget the 'R" word: Racists! And btw, the Republican Party is indeed as you described the blatantly anti-democratic, anti-American political faction, a "domestic terrorist organization," the harsh truth that defines the context of fascist societies around the globe. As defined by Google, "A fascist is someone who supports or promotes fascism--a system of government led by a dictator who typically rules by forcefully and often violently suppressing opposition and criticism, controlling all industry and commerce, and promoting nationalism (MAGA) and often racism." By their actions, Trump, Hawley, Cruz, and many, many others fit that definition, including sitting members of congress and justices of the supreme court.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration, although not quite progressive enough for me, is busy implementing laws and conducting other business conducive to the well being of all Americans, regardless of their party affiliation. In short, Biden and his associates are upholding their oaths to honor the Constitution and the virtues of responsible leadership in the interest of the common good. That's what we, the People elected him to do and he is mindfully striving to accomplish that mission in accord with the intentions of the nation's Founders. We, the People are now in a fight keep the flame of democracy burning and Biden has demonstrated that he is an ally in that fight, despite the ways his agenda may fall short of progressive goals. As Kenneth Rexroth once wrote, "Against the armies of the mindless, I'll take any allies I can get."
Love that last line. Governing is complicated and requires compromise. Terrorists don't compromise. Perhaps that is why they are terrorists. that the Republicans looked the other way for so long is disgusting. That some might have had enough is just possibly encouraging. I'm not holding my breath on this one.
Jan 6, 2023·edited Jan 6, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
We're not out of the woods yet. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz and Marjorie Taylor Greene are still in power, spreading their lies wherever they find fertile ground. Of the 20 who are turning "My Kevin" on a spit to defang the speakers' gavel, there's South Carolina's Ralph Norman. Per Wiki, "he is an American real estate developer and politician who has served as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 5th congressional district since 2017". He's the guy who wants our Federal Government to default on bonds sold to widows, orphans, pension plans, banks, and international investors. Think the USD is a currency of stability fighting the global inflation battle? Just wait until Norman and his Freedom Caucus seditionists manage to debase the USD. They'll ruin our democratic paradise forever. You never know when a bad turn, like SCOTUS supporting gerrymandering, will turn out to be a realy bad turn down a cliff.
Totally agree with your stance in Concluding Thoughts- gone too far? I think not- it’s time to take the remaining gloves off and look at what’s at risk. Would Zelenskyy bring a velvet hammer to this fight? Thank you for the continued reminder of the truth we need to protect NOW with the common sense and actions it will take to help prevent us into the type of battle we COULD be facing
On the two year anniversary of the J6th insurrection we have some of the same Republican members of Congress still fighting to over throw or disrupt our government and none of them have been held accountable by either voters or law enforcement. Let’s not delude our selves and think that the J6th report revealing and detailed accounting of the actions leading up to and during that day have magically changed voters perspectives or the current dysfunctional Republican attempt to selected a speaker have the impact on voters we all hope for. It hasn’t. Accountability has been politicized and until the actual members of Congress are held accountable and charged for their actions their behaviors will continue. Democrats need to continue to demonstrate by actions the divide between good honest government and the Republican domestic terrorists.
I believe accountability is the key word here. Leaving these crimes in limbo and the ring leader still shuffling around is no good. The J-6 Committee did a remarkable job and they presented it in a civil manner. Reading the Times article about what went on in the background to make this happen made me even more proud of the committee and grateful to them form their extraordinary service to all of us in this country. The MAGA gang is seeking revenge and the rest of us are seeking accountability. There is a great deal of difference between these objectives.
It was reported today that Kevin McCarthy has been offered the endowed Art of the Deal Chair and an honorary PhD in Strategic Negotiation and Diplomacy at Trump University.
A great article today and a trenchant reminder that, two years after the fact, none of the leaders of the insurrection have been held to account. Our failure to adhere to the rule of law on which this country is notionally based is the greatest of the many lapses stemming from the election of 2016. The return will be challenging, probably painfully, and almost certainly violent from time to time but, return we must or everything we've done right in 250 years will be lost.
Diogenes famously searched for one honest person. No searcher will find that in the House but due diligence by the Democrats should turn up 6 Republicans who are ready, willing and able to support a unity candidate (Hakeem Jeffries?) for Speaker and organize the House without the 20 members of the Merde-a-Loco caucus and the failed wannabe on any committees. Since there are 18 who represent districts won by Mr. Biden there might even be more than 6. We can, and must, hope.
Dear Judith, I find myself tearful that today is your birthday and that you hold this memory of January 6th, as do we all. I'm sorry for this, and for you. Still, (and to borrow a phrase from the beloved poet John O' Donohue), "on this echoing-day of your birth," may you come to find that you are remembered. And that somehow, perhaps even beyond your knowing, others may well be reminded of your birthday, for no other reason but for the gift of you. 💖
Be of good cheer. It is my son's birthday too. It is an auspicious day if you are orthodox (Epiphany,) Jewish (Shabbat,) Pagan, (clearly, the light has returned,) et al. Don't for get Twelve Lords A leaping as it is the 12th day after Christmas. There! Always look for the good things, to paraphrase Mr. Rogers.
I love your references to this auspicious day, Hope. And of the leaping Lords, and Mr. Roger's unforgettable wisdom, how lovely. And to your son, much 'good cheer ' with birthday wishes!
That's okay. My husband and I were married on September 11. January 6 is a good day to be born and the fact that you're reading this newsletter and not storming the capital is proof of that. Happy Birthday!
Your consistent, fact-filled commentary over the years has helped keep me cautiously optimistic that justice will prevail -- eventually. But as one reader on HCR's site said today: "God grant me patience, and I want it right now!."
We see clearly now that Trump’s agenda and rebellion have not failed completely, though he’s being forced out of the driver’s seat. His SPORES (Sycophantic Partisan Obdurate Reckless Extremophiles) have been germinating and reproducing over the last seven years, and are now “master”-minding a second attempt to fracture our country’s tenuous hold on a democratic form of government of the people, by the people, for the people. Twenty extremists have no right to blockade the functioning of our government.
Your 1/6/21 posts make me think of the summer 2022 feature by Trevor Noah: "The January 6th Committee: Investigating What We Saw With Our Own Eyes."
I find it helpful to read your raw and direct observations. You also accurately name wrongdoing and crimes. The passage of time can dilute and distract from basic, verified reality. Thanks for reposting your 1/6/21 writings.
Agreed. Hawley comes to mind. Despite the passage of time, the racist scoundrel still has no business sitting in Congress.
There seem to be so many racist scoundrels sitting in Congress these days and none of them have any business being there.
But a friend told me Hawley is riding the Evangelical train to garner his success. You know, the “Jesus Saves” and we need a more religious, less secular country.
Hopefully that won't protect him from indictment for insurrection. He's treasonous trash.
He certainly should not be speaker of anything.
I saw that Trevor show, it was the best I have seen. Think I’ll look it up again…
I think the only way to take back the GOP party and make these radical right lose their minority obstruction position , is for the majority of the GOP’ers let go of their egos and embrace working across the aisle! By doing so, they could get down to the job of actually legislating; working to give and take in what’s truly best for the people (ahhhh, like the original concept of our framers?), those 5+ extremists would become totally benign and ultimately irrelevant!
Dream on. They have gone way too far for a simple mea culpa and a promise to sin no more to suffice. The whole rotten edifice must be eradicated root and branch
The Republican Party is a dead corpse. There is nothing to revive. As much as I believe in the 2 Party system, at this time, we have only 1 viable, functioning Party in this Country.
Don't hold your breath waiting for that, I'd hate to see a nice person like you turn blue and die.
Absolutely true, they will NEVER
I have a similar hope for the GOP as you do MaryAnn, but believe it would only take 6 or so of the more “centrist” House Republicans to work with the Dem leadership to identify a Republican that all of them can live with as Speaker. I can then imagine maybe 30ish Republicans helping that person get elected. The ball toward bipartisan governing would have started to slowly roll, and the Gang of 20 MAGAts would be henceforth impotent (though still regularly on FOX).
Fantasy? We’ll see. (Robt. Reisch wrote today in The Guardian of such an outcome.)
Reich is usually spot on, where does he get an ounce of optimism…
Well; that was a trip down memory lane. Appreciate Jill’s blog video, thanks.
On Jan 6 I too heard some murmurings but didn’t pay close attention till I was out walking the dogs and my cell phone rang, it was my family member who is in law enforcement in DC “… I’m being deployed to the capitol, you are going to see some scary stuff on the TV but don’t worry, I’ll be OK”. How to strike fear in a family member’s heart. Just writing this makes that visceral feeling come back. Fast forward to 5:am next morning (meaning no contact for 19 hours)- “ I’m ok. Heading home. In all my years of service I’ve never seen anything like it; these people were animals. Oh, I better slow down I might get a ticket- ha- if I get stopped I’ll ask them why they weren’t at the Capitol with me. Gotta sleep, call you later. Love you”.
No real discussion could happen over the phone till there was physical meeting (months later). The private reporting from what this family member experienced was hair raising. This was war and they were loaded for bear and ready to do what trump told them.
No one can tell me that was a tourist day out or that trump didn’t call in his dogs to attack congress. There is not reason to even discuss it—it’s all on video.
I agree with you regarding the parallels between the January 6th insurrection and the Republican fight over the Speakership. Just maneuvering around the norms and rules being stretched - it’s so freaky that it’s done in plain sight.
So disappointing.
…and shameful beyond words
"JUST IN:
@POTUS Biden to award the Presidential Citizens Medal on Friday to the following individuals during an event marking the 2nd anniversary of the #January6thInsurrection"
https://twitter.com/edokeefe/status/1611022609759571969?s=20&t=10qq0wStIZSYB9Mlt1-q9A
Thanks for sharing this.
The Republican Party is STILL a domestic terrorist organization and that moron who emailed you that you went to far had (and probably still has) his head up his ass.
Donald Trump needs to be hanged, drawn and quartered, the traditional punishment for a traitor.
Sincere thanks for always speaking your mind, TC.
Selfish people will just keep being selfish because they are getting something out of it even if it is only a feeling of power and/or attention-positive or negative. They are not motivated by doing good for everyone, only for themselves. Democrats are more inclusive in their thinking which is a detriment when they try to be understanding of a selfish person. They are hopeful the selfish person will see the light. Change is hard though and I am reminded of a favorite song by The Rolling Stones...
"You can't always get what you want.
But if you try sometimes,
you just might find,
you get what you need."
I agree with MaryAnn Boylan 1/6/23. Real Republicans need to step up and work across the aisle but also with their own "rebellious" members for the good of the nation. But they should defend a position, not use extortion. And quit gerrymandering. How can we trust what you say your constituents are demanding of you?
And overturn Citizens United, which has been a disaster for Democracy since the moment it was decided by the Supreme Court. Money has no place in honest elections. It's clearly a bribe. C-Span should be able to provide some sort of equal exposure for candidates. And no negativity. Just the facts.
Since when has the GOP done anything for the good of the nation in the last 50 years? It's not about the good of the nation with them.
I’m old, not in my life time
Very good comment. You are right about selfish people, though I don't understand what they get out of screwing everybody. Maybe that's what made me so sad reading the Atlantic article about MTG. She's selfish and vapid. Maybe that applies to the rest of them too.
Well, that’s the bones of it
Let's also not be reluctant to use the "F" word: Fascists, because that's what the insurrectionists are, the antithesis of patriots for democracy. And don't forget the 'R" word: Racists! And btw, the Republican Party is indeed as you described the blatantly anti-democratic, anti-American political faction, a "domestic terrorist organization," the harsh truth that defines the context of fascist societies around the globe. As defined by Google, "A fascist is someone who supports or promotes fascism--a system of government led by a dictator who typically rules by forcefully and often violently suppressing opposition and criticism, controlling all industry and commerce, and promoting nationalism (MAGA) and often racism." By their actions, Trump, Hawley, Cruz, and many, many others fit that definition, including sitting members of congress and justices of the supreme court.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration, although not quite progressive enough for me, is busy implementing laws and conducting other business conducive to the well being of all Americans, regardless of their party affiliation. In short, Biden and his associates are upholding their oaths to honor the Constitution and the virtues of responsible leadership in the interest of the common good. That's what we, the People elected him to do and he is mindfully striving to accomplish that mission in accord with the intentions of the nation's Founders. We, the People are now in a fight keep the flame of democracy burning and Biden has demonstrated that he is an ally in that fight, despite the ways his agenda may fall short of progressive goals. As Kenneth Rexroth once wrote, "Against the armies of the mindless, I'll take any allies I can get."
My sentiments exactly, thank you
Love that last line. Governing is complicated and requires compromise. Terrorists don't compromise. Perhaps that is why they are terrorists. that the Republicans looked the other way for so long is disgusting. That some might have had enough is just possibly encouraging. I'm not holding my breath on this one.
We're not out of the woods yet. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz and Marjorie Taylor Greene are still in power, spreading their lies wherever they find fertile ground. Of the 20 who are turning "My Kevin" on a spit to defang the speakers' gavel, there's South Carolina's Ralph Norman. Per Wiki, "he is an American real estate developer and politician who has served as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 5th congressional district since 2017". He's the guy who wants our Federal Government to default on bonds sold to widows, orphans, pension plans, banks, and international investors. Think the USD is a currency of stability fighting the global inflation battle? Just wait until Norman and his Freedom Caucus seditionists manage to debase the USD. They'll ruin our democratic paradise forever. You never know when a bad turn, like SCOTUS supporting gerrymandering, will turn out to be a realy bad turn down a cliff.
We’ve been skating near the edge for decades, Rupert kept showing the beautiful vistas; anything to distract…. DON’T LOOK UP
Totally agree with your stance in Concluding Thoughts- gone too far? I think not- it’s time to take the remaining gloves off and look at what’s at risk. Would Zelenskyy bring a velvet hammer to this fight? Thank you for the continued reminder of the truth we need to protect NOW with the common sense and actions it will take to help prevent us into the type of battle we COULD be facing
On the two year anniversary of the J6th insurrection we have some of the same Republican members of Congress still fighting to over throw or disrupt our government and none of them have been held accountable by either voters or law enforcement. Let’s not delude our selves and think that the J6th report revealing and detailed accounting of the actions leading up to and during that day have magically changed voters perspectives or the current dysfunctional Republican attempt to selected a speaker have the impact on voters we all hope for. It hasn’t. Accountability has been politicized and until the actual members of Congress are held accountable and charged for their actions their behaviors will continue. Democrats need to continue to demonstrate by actions the divide between good honest government and the Republican domestic terrorists.
I believe accountability is the key word here. Leaving these crimes in limbo and the ring leader still shuffling around is no good. The J-6 Committee did a remarkable job and they presented it in a civil manner. Reading the Times article about what went on in the background to make this happen made me even more proud of the committee and grateful to them form their extraordinary service to all of us in this country. The MAGA gang is seeking revenge and the rest of us are seeking accountability. There is a great deal of difference between these objectives.
It was reported today that Kevin McCarthy has been offered the endowed Art of the Deal Chair and an honorary PhD in Strategic Negotiation and Diplomacy at Trump University.
Sounds appropriate.
A great article today and a trenchant reminder that, two years after the fact, none of the leaders of the insurrection have been held to account. Our failure to adhere to the rule of law on which this country is notionally based is the greatest of the many lapses stemming from the election of 2016. The return will be challenging, probably painfully, and almost certainly violent from time to time but, return we must or everything we've done right in 250 years will be lost.
Diogenes famously searched for one honest person. No searcher will find that in the House but due diligence by the Democrats should turn up 6 Republicans who are ready, willing and able to support a unity candidate (Hakeem Jeffries?) for Speaker and organize the House without the 20 members of the Merde-a-Loco caucus and the failed wannabe on any committees. Since there are 18 who represent districts won by Mr. Biden there might even be more than 6. We can, and must, hope.
"the Merde-a-Loco caucus" !
Glad you liked it.
I was hoping the DoJ would pick today to nab DJT. Oh well.
The day's not over yet, we can hope.
Agreed and well said. Thank you.
I was born on January 6th…everyone now remembers my birthday for all the wrong reasons!
Dear Judith, I find myself tearful that today is your birthday and that you hold this memory of January 6th, as do we all. I'm sorry for this, and for you. Still, (and to borrow a phrase from the beloved poet John O' Donohue), "on this echoing-day of your birth," may you come to find that you are remembered. And that somehow, perhaps even beyond your knowing, others may well be reminded of your birthday, for no other reason but for the gift of you. 💖
Be of good cheer. It is my son's birthday too. It is an auspicious day if you are orthodox (Epiphany,) Jewish (Shabbat,) Pagan, (clearly, the light has returned,) et al. Don't for get Twelve Lords A leaping as it is the 12th day after Christmas. There! Always look for the good things, to paraphrase Mr. Rogers.
I love your references to this auspicious day, Hope. And of the leaping Lords, and Mr. Roger's unforgettable wisdom, how lovely. And to your son, much 'good cheer ' with birthday wishes!
That's okay. My husband and I were married on September 11. January 6 is a good day to be born and the fact that you're reading this newsletter and not storming the capital is proof of that. Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday, Judith!
Your consistent, fact-filled commentary over the years has helped keep me cautiously optimistic that justice will prevail -- eventually. But as one reader on HCR's site said today: "God grant me patience, and I want it right now!."
From Denialad: donbialostosky.substack.com
Two years have passed now since the insurrection,
Giving us occasion for reflection
And an appropriate time for taking stock
To register the tremor’s aftershocks.
The building Trump’s supporters aimed at taking,
The Capitol, is standing, but it’s shaking.
Not flooded by a red tsunami wave,
The House now sees its MAGA members rave
Against resuming normal legislation
That would address the business of the nation.
Unfazed by urging from their former master,
They’re pushing for procedural disaster
That makes the Speaker’s office so unstable
The country will become ungovernable.
Whereas Trump broke norms to self-aggrandize,
Their goal appears to be to vandalize
The institution to which they’re elected
And leave it permanently insurrected.
We see clearly now that Trump’s agenda and rebellion have not failed completely, though he’s being forced out of the driver’s seat. His SPORES (Sycophantic Partisan Obdurate Reckless Extremophiles) have been germinating and reproducing over the last seven years, and are now “master”-minding a second attempt to fracture our country’s tenuous hold on a democratic form of government of the people, by the people, for the people. Twenty extremists have no right to blockade the functioning of our government.
"SPORES (Sycophantic Partisan Obdurate Reckless Extremophiles)" and "'master'-minding"—Good ones, Jennifer.