Watching Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney in their opening statements, all I could feel was pride that somehow - - SOMEHOW- -what I always felt about this country was being borne out, with a black man from the deep south and a white woman from the rural range sharing the steadfast belief in adherence to the fundamental values of our Constitution. I felt like our United States of America was back in play. The work the entire committee has done is impressive.
The one person who I have to admire the most is Liz Chaney [along with Adam Kinzinger]] who has put her whole career in jeopardy by the position she [they] have taken in this matter. If she [they] and I sat down to discuss positions on different matters we would agree on very little, but her [their ] willingness to stand up to defend the Constitution shows that you can disagree on the issues but still love the country. Disagreement does not mean that one person is a true American, but anyone who disagrees is a traitor. There are too many of us who just don't/won't get it. A willingness to discuss, disagree and work out a compromise is one of the keys to making the country great. It was very unsettling to see the mass of the rioters carrying the American Flag when they show no understanding of what it means to be a true American and fight for the rights of all, not just those who agree with you.
The effect of these hearings on the midterms is, as stated, NOT their significance. But after hearing just tonight's proceedings, I am convinced they WILL have an effect on November's voting. Many Independents and even some of the non-cult member Republicans will find it increasingly hard to ignore Trump's despicable--and most likely criminal--behavior. There are many ways this could end badly for Trump and thus for the Republican Party--and almost none, thankfully, where it can end well.
The first hearing was very moving and powerful. It's hard to imagine how any respectable human being can stand with the radical GOP at this point, after seeing those films and hearing the testimony of the people defending the Capitol in a several hour battle on Jan. 6th, and after watching the GOP refuse to vote to stop the sale of weapons of war to 18-21 year-olds, and people of all ages, after hearing the news of children's heads being blown off in Uvalde. So awful. Thank you for all your reports Robert. Sad days. We need to double down on getting out the vote and supporting all the terrific Democratic incumbents and candidates, and local get out the vote efforts in swing states. Onward!
To me, the story tonight is we have new heroes and heroines for us to admire. Even Vice President Pence seems deserving of the Congressional Medal of Honor for finally stepping out of the puppet role he has been playing with flawless discipline and upholding his oath to the Constitution. Representative Cheney is definitely a Profile in Courage and gave a brilliant summary of the Committee's case to the American People. Chairman Thompson showed the kind of leadership we so desperately need in this country. Capitol Policewoman Edwards showed us the genes of her Marine grandfather, a member of the greatest generation, are being passed down and flowering in this generation. Robert, please find your usual optimism which I felt had deserted you a bit tonight in the American people, all those who will speak at the polls in November and beyond. We get such a distorted negative picture of America from the nay saying media commentators and the politicians who take their oath to the Constitution as an impediment to their ambition. Times like this I like to watch Mike Douglas give the speech in the movie American President. https://www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/moviespeechtheamericanpresident.html "Being President of this country is entirely about character." ... and contrary to the media presenting such a limited view of America by talking about the two parties,each only about a quarter of the population, the vast majority of We, the People, are Americans working for a more perfect union. We came together in 2020 and we will again in 2022. That's what I'm reading in all the people around me. We want to come together.
The Hearings will be a tipping point. I hope. I feel a bit back on track. The evidence and the testimonies as presented were irrefutable. It was masterful. The fact that the Proud Boys were at the scene before TFG's speech and the testimonies of those who said they were asked by TFG to show up are damning. Barr and Ivanka were damning.
But I am an addict of finding ironies. We watched a woman, who I believe I disagree with on almost any topic politically, rise to the level of national hero. The daughter of a man who waged a murderous, stupid and destructive war based on false evidence - the progeny of a war criminal defended our nation and held accountable the traitors in her own political party. Wow. Whodathunk?
Others—Raskin, Schiff—have risen brilliantly to the defense of the Constitution, but not at the political peril Cheney faces. With that qualification, I completely agree with you. Great column, as usual.
I wonder if the relevant state bar associations feel that the actions and the statements of Powell, Giuliani, Mitchell, Clark, Eastman warrant disbarment? I mean full disbarment, not just admonitions or wringing of hands.
I've been saying for a long time that social media makes it too easy to engage in snarky outrage at anyone with whom we disagree, and too easy to spread lies that seem to be truth to certain riled up audiences. But I didn't know that these two ideas are part of a much larger picture of what it takes to grow a successful democracy, what can destroy it and how that is happening here. Here is an article from the Atlantic about that. I found myself feeling quite anxious as I read it. "Why the Past Ten Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid."
The author says that "social scientists have identified at least three major forces that collectively bind together successful democracies: social capital (extensive social networks with high levels of trust), strong institutions, and shared stories (including agreeing on the facts). Social media has weakened all three." The author does offer three steps to take to turn things around. May we unite with enough good citizens to make this happen. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/
Despite finding most of Liz Cheney’s views repugnant, still, throughout her tenure as co-Chair of the Jan 6th Select Committee, I keep hearing from her a steadying inner voice (admittedly, this might be projection) that says, “be fearless in your belief in democracy—and they will come.”
I abhor Liz Chaney's politics but I will say this about her. I would rather have 217 Liz Chaneys in Congress than one Ron Johnson or one MTG or one Jim Jordan, or one (well you get the idea).
Two things, among many, stood out for me. First, the direct connection between Trump and the calls to hang Mike Pence. Immediately after one of the insurrectionists read Trump’s tweet, the calls to “hang Mike pence” started up in the crowd. Second is the fact that there were so many guns stashed in cars and hotel rooms, just waiting to be grabbed and put into action. We are starting to hear how much more deadly this day could have become.
An idea for followers. If you live in a state with a candidate running for office endorsed by Trump today write a letter to local newspapers questioning the integrity and character of someone endorsed by a president who knowingly lied about the election and tried to overthrow our government. I sent my letter off this morning and it’s key today to tie those candidates to Trump based on last nights hearings. We need to make that connection as soon as possible.
Yes, Robert. I must agree with Liz Cheney's demonstrated "courage & integrity". Both Chairpersons actually; 1 from Mississippi & 1 from Wyoming. This was not a prosecution but, Cheney addressed the Nation & her Condtutional duties much like an opening statement, outline the story, highlight the facts-then deliver. In a post Hearing statement Schiff suggested there may be additional hearings while showing deference & respect for the Chairpersons' primary voices. Job well done.
Watching Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney in their opening statements, all I could feel was pride that somehow - - SOMEHOW- -what I always felt about this country was being borne out, with a black man from the deep south and a white woman from the rural range sharing the steadfast belief in adherence to the fundamental values of our Constitution. I felt like our United States of America was back in play. The work the entire committee has done is impressive.
The one person who I have to admire the most is Liz Chaney [along with Adam Kinzinger]] who has put her whole career in jeopardy by the position she [they] have taken in this matter. If she [they] and I sat down to discuss positions on different matters we would agree on very little, but her [their ] willingness to stand up to defend the Constitution shows that you can disagree on the issues but still love the country. Disagreement does not mean that one person is a true American, but anyone who disagrees is a traitor. There are too many of us who just don't/won't get it. A willingness to discuss, disagree and work out a compromise is one of the keys to making the country great. It was very unsettling to see the mass of the rioters carrying the American Flag when they show no understanding of what it means to be a true American and fight for the rights of all, not just those who agree with you.
The effect of these hearings on the midterms is, as stated, NOT their significance. But after hearing just tonight's proceedings, I am convinced they WILL have an effect on November's voting. Many Independents and even some of the non-cult member Republicans will find it increasingly hard to ignore Trump's despicable--and most likely criminal--behavior. There are many ways this could end badly for Trump and thus for the Republican Party--and almost none, thankfully, where it can end well.
The first hearing was very moving and powerful. It's hard to imagine how any respectable human being can stand with the radical GOP at this point, after seeing those films and hearing the testimony of the people defending the Capitol in a several hour battle on Jan. 6th, and after watching the GOP refuse to vote to stop the sale of weapons of war to 18-21 year-olds, and people of all ages, after hearing the news of children's heads being blown off in Uvalde. So awful. Thank you for all your reports Robert. Sad days. We need to double down on getting out the vote and supporting all the terrific Democratic incumbents and candidates, and local get out the vote efforts in swing states. Onward!
To me, the story tonight is we have new heroes and heroines for us to admire. Even Vice President Pence seems deserving of the Congressional Medal of Honor for finally stepping out of the puppet role he has been playing with flawless discipline and upholding his oath to the Constitution. Representative Cheney is definitely a Profile in Courage and gave a brilliant summary of the Committee's case to the American People. Chairman Thompson showed the kind of leadership we so desperately need in this country. Capitol Policewoman Edwards showed us the genes of her Marine grandfather, a member of the greatest generation, are being passed down and flowering in this generation. Robert, please find your usual optimism which I felt had deserted you a bit tonight in the American people, all those who will speak at the polls in November and beyond. We get such a distorted negative picture of America from the nay saying media commentators and the politicians who take their oath to the Constitution as an impediment to their ambition. Times like this I like to watch Mike Douglas give the speech in the movie American President. https://www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/moviespeechtheamericanpresident.html "Being President of this country is entirely about character." ... and contrary to the media presenting such a limited view of America by talking about the two parties,each only about a quarter of the population, the vast majority of We, the People, are Americans working for a more perfect union. We came together in 2020 and we will again in 2022. That's what I'm reading in all the people around me. We want to come together.
The Hearings will be a tipping point. I hope. I feel a bit back on track. The evidence and the testimonies as presented were irrefutable. It was masterful. The fact that the Proud Boys were at the scene before TFG's speech and the testimonies of those who said they were asked by TFG to show up are damning. Barr and Ivanka were damning.
But I am an addict of finding ironies. We watched a woman, who I believe I disagree with on almost any topic politically, rise to the level of national hero. The daughter of a man who waged a murderous, stupid and destructive war based on false evidence - the progeny of a war criminal defended our nation and held accountable the traitors in her own political party. Wow. Whodathunk?
Others—Raskin, Schiff—have risen brilliantly to the defense of the Constitution, but not at the political peril Cheney faces. With that qualification, I completely agree with you. Great column, as usual.
I wonder if the relevant state bar associations feel that the actions and the statements of Powell, Giuliani, Mitchell, Clark, Eastman warrant disbarment? I mean full disbarment, not just admonitions or wringing of hands.
I've been saying for a long time that social media makes it too easy to engage in snarky outrage at anyone with whom we disagree, and too easy to spread lies that seem to be truth to certain riled up audiences. But I didn't know that these two ideas are part of a much larger picture of what it takes to grow a successful democracy, what can destroy it and how that is happening here. Here is an article from the Atlantic about that. I found myself feeling quite anxious as I read it. "Why the Past Ten Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid."
The author says that "social scientists have identified at least three major forces that collectively bind together successful democracies: social capital (extensive social networks with high levels of trust), strong institutions, and shared stories (including agreeing on the facts). Social media has weakened all three." The author does offer three steps to take to turn things around. May we unite with enough good citizens to make this happen. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/
Despite finding most of Liz Cheney’s views repugnant, still, throughout her tenure as co-Chair of the Jan 6th Select Committee, I keep hearing from her a steadying inner voice (admittedly, this might be projection) that says, “be fearless in your belief in democracy—and they will come.”
I abhor Liz Chaney's politics but I will say this about her. I would rather have 217 Liz Chaneys in Congress than one Ron Johnson or one MTG or one Jim Jordan, or one (well you get the idea).
Let's not forget how Ginni Thomas thought this was all legit.
Two things, among many, stood out for me. First, the direct connection between Trump and the calls to hang Mike Pence. Immediately after one of the insurrectionists read Trump’s tweet, the calls to “hang Mike pence” started up in the crowd. Second is the fact that there were so many guns stashed in cars and hotel rooms, just waiting to be grabbed and put into action. We are starting to hear how much more deadly this day could have become.
An idea for followers. If you live in a state with a candidate running for office endorsed by Trump today write a letter to local newspapers questioning the integrity and character of someone endorsed by a president who knowingly lied about the election and tried to overthrow our government. I sent my letter off this morning and it’s key today to tie those candidates to Trump based on last nights hearings. We need to make that connection as soon as possible.
Yes, Robert. I must agree with Liz Cheney's demonstrated "courage & integrity". Both Chairpersons actually; 1 from Mississippi & 1 from Wyoming. This was not a prosecution but, Cheney addressed the Nation & her Condtutional duties much like an opening statement, outline the story, highlight the facts-then deliver. In a post Hearing statement Schiff suggested there may be additional hearings while showing deference & respect for the Chairpersons' primary voices. Job well done.
Cheers to Liz Cheney👍👍