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.
I thought the same thing Karen, especially with Bennie Thompson, because the impetus behind this attempted coup is in the agenda of white supremacy. Watching Congressman Thompson speak, I said to my husband, "Wow, this must have the 'white power crowd' roiling." Good.
❤️"...a black man from the deep south and a white woman from the rural range..." Oops, I forgot to look at their physical traits. I only saw two Americans speaking their truth.
Failing to observe, talk about, or work to change racial, ethnic, or gender privileges is among the most important reasons such biases and prejudices continue to exist. This is why those who hold those privileges continue to work to suppress such discussions, examination of them, and any efforts for change. Do not be tricked into allowing these unjustified and decidedly unhelpful biases to continue by refusing to observe them, talk about, or examine them. Pretending they do not exist is exactly what those who hold those unwarranted privileges hope you will do allowing the biases and prejudices and their privileges to continue.
Excellent post, Bruce. I have been married for 40+ years to a wonderful man, someone whose racial identity I fail to observe except when I see pictures of us together. Then I'm reminded what others see when they see us together. It's not something I spend lots of time fretting over. But you're right it must be observed, talked about, and changed.
Oh, I saw them, the two of them. It was a proud moment. Those two opening statements will be taught as the introduction to the Jan 6 Coup Attempt. I hope.
It stood out to me that Chairman Thompson pointed out that the Committee members representative so many differences. I did connect his statement to include race, age, religion, gender, experiences...etc.
“Over the next few weeks, hopefully you will get to know the other Members, my colleagues up here, and me. We represent a diversity of communities from all over the United States. Rural areas and cities. East Coast, West Coast, and the heartland.”
“All of us have one thing in common: we swore the same oath. That same oath that all Members of Congress take upon taking office, and afterwards every two years that they are re-elected. We swore an oath to defend the Constitution. Against all enemies. Foreign. And domestic”
You forgot to notice two crucial things. Gender and Thompson’s race were essential ingredients. Congressman Thompson is a Witness to the power of “We Shall Overcome …”. MLKjr started the Revolution; hopefully We the Prople will continue it. Peace and Courage to All. Forward.
Totally did notice, and that was what was so powerful. Thanks for noting in your post. I feel the hands of history propelling us forward. May we all find the courage of Bennie, Liz, and the rest of the committee to work towards the common good. Side note: I run a nonprofit, and after Uvalde killings, we created a Making a Change work group to educate our staff on things they can do to make a difference. I asked for volunteers, and I'm pleased to say that we have a group of very diverse younger people who volunteered, willing to learn and educate their community about voting, advocacy, etc. I am so thrilled with their eagerness. Perhaps a change is gonna come.
He also said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." ~Martin Luther King, Jr. from his 'I have a dream' speech. "I have always liked this quote. I don’t want people to judge me by the color of my skin."
Mr. Thompson, in his opening statement, reminded me of Sen. Sam Ervin in the Watergate Committee hearings who, just prior to making an important point, invariably said "I'm just a country lawyer" and then skewered the witness. If the rest of the hearings go as this one began, the failed insurrectionist and his band of traitors will end up getting the reward they deserve.
I have never not been a politically active person, whatever age I've been. Being an armchair activist does not mean I sit and watch TV all day. I do whatever I can to get people to vote, to get out the vote, help others to vote, support candidates we want to win, contribute to organizations working for voter rights (e.g., Fair Fight Action) and do all I can to protect our cherished democracy. Nothing is more important for us to do as citizens, now more than ever, whether from armchairs or the streets.
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.
I am not so sure. There are far too many Americans who feel *so* disenfranchised that they dismiss these hearings as more "blah, blah, blah" political kabuki theatre. I know this from experience. This is the apathy against which we (and, of course, the January 6th Select Committee) struggle to overcome.
There is political apathy, that is true. Lots of people take for granted their right to vote and either don’t register or don’t vote for a variety of reasons. If the authoritarian crazies take over, then what?! Do they realize what serious trouble voting and other rights are in currently?!The authoritarian crazies want to be the ones to hand out rights, so to speak. But there is currently such gross disrespect for other points of view. That same disrespect motivated John Wilkes Booth to shoot Lincoln because he considered him a “tyrant”.
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!
Yes. We all must vote, get out the vote, help others to vote, support candidates we want to win, contribute to organizations working for voter rights (e.g., Fair Fight Action) and do all we can to protect our cherished democracy. Nothing is more important for us to do as citizens, now more than ever.
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'm a lifelong democrat, pretty far to the left, disagreeing with all T***p actions that Rep. LizCheney supported - and now she is my hero! This is how it's possible to DISAGREE on policy but AGREE on principles. This is the only way democracy can work.
Robert, The longer I live the more I’ve come to understand that no one is just one thing. Hence, though historians, generally, have ranked Adams as among our worst presidents, as you state, he, nonetheless, merits recognition “as a true patriot.”
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.
I thought the same thing Karen, especially with Bennie Thompson, because the impetus behind this attempted coup is in the agenda of white supremacy. Watching Congressman Thompson speak, I said to my husband, "Wow, this must have the 'white power crowd' roiling." Good.
Sadly the “white power crowd” are not watching this
They will hear
❤️"...a black man from the deep south and a white woman from the rural range..." Oops, I forgot to look at their physical traits. I only saw two Americans speaking their truth.
True, but being a woman I noticed, because it's usually majority white men. It was refreshing to see.
LOL, I forgot to look at gender as well...I just listened to the messages of each.
Failing to observe, talk about, or work to change racial, ethnic, or gender privileges is among the most important reasons such biases and prejudices continue to exist. This is why those who hold those privileges continue to work to suppress such discussions, examination of them, and any efforts for change. Do not be tricked into allowing these unjustified and decidedly unhelpful biases to continue by refusing to observe them, talk about, or examine them. Pretending they do not exist is exactly what those who hold those unwarranted privileges hope you will do allowing the biases and prejudices and their privileges to continue.
Excellent post, Bruce. I have been married for 40+ years to a wonderful man, someone whose racial identity I fail to observe except when I see pictures of us together. Then I'm reminded what others see when they see us together. It's not something I spend lots of time fretting over. But you're right it must be observed, talked about, and changed.
Oh, I saw them, the two of them. It was a proud moment. Those two opening statements will be taught as the introduction to the Jan 6 Coup Attempt. I hope.
It stood out to me that Chairman Thompson pointed out that the Committee members representative so many differences. I did connect his statement to include race, age, religion, gender, experiences...etc.
“Over the next few weeks, hopefully you will get to know the other Members, my colleagues up here, and me. We represent a diversity of communities from all over the United States. Rural areas and cities. East Coast, West Coast, and the heartland.”
“All of us have one thing in common: we swore the same oath. That same oath that all Members of Congress take upon taking office, and afterwards every two years that they are re-elected. We swore an oath to defend the Constitution. Against all enemies. Foreign. And domestic”
https://january6th.house.gov/news/press-releases/thompson-cheney-opening-statements-select-committee-hearing
You forgot to notice two crucial things. Gender and Thompson’s race were essential ingredients. Congressman Thompson is a Witness to the power of “We Shall Overcome …”. MLKjr started the Revolution; hopefully We the Prople will continue it. Peace and Courage to All. Forward.
Totally did notice, and that was what was so powerful. Thanks for noting in your post. I feel the hands of history propelling us forward. May we all find the courage of Bennie, Liz, and the rest of the committee to work towards the common good. Side note: I run a nonprofit, and after Uvalde killings, we created a Making a Change work group to educate our staff on things they can do to make a difference. I asked for volunteers, and I'm pleased to say that we have a group of very diverse younger people who volunteered, willing to learn and educate their community about voting, advocacy, etc. I am so thrilled with their eagerness. Perhaps a change is gonna come.
Sounds great about your nonprofit. Actions one by one.
He also said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." ~Martin Luther King, Jr. from his 'I have a dream' speech. "I have always liked this quote. I don’t want people to judge me by the color of my skin."
My bad.
Mr. Thompson, in his opening statement, reminded me of Sen. Sam Ervin in the Watergate Committee hearings who, just prior to making an important point, invariably said "I'm just a country lawyer" and then skewered the witness. If the rest of the hearings go as this one began, the failed insurrectionist and his band of traitors will end up getting the reward they deserve.
I confess I love reading comments from people who remember these moments.
Glad to hear it, there are fewer of us all the time.
But enough to still make a difference, I hope, Dave, even though some of us are only armchair activists now.
There are enough Mim as long as we can all get out of the chairs and get active again; even if for just a little while.
I have never not been a politically active person, whatever age I've been. Being an armchair activist does not mean I sit and watch TV all day. I do whatever I can to get people to vote, to get out the vote, help others to vote, support candidates we want to win, contribute to organizations working for voter rights (e.g., Fair Fight Action) and do all I can to protect our cherished democracy. Nothing is more important for us to do as citizens, now more than ever, whether from armchairs or the streets.
Excellent reminder, Dave!
Thanks Lynell.
Home of the brave…made me proud, and gave me hope.
Me, too, Vivian.
You said it better than all the “pundits”. A defying moment as true patriots take back the country.
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.
"Disagreement does not mean that one person is a true American, but anyone who disagrees is a traitor," Perfect. Thank 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.
I am not so sure. There are far too many Americans who feel *so* disenfranchised that they dismiss these hearings as more "blah, blah, blah" political kabuki theatre. I know this from experience. This is the apathy against which we (and, of course, the January 6th Select Committee) struggle to overcome.
There is political apathy, that is true. Lots of people take for granted their right to vote and either don’t register or don’t vote for a variety of reasons. If the authoritarian crazies take over, then what?! Do they realize what serious trouble voting and other rights are in currently?!The authoritarian crazies want to be the ones to hand out rights, so to speak. But there is currently such gross disrespect for other points of view. That same disrespect motivated John Wilkes Booth to shoot Lincoln because he considered him a “tyrant”.
Sadly true, but there are always such people. Some of them can be reached if we try hard.
wonder if Elon Musk will still put his billions in republican coffers.
Let us hope!
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!
Well said! The hearing really delivered. I hope some of the non-MAGA GOP were watching and convinced.
Sadly, cults have no ears; Rupert knows that.
Let’s not forget they are the minority and we are the majority.
Only if “we” actually vote.
Yes. We all must vote, get out the vote, help others to vote, support candidates we want to win, contribute to organizations working for voter rights (e.g., Fair Fight Action) and do all we can to protect our cherished democracy. Nothing is more important for us to do as citizens, now more than ever.
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.
Pray you are riight
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?
Couldn't agree more, mind-bending.
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/
chump tried to twitter an insurrection. Welcome him back, Elon. It will be on you...
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.”
Many of the Founding Fathers couldn't stand John Adams. But they recognized him as a true patriot who deserved a place of honor.
I'm a lifelong democrat, pretty far to the left, disagreeing with all T***p actions that Rep. LizCheney supported - and now she is my hero! This is how it's possible to DISAGREE on policy but AGREE on principles. This is the only way democracy can work.
Robert, The longer I live the more I’ve come to understand that no one is just one thing. Hence, though historians, generally, have ranked Adams as among our worst presidents, as you state, he, nonetheless, merits recognition “as a true patriot.”
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.
And her husband was a monster before she even started her bit. Where do we find these dreadful people?
never forget
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.
And how DC's strong gun laws prevented a massacre.
Living in Northern VA we were told several weeks before Jan. 6th to put our political yard signs away so that our homes would not become targets.
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👍👍