Yes, today's hearing showed us a couple of beautiful and inspiring profiles in courage. It will take me some time to process what I heard today. Maybe it is the realization how much Truth Matters and how much giving ourselves to helping others is inherent and essential to our sense of well being like Shaye Moss illustrated so well. She loved helping others. Having purpose in our lives that is larger than ourselves gives our lives meaning like nothing else does. It is essential that we help each other be loving and nurturing of all that surrounds us. We, the People all of us this time in kindness and light.
And on the other side of the coin, an MSNBC commentator remarked that the ongoing threats, violence, doxing, trauma, harassment, and outright terrorism against honest election officials by Trump-incited thugs shows that this country has a lot more authoritarian bullies than only the former guy. Therein lies our challenge, starting with staffing elections with experienced, honest, and courageous election workers and officials at all levels.
Tom Nichols has an interesting piece in last night's Atlantic Daily Newsletter. (I couldn't figure out if there was a was a link to an email, so I copied & pasted.
"As the January 6 hearings restarted today after the long weekend, I was thinking about the weird, psychotic fear that has overtaken millions of Americans. I include in those millions people who are near and dear to me, friends I have known for years who now seem to speak a different language, a kind of Fox-infused, Gish Galloping, “what-about” patois that makes no sense even if you slow it down or add punctuation.
Such conversations are just part of life in divided America now. We live in a democracy, and there’s no law (nor should there be) against the willing suffocation of one’s own brain cells with television and the internet. But living in an alternate reality is unhealthy—and dangerous, as I realized yet again while watching the January 6 committee hearings and listening to the stories of Republicans, such as Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers and others, describing the threats and harassment they have received for doing their duty to the Constitution.
And the threats don’t stop with political figures; families are now in the crosshairs. Representative Adam Kinzinger, for example, tweeted Monday about a letter he received in which the writer threatened not only to kill him, but to kill his wife and infant son.
There have always been unstable people in America, and they have always done frightening things. But there seem to be a lot more of them now. Some of them are genuinely dangerous, but many more are just rage-drunk nihilists who will threaten any public figures targeted by their preferred television hosts or websites, regardless of party or policy.
The more I think about it—and I spent years researching such problems while writing a book about democracy—the more I think that such people are less angry than they are terrified.
Many of you will respond: Of course they’re terrified. They’re scared of demographic change, of cultural shifts, of being looked down upon for being older and uneducated in an increasingly young and educated world.
All true. But I think there’s more to it.
I think the Trump superfans are terrified of being wrong. I suspect they know that for many years they’ve made a terrible mistake—that Trump and his coterie took them to the cleaners and the cognitive dissonance is now rising to ear-splitting, chest-constricting levels. And so they will literally threaten to kill people like Kinzinger (among others) if that’s what it takes to silence the last feeble voice of reason inside themselves.
We know from studies (and from experience as human beings) that being wrong makes us feel uncomfortable. It’s an actual physiological sensation, and when compounded by humiliation, it becomes intolerable. The ego cries out for either silence or assent. In the modern media environment, this fear expresses itself as a demand for the comfort of massive doses of self-justifying rage delivered through the Fox or Newsmax or OAN electronic EpiPen that stills the allergic reaction to truth and reason.
These outlets are eager to oblige. It’s not you, the hosts assure the viewers. It’s them. You made the right decisions years ago and no matter how much it now seems that you were fooled and conned, you are on the side of right and justice.
This therapy works for as long as the patient is glued to the television or computer screen. The moment someone like Bowers or Kinzinger or Liz Cheney appears and attacks the lie, the anxiety and embarrassment rise like reflux in the throat, and it must be stopped, even if it means threatening to kill the messenger.
No one who truly believes they are right threatens to hurt anyone for expressing a contrary view. The snarling threat of violence never comes from people who calmly believe they are in the right. It is always the instant resort of the bully who feels the hot flush of shame rising in the cheeks and the cold rock of fear dropping in the pit of the stomach.
In the film adaptation of the Cold War epic Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, John le Carré’s fictional British intelligence officer George Smiley describes his opposite number, the Soviet spymaster Karla. Smiley knows Karla can be beaten, he says, because Karla “is a fanatic. And the fanatic is always concealing a secret doubt.”
What this means, I regret to say, is that there will be more threats, and more violence, because there will be more truth. It’s going to be a long summer."
I think this makes sense. And while some might see this kind of information as "making excuses," I don't think any bad behavior can really change (or be prevented) w/o understanding of what is actually causing it. I read a twitter thread about another aspect of folks who are likely to become T***p's bullies and followers - they don't like to be told what to do, whether it's about guns or masks or vaccines or anything else. Once again we see how the cynical power grabbers (mostly Republican) know how to rile up their base by exploiting these characteristics. What can the democratic equivalent be? What motivates people to want social justice, choice, equality, gun safety, health care enough to want to do something about it - or at least to realize that they have to vote for politicians who do?
I read about an hour ago from the WaPo that the J6 Committee members are now being provided a security detail due to huge increase in threats against them.
The truth IS flushing the bullies out and they don't like it one bit.
For me this was the most heart breaking moment of this entire hearing, really of tRump's entire attempt to control this country. It was sickening to hear these two women recount what has happened to them. Too tragic for words.
“ For the first time ever, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award will honor five individuals — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Representative Liz Cheney, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Arizona Representative Russell “Rusty” Bowers, and Wandrea’ ArShaye Moss — each for their courage to protect and defend democracy in the United States and abroad.”
I can only hope and pray that these two courageous women win their lawsuit and garner restitution. We should all be ashamed of what happened to them as faithful election workers, active citizens of our Republic, and as women of color. At this moment in our history, their testimony about their treatment at the hands of so-called government officials crystallizes all that is still so wrong in this nation. My fervent hope is that our Republic will survive this moment, but whether or not that happens, we now have two more heroic individuals to add to the roster of patriots who deserve or honor and our thanks.
Not sure I'd pick Rusty Bowers over Brad Raffensperger. The latter sounds to me as if he were far more harassed far more consistently and in a far more vulnerable position.
It's breath-taking how corrosive and corrupt the Trump Administration was. Why are McConnell and McCarthy laying down like little puppies? Money and power, for sure. But also, their support forTrump since 2016 mean that they've now got a rattle snake by the tail. One false move and the MAGA inspired crazies will threaten them in their homes and at work. What has their complacency unleashed?
Great and poignant post today. What I don't understand is why those making threats at the homes of Bowers, Moss, and Freeman aren't arrested and prosecuted for making threats, harassment, and intimidation. They should be sued for defamation of character and slander. If funds are needed to bring those lawsuits, I'd be happy to contribute. The demonstrations go well beyond what is free speech; it's as bad or worse than yelling "Fire" in a crowded theater.
People forget that Sen. Ron Johnson was identified by Russians as a "useful idiot" to disseminate disinformation during the 2020 election. He is no longer useful, but is still an idiot.
It all fits together somehow, doesn’t it. I can believe whatever I want to believe “in my heart” and make YOU pay. and I don’t need no stinkin evidence. The New Mexico official (under indictment for participation in Jan 6, of course) who votes not to certify his election because he believes “in his heart” that Dominion voting machines are corrupt - a belief he ADMITS he has no evidence for - is just copying his hero Donald Trump.
Yes, Steve, that comment floored me. What that New Mexico official was actually saying was "I don't respect the rule of law in this country. I believe it is my right to ignore the will of the people in my state because I FEEL LIKE IT." I doubt it occurred to that person what this country or even just New Mexico would be like if everyone else had the same attitude. Dangerous, brainless behavior.
And imagine how indignant he’d be if the DC prosecutor’s evidence against him for his actions on Jan 6 had been “I know in my heart that he did these things”.
No, the MAGA theory of justice is they get to do what they want, evidence be damned, and do it to others whose real evidence of innocence counts for nothing.
Before the benighted Ms. Collins, Maine was served by three honourable Republicans: Margaret Chase Smith, William Cohen and Olympia Snowe-none of whom would have suffered Donald Trump gladly. Before Andy Biggs, Arizona was served by Barry Goldwater, who marched into the Oval Office in August, 1974 and demanded Richard Nixon's resignation. I was no fan of Goldwater, in a good many respects, but he had a fair measure of decency.
The spectacle of Eric Greitens calling for what is tantamount to mass murder, on the very day that Americans of good will were celebrating the de facto end of chattel slavery, in June, 1865, should remind everyone of good will that there will always be those among us who long for the return of autocracy, of the manorial system, of the Divine Right of Kings. Freedom is never free.
What really spoke to me yesterday is how these ordinary peoples' lives and those of their families, were impacted by a crazed mob. Sadly, this mob is more enraged and emboldened than they were in 2020. As other readers have noted, the poll workers have all quit (who can blame them!), which to me means the mob and their tactics are winning.
Two very meaningful notes from yesterday was Shey saying why she wanted to be a poll worker and how she loved to help the older black voters some of whom had been denied the right to vote in the past and the steps that she would go to get absentee ballots to members of her community that were in the hospital. The second was the AZ member who spoke of his long time friends who have turned on him.
Great call to action Robert to get more poll workers! And if you live in a deep blue state like me, consider being a poll monitor in another state.
Truth and Justice are enshrined in Today's Edition Newsletter as never before. The evidence of Trump's cruelty you have presented is unequivocal by virtue of the links provided that in concert make an airtight case against our erstwhile president and his evil enablers. But your post also focuses on the courage of Shaye Moss and others who took a stand as freedom loving Americans in the face of the Trumpian assault on the Rule of Law. As Cathy Learoyd says, "Having purpose in our lives that is larger than ourselves gives our lives meaning like nothing else does." When that purpose is in alignment with "the better angels of our natures" and dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the common good, it creates the conditions for a thriving Democracy.
I rarely disagree with anything substantial in the Newsletter, and your commentary on the Committee hearings is spot on. Establishing a personal profile in courage is Mr. Attorney General Garland’s primary responsibility right now; I remain convinced that as long as the former president is outside and has ready access to the media, he will continue the scam that he started in 2015.
In respect of the gun problem, however, I disagree that what was done is the “bare minimum”; the bill, if it passes, is a piece of performatory pap designed to let Senators go to recess able to say that they “took bipartisan action” in response to the killings in Uvalde, Buffalo and elsewhere. What they did may be laudable, but there is nothing in the bill as presented that will have an immediate impact on the ability of anyone to procure the weaponry used in those murders. At minimum, there should have been limits on the capacity of magazines and the type of ammunition available in the civilian market and universal mandatory background checks prior to purchase. Senators will probably take a victory lap for this but far too many of their constituents and future constituent won’t be able to join them because they died of legislative inaction while doing nothing more than attend school, shop, or worship.
I also disagree with the prevailing analysis of the Court decision in Carson; as I understand the issue, the law established a different set of standards for private school funding based on religious affiliation and the Court was asked to set this aside. Treating a class of organizations equally under the law doesn’t establish a religious affiliation for the state and doesn’t challenge anyone’s ability to practice or not practice their religious beliefs. Much of this country was establishmentarian in its early days, and the results of that are well known and formed the basis for the 1st Amendment restriction. A much better argument would be that the state ought not fund any private schools at all and thereby end the discussion but that would require legislative rather than judicial action which we’re unlikely to see.
Your closing remarks today and the testimony of the women from Georgia hit home because I’ll be an election judge for the MO primary on Aug. 2 and, although that’s a very different job from working for the County Clerk or Secretary of State’s office where votes are counted, it would be reassuring to know that I’ll be secure in doing so and that everyone else who fills a similar role will be too. I’m waiting to hear and see a joint press conference featuring the President, Congressional leaders of both parties and the two party chairpeople where all violence of any kind in a political situation is disavowed and a promise is made to prosecute violators to the fullest extent of the law and in a reasonable time frame. This too will pass, and it is incumbent on all of us to ensure that the passage is peaceful and positive.
I agree with your analysis of the "gun safety" bill. But many mainstream gun safety organizations disagree with me and you. I was trying to be polite.
I don't think the Maine statute established a "different set of standards" for religious vs. secular schools. it simply said that public funds could not be used to fund religious schools--an interpretation of the First Amendment that stretches back two centuries. It is the US Constitution that sets up that prohibition--not the Maine statute. If treating organizations equally under the law "establishes" a religion, then equal treatment is prohibited by the Constitution.
I do have a hard time being polite in situations like this, glad you agree with my thinking on the gun bill.
In respect of Maine, my argument is based on the theory presented in Trinity Lutheran v. Comer from 2017 and comes down to the idea that a particular religion is not being established simply because public funds are used for a particular purpose that doesn't involve the religious work of the school. There are excellent arguments against that interpretation, including the ones you present which is why I'd rather not see any public money supporting private schools at all. If memory serves, this discussion revved up when vouchers became popular because there were objections to their use at religious schools.
We'll probably not resolve the issue here, but it's an interesting learning experience and I appreciate your comments.
Props for being involved in a real and tangible way beyond 'voting' in your state's election process. You definitely have my respect for that, as you do for the many articulate and well-reasoned comments I see from you here and elsewhere.
As to your observations about 'the gun problem', as a gun owner myself who's more than angry about the loss of life to gun violence in our country, I think you're pretty spot on. Weak tea at best. And I'll be surprised if, by some chance, an actual law comes out of this that it isn't even weaker still by the time it gets through the House and ends up on Biden's desk, if that actually does happen.
I would very much like to see a lot more done along the lines you mentioned. No reason for any victory laps by anyone over this. It wasn't a very strenuous race, or at least it shouldn't have been. But considering the political atmosphere in which this was produced, I'm surprised anything came out of it at all. I think, all things considered, the real opportunities for meaningful action now lie at the state level in some places for the near term, and I hope that more progress will be made there.
I guess I'd say that I'm disappointed by this paltry offering at the federal level, but not completely disheartened. If you're dying of thirst, a small glass of weak tea is better than nothing in the short run. And nothing is what we've gotten for about 3 decades now. And if this action keeps only a handful of innocents from dying, well, that's not nothing and definitely worth it.
This is going to be a marathon effort to get meaningful and effective reform 'at scale' across the country. We have to keep the pressure on. But we have to take what we can get in the way of a drink along the way, I think.
It's guys like you who are willing to get involved and get their hands dirty in trying to make our country a better place in one way or another that we owe a lot more thanks to than the guys who will no doubt take a turn or two around the track over this 20 yard sprint.
Thanks, both for the electoral support and your comments. Your weak tea analogy is very appropriate because, since tea is a diuretic, while it will relieve thirst in the short run, in the longer term it will take water out of the body. I'm afraid that's what will happen at the federal level if/when this bill, such as it is and, as you note, may become, passes. We'll all need to follow your advice and work at the state and even local level on this and many other issues.
Ha! Couldn't think of a way to work in the diuretic / short term thing without making my comment a lot longer than it needed to be. Figured what I said was enough. Glad you caught it.
And props again for not just sittin' on the sidelines. Things here in the Wolverine state are pretty darned crazy, but I don't know...MO, Greitens and the like...ya'll pretty much got your work cut out for yourselves, don't ya'?!
We do indeed and a steeper climb than you have even with the Devos family in residence. I think that there's a fair chance Greitens will get the nomination and lose the general but it depends on a lot of Democrats getting their acts together pretty quickly. John Danforth is talking up a 3rd party candidate who could take enough GOP votes to elect the Dem.
The hearings were so well done. Incredibly moving. There are still ethical Republicans, although that term is becoming increasingly oxymoronic. The officials who testified, at some personal peril, are deserving of our respect. And our compassion and support goes out to Shaye Moss and Lady Ruby. Two selfless human beings who only tried to help others. Once again, it was shown in stark detail that Donald Trump is a carny hustler criminal. He is a repugnant human being. He belongs behind bars.
I agree with you. It baffles me, however, that politicians like those who stood up for the rule of law in yesterday's hearing still found it acceptable to vote for Trump in 2020 after witnessing his lies, corruption, bashing the rule of law, bullying, racism, misogyny, violence and dismantling of our government for four years. As I watched with gratitude while those politicians testified how they did their job and honored their oath of office, I couldn't help but wonder if they would/will vote for Trump if he runs again in 2024.
Another example is Bryan Cutler from PA. He refused trumps call to flip the electoral vote in PA, for which he was attacked NY Maga supporters. But then he urged the PA congressional delegation to object to the electoral count on Jan 6th.
"Cutler and dozens of Republican lawmakers sent letters to Pennsylvania's congressional delegation in Dec. 2020, telling them to object to the election results.
If I were to foolishly attempt to make sense of (not defend!) the internal workings of the Maga mind, I might guess that the possibility of being solely or partially responsible for the legal consequences of flipping the electoral vote in Pennsylvania was too potentially frightening for Mr. Cutler. But being part of a crowd that "merely" sent a letter urging OTHERS to be the front line attempting to interfere with the electoral count gave him courage. Sort of a mob mentality.
Coincidentally, Tom Nichols was on TV tonight discussing his Atlantic Article " What are Trump Supporters So Afraid Of." It's about why people have ramped up their vicious attacks on J6 Committee members like Adam Kinzinger. Mr. Nichols suggests that some Trump supporters are trying to rationalize continuing to back Trump despite a sudden and ever growing avalanche of facts proving he is a monster who is trying to destroy America. They don't want to hear proof of his evil behavior because it makes them feel terrible to admit that they have been so wrong. I don't know if there is any validity to this idea or not. It's a sort of "kill the messenger" theory. Whatever the motivation for trying to terrorize good people, I wish someone on the protective details could track down some of the perpetrators and throw them in jail. They need consequences for their actions. And America needs to start protecting our patriots more diligently. https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/06/what-are-trump-supporters-so-afraid-of/661346/
Thanks Robert for the excellent recap. Yesterday's hearing was powerful. It was a brilliant balance of Republican officials who chose the right and legal path and the election workers who could be our neighbors or friends who were targeted by the greatest bully our nation has ever known.
How can any American watch that and not condemn TFG and his lackeys? Their tactics were those of dystopian horror novels.
I don't know how TFG will be held accountable. I don't know what the DOJ will ever do. I just wake up every morning hoping that charges can be brought by someone that will prevent him from holding future office. And some financial penalties to include repayment of those he scammed would seem appropriate.
And then, is there any hope that the "normal" wing of the GQP will regain some sway? Raffensperger seems to have support...
The fourth J6th hearing for me was the most emotional and the testimony of Rusty Bowers, Lady Ruby and her daughter Shaye Moss was riveting and heartbreaking as well as damaging to Trump and his associates. It represented the ugly truth that Trump didn’t care about the “ little people” or dedicated public servants doing their jobs. He only wanted to overturn the election for himself at any cost. What I hope this hearing accomplished was that it was an eye opener to the “ little people” that Trump regardless of his rhetoric does not care about the voters who supported him and is using them and their financial support for personal gain and adulation. People like Rusty Bower’s Lady Rudy and Brad Raffensperger I hope will be the role model and inspiration for many people to come forward and “ do the right thing”. Sure not all the Trump avid supporters will have heard yesterdays hearing but enough have and maybe we can start to turn the tide against the assault on our Democracy. Yesterday Trump lost in the most important court in the country and that is the court of of public opinion.
Yes, today's hearing showed us a couple of beautiful and inspiring profiles in courage. It will take me some time to process what I heard today. Maybe it is the realization how much Truth Matters and how much giving ourselves to helping others is inherent and essential to our sense of well being like Shaye Moss illustrated so well. She loved helping others. Having purpose in our lives that is larger than ourselves gives our lives meaning like nothing else does. It is essential that we help each other be loving and nurturing of all that surrounds us. We, the People all of us this time in kindness and light.
And on the other side of the coin, an MSNBC commentator remarked that the ongoing threats, violence, doxing, trauma, harassment, and outright terrorism against honest election officials by Trump-incited thugs shows that this country has a lot more authoritarian bullies than only the former guy. Therein lies our challenge, starting with staffing elections with experienced, honest, and courageous election workers and officials at all levels.
Tom Nichols has an interesting piece in last night's Atlantic Daily Newsletter. (I couldn't figure out if there was a was a link to an email, so I copied & pasted.
"As the January 6 hearings restarted today after the long weekend, I was thinking about the weird, psychotic fear that has overtaken millions of Americans. I include in those millions people who are near and dear to me, friends I have known for years who now seem to speak a different language, a kind of Fox-infused, Gish Galloping, “what-about” patois that makes no sense even if you slow it down or add punctuation.
Such conversations are just part of life in divided America now. We live in a democracy, and there’s no law (nor should there be) against the willing suffocation of one’s own brain cells with television and the internet. But living in an alternate reality is unhealthy—and dangerous, as I realized yet again while watching the January 6 committee hearings and listening to the stories of Republicans, such as Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers and others, describing the threats and harassment they have received for doing their duty to the Constitution.
And the threats don’t stop with political figures; families are now in the crosshairs. Representative Adam Kinzinger, for example, tweeted Monday about a letter he received in which the writer threatened not only to kill him, but to kill his wife and infant son.
There have always been unstable people in America, and they have always done frightening things. But there seem to be a lot more of them now. Some of them are genuinely dangerous, but many more are just rage-drunk nihilists who will threaten any public figures targeted by their preferred television hosts or websites, regardless of party or policy.
The more I think about it—and I spent years researching such problems while writing a book about democracy—the more I think that such people are less angry than they are terrified.
Many of you will respond: Of course they’re terrified. They’re scared of demographic change, of cultural shifts, of being looked down upon for being older and uneducated in an increasingly young and educated world.
All true. But I think there’s more to it.
I think the Trump superfans are terrified of being wrong. I suspect they know that for many years they’ve made a terrible mistake—that Trump and his coterie took them to the cleaners and the cognitive dissonance is now rising to ear-splitting, chest-constricting levels. And so they will literally threaten to kill people like Kinzinger (among others) if that’s what it takes to silence the last feeble voice of reason inside themselves.
We know from studies (and from experience as human beings) that being wrong makes us feel uncomfortable. It’s an actual physiological sensation, and when compounded by humiliation, it becomes intolerable. The ego cries out for either silence or assent. In the modern media environment, this fear expresses itself as a demand for the comfort of massive doses of self-justifying rage delivered through the Fox or Newsmax or OAN electronic EpiPen that stills the allergic reaction to truth and reason.
These outlets are eager to oblige. It’s not you, the hosts assure the viewers. It’s them. You made the right decisions years ago and no matter how much it now seems that you were fooled and conned, you are on the side of right and justice.
This therapy works for as long as the patient is glued to the television or computer screen. The moment someone like Bowers or Kinzinger or Liz Cheney appears and attacks the lie, the anxiety and embarrassment rise like reflux in the throat, and it must be stopped, even if it means threatening to kill the messenger.
No one who truly believes they are right threatens to hurt anyone for expressing a contrary view. The snarling threat of violence never comes from people who calmly believe they are in the right. It is always the instant resort of the bully who feels the hot flush of shame rising in the cheeks and the cold rock of fear dropping in the pit of the stomach.
In the film adaptation of the Cold War epic Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, John le Carré’s fictional British intelligence officer George Smiley describes his opposite number, the Soviet spymaster Karla. Smiley knows Karla can be beaten, he says, because Karla “is a fanatic. And the fanatic is always concealing a secret doubt.”
What this means, I regret to say, is that there will be more threats, and more violence, because there will be more truth. It’s going to be a long summer."
I think this makes sense. And while some might see this kind of information as "making excuses," I don't think any bad behavior can really change (or be prevented) w/o understanding of what is actually causing it. I read a twitter thread about another aspect of folks who are likely to become T***p's bullies and followers - they don't like to be told what to do, whether it's about guns or masks or vaccines or anything else. Once again we see how the cynical power grabbers (mostly Republican) know how to rile up their base by exploiting these characteristics. What can the democratic equivalent be? What motivates people to want social justice, choice, equality, gun safety, health care enough to want to do something about it - or at least to realize that they have to vote for politicians who do?
I read about an hour ago from the WaPo that the J6 Committee members are now being provided a security detail due to huge increase in threats against them.
The truth IS flushing the bullies out and they don't like it one bit.
What about security for the people who have testified, including "Shaye" Moss and "Lady Ruby" Freeman?
Ethan Grey:
Here is the Republican message on everything of importance:
1. They can tell people what to do.
2. You cannot tell them what to do.
https://twitter.com/_EthanGrey/status/1534024357957230594?s=20&t=Ro_J6FFanN_L0Tk_wFU34w
For me this was the most heart breaking moment of this entire hearing, really of tRump's entire attempt to control this country. It was sickening to hear these two women recount what has happened to them. Too tragic for words.
Shaye Moss and her mother deserve serious protection from the violence of mob boss Trump and his criminal cult WAY MORE than Susan Collins' sidewalk deserved any time or attention from the Maine police. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/susan-collins-sidewalk-chalker-interview
BTB-Shaye won a Profile In Courage award! https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/award-recipients/defending-democracy-2022/wandrea-arshaye-moss
“ For the first time ever, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award will honor five individuals — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Representative Liz Cheney, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Arizona Representative Russell “Rusty” Bowers, and Wandrea’ ArShaye Moss — each for their courage to protect and defend democracy in the United States and abroad.”
https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award
Also lawsuits: Freeman and Moss vs. OAN & Gateway Pundit
https://www.law4truth.org/
I can only hope and pray that these two courageous women win their lawsuit and garner restitution. We should all be ashamed of what happened to them as faithful election workers, active citizens of our Republic, and as women of color. At this moment in our history, their testimony about their treatment at the hands of so-called government officials crystallizes all that is still so wrong in this nation. My fervent hope is that our Republic will survive this moment, but whether or not that happens, we now have two more heroic individuals to add to the roster of patriots who deserve or honor and our thanks.
Not sure I'd pick Rusty Bowers over Brad Raffensperger. The latter sounds to me as if he were far more harassed far more consistently and in a far more vulnerable position.
Kathy, the link doesn't go directly to the Freeman and Moss lawsuit.
For some reason, I couldn’t link off the page (Litigation)on Law4Truth.I found the org through this link: https://protectdemocracy.org/project/fighting-defamation-aimed-at-election-workers/ I believe Robert mentioned this org some months ago.
Thank you, Kathy.
It's breath-taking how corrosive and corrupt the Trump Administration was. Why are McConnell and McCarthy laying down like little puppies? Money and power, for sure. But also, their support forTrump since 2016 mean that they've now got a rattle snake by the tail. One false move and the MAGA inspired crazies will threaten them in their homes and at work. What has their complacency unleashed?
Great and poignant post today. What I don't understand is why those making threats at the homes of Bowers, Moss, and Freeman aren't arrested and prosecuted for making threats, harassment, and intimidation. They should be sued for defamation of character and slander. If funds are needed to bring those lawsuits, I'd be happy to contribute. The demonstrations go well beyond what is free speech; it's as bad or worse than yelling "Fire" in a crowded theater.
People forget that Sen. Ron Johnson was identified by Russians as a "useful idiot" to disseminate disinformation during the 2020 election. He is no longer useful, but is still an idiot.
https://www.justsecurity.org/71947/how-sen-ron-johnsons-investigation-became-an-enabler-of-russian-disinformation-part-i/
It all fits together somehow, doesn’t it. I can believe whatever I want to believe “in my heart” and make YOU pay. and I don’t need no stinkin evidence. The New Mexico official (under indictment for participation in Jan 6, of course) who votes not to certify his election because he believes “in his heart” that Dominion voting machines are corrupt - a belief he ADMITS he has no evidence for - is just copying his hero Donald Trump.
THIS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO STAND, in either case!
Yes, Steve, that comment floored me. What that New Mexico official was actually saying was "I don't respect the rule of law in this country. I believe it is my right to ignore the will of the people in my state because I FEEL LIKE IT." I doubt it occurred to that person what this country or even just New Mexico would be like if everyone else had the same attitude. Dangerous, brainless behavior.
And imagine how indignant he’d be if the DC prosecutor’s evidence against him for his actions on Jan 6 had been “I know in my heart that he did these things”.
No, the MAGA theory of justice is they get to do what they want, evidence be damned, and do it to others whose real evidence of innocence counts for nothing.
Before the benighted Ms. Collins, Maine was served by three honourable Republicans: Margaret Chase Smith, William Cohen and Olympia Snowe-none of whom would have suffered Donald Trump gladly. Before Andy Biggs, Arizona was served by Barry Goldwater, who marched into the Oval Office in August, 1974 and demanded Richard Nixon's resignation. I was no fan of Goldwater, in a good many respects, but he had a fair measure of decency.
The spectacle of Eric Greitens calling for what is tantamount to mass murder, on the very day that Americans of good will were celebrating the de facto end of chattel slavery, in June, 1865, should remind everyone of good will that there will always be those among us who long for the return of autocracy, of the manorial system, of the Divine Right of Kings. Freedom is never free.
What really spoke to me yesterday is how these ordinary peoples' lives and those of their families, were impacted by a crazed mob. Sadly, this mob is more enraged and emboldened than they were in 2020. As other readers have noted, the poll workers have all quit (who can blame them!), which to me means the mob and their tactics are winning.
Two very meaningful notes from yesterday was Shey saying why she wanted to be a poll worker and how she loved to help the older black voters some of whom had been denied the right to vote in the past and the steps that she would go to get absentee ballots to members of her community that were in the hospital. The second was the AZ member who spoke of his long time friends who have turned on him.
Great call to action Robert to get more poll workers! And if you live in a deep blue state like me, consider being a poll monitor in another state.
I hope Shaye Moss and Lady Ruby sue Trump for defamation.
Maybe Trump will be next...
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/elections/oan-dismissed-election-workers-suit-settlement-georgia-ruby-freeman-wandrea-moss/85-ef93fe82-577b-4c92-b15d-1b7825f67025
Hearing Ms Moss and Lady Ruby was horrific. I cannot believe what they endured.
Truth and Justice are enshrined in Today's Edition Newsletter as never before. The evidence of Trump's cruelty you have presented is unequivocal by virtue of the links provided that in concert make an airtight case against our erstwhile president and his evil enablers. But your post also focuses on the courage of Shaye Moss and others who took a stand as freedom loving Americans in the face of the Trumpian assault on the Rule of Law. As Cathy Learoyd says, "Having purpose in our lives that is larger than ourselves gives our lives meaning like nothing else does." When that purpose is in alignment with "the better angels of our natures" and dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the common good, it creates the conditions for a thriving Democracy.
I rarely disagree with anything substantial in the Newsletter, and your commentary on the Committee hearings is spot on. Establishing a personal profile in courage is Mr. Attorney General Garland’s primary responsibility right now; I remain convinced that as long as the former president is outside and has ready access to the media, he will continue the scam that he started in 2015.
In respect of the gun problem, however, I disagree that what was done is the “bare minimum”; the bill, if it passes, is a piece of performatory pap designed to let Senators go to recess able to say that they “took bipartisan action” in response to the killings in Uvalde, Buffalo and elsewhere. What they did may be laudable, but there is nothing in the bill as presented that will have an immediate impact on the ability of anyone to procure the weaponry used in those murders. At minimum, there should have been limits on the capacity of magazines and the type of ammunition available in the civilian market and universal mandatory background checks prior to purchase. Senators will probably take a victory lap for this but far too many of their constituents and future constituent won’t be able to join them because they died of legislative inaction while doing nothing more than attend school, shop, or worship.
I also disagree with the prevailing analysis of the Court decision in Carson; as I understand the issue, the law established a different set of standards for private school funding based on religious affiliation and the Court was asked to set this aside. Treating a class of organizations equally under the law doesn’t establish a religious affiliation for the state and doesn’t challenge anyone’s ability to practice or not practice their religious beliefs. Much of this country was establishmentarian in its early days, and the results of that are well known and formed the basis for the 1st Amendment restriction. A much better argument would be that the state ought not fund any private schools at all and thereby end the discussion but that would require legislative rather than judicial action which we’re unlikely to see.
Your closing remarks today and the testimony of the women from Georgia hit home because I’ll be an election judge for the MO primary on Aug. 2 and, although that’s a very different job from working for the County Clerk or Secretary of State’s office where votes are counted, it would be reassuring to know that I’ll be secure in doing so and that everyone else who fills a similar role will be too. I’m waiting to hear and see a joint press conference featuring the President, Congressional leaders of both parties and the two party chairpeople where all violence of any kind in a political situation is disavowed and a promise is made to prosecute violators to the fullest extent of the law and in a reasonable time frame. This too will pass, and it is incumbent on all of us to ensure that the passage is peaceful and positive.
I agree with your analysis of the "gun safety" bill. But many mainstream gun safety organizations disagree with me and you. I was trying to be polite.
I don't think the Maine statute established a "different set of standards" for religious vs. secular schools. it simply said that public funds could not be used to fund religious schools--an interpretation of the First Amendment that stretches back two centuries. It is the US Constitution that sets up that prohibition--not the Maine statute. If treating organizations equally under the law "establishes" a religion, then equal treatment is prohibited by the Constitution.
I do have a hard time being polite in situations like this, glad you agree with my thinking on the gun bill.
In respect of Maine, my argument is based on the theory presented in Trinity Lutheran v. Comer from 2017 and comes down to the idea that a particular religion is not being established simply because public funds are used for a particular purpose that doesn't involve the religious work of the school. There are excellent arguments against that interpretation, including the ones you present which is why I'd rather not see any public money supporting private schools at all. If memory serves, this discussion revved up when vouchers became popular because there were objections to their use at religious schools.
We'll probably not resolve the issue here, but it's an interesting learning experience and I appreciate your comments.
Dave...2 things:
Props for being involved in a real and tangible way beyond 'voting' in your state's election process. You definitely have my respect for that, as you do for the many articulate and well-reasoned comments I see from you here and elsewhere.
As to your observations about 'the gun problem', as a gun owner myself who's more than angry about the loss of life to gun violence in our country, I think you're pretty spot on. Weak tea at best. And I'll be surprised if, by some chance, an actual law comes out of this that it isn't even weaker still by the time it gets through the House and ends up on Biden's desk, if that actually does happen.
I would very much like to see a lot more done along the lines you mentioned. No reason for any victory laps by anyone over this. It wasn't a very strenuous race, or at least it shouldn't have been. But considering the political atmosphere in which this was produced, I'm surprised anything came out of it at all. I think, all things considered, the real opportunities for meaningful action now lie at the state level in some places for the near term, and I hope that more progress will be made there.
I guess I'd say that I'm disappointed by this paltry offering at the federal level, but not completely disheartened. If you're dying of thirst, a small glass of weak tea is better than nothing in the short run. And nothing is what we've gotten for about 3 decades now. And if this action keeps only a handful of innocents from dying, well, that's not nothing and definitely worth it.
This is going to be a marathon effort to get meaningful and effective reform 'at scale' across the country. We have to keep the pressure on. But we have to take what we can get in the way of a drink along the way, I think.
It's guys like you who are willing to get involved and get their hands dirty in trying to make our country a better place in one way or another that we owe a lot more thanks to than the guys who will no doubt take a turn or two around the track over this 20 yard sprint.
Thanks, both for the electoral support and your comments. Your weak tea analogy is very appropriate because, since tea is a diuretic, while it will relieve thirst in the short run, in the longer term it will take water out of the body. I'm afraid that's what will happen at the federal level if/when this bill, such as it is and, as you note, may become, passes. We'll all need to follow your advice and work at the state and even local level on this and many other issues.
Ha! Couldn't think of a way to work in the diuretic / short term thing without making my comment a lot longer than it needed to be. Figured what I said was enough. Glad you caught it.
And props again for not just sittin' on the sidelines. Things here in the Wolverine state are pretty darned crazy, but I don't know...MO, Greitens and the like...ya'll pretty much got your work cut out for yourselves, don't ya'?!
We do indeed and a steeper climb than you have even with the Devos family in residence. I think that there's a fair chance Greitens will get the nomination and lose the general but it depends on a lot of Democrats getting their acts together pretty quickly. John Danforth is talking up a 3rd party candidate who could take enough GOP votes to elect the Dem.
The hearings were so well done. Incredibly moving. There are still ethical Republicans, although that term is becoming increasingly oxymoronic. The officials who testified, at some personal peril, are deserving of our respect. And our compassion and support goes out to Shaye Moss and Lady Ruby. Two selfless human beings who only tried to help others. Once again, it was shown in stark detail that Donald Trump is a carny hustler criminal. He is a repugnant human being. He belongs behind bars.
I agree with you. It baffles me, however, that politicians like those who stood up for the rule of law in yesterday's hearing still found it acceptable to vote for Trump in 2020 after witnessing his lies, corruption, bashing the rule of law, bullying, racism, misogyny, violence and dismantling of our government for four years. As I watched with gratitude while those politicians testified how they did their job and honored their oath of office, I couldn't help but wonder if they would/will vote for Trump if he runs again in 2024.
Another example is Bryan Cutler from PA. He refused trumps call to flip the electoral vote in PA, for which he was attacked NY Maga supporters. But then he urged the PA congressional delegation to object to the electoral count on Jan 6th.
"Cutler and dozens of Republican lawmakers sent letters to Pennsylvania's congressional delegation in Dec. 2020, telling them to object to the election results.
Cutler said at the time: 'Our letter does not call for 'rival electors' or overturning any results of the popular vote. It continues efforts our chamber started months ago to regain trust in our electoral process after illegal and unconstitutional actions by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.' " https://www.wgal.com/article/pennsylvania-house-speaker-bryan-cutler-gives-video-testimony-at-jan-6-hearing/40367020#
If I were to foolishly attempt to make sense of (not defend!) the internal workings of the Maga mind, I might guess that the possibility of being solely or partially responsible for the legal consequences of flipping the electoral vote in Pennsylvania was too potentially frightening for Mr. Cutler. But being part of a crowd that "merely" sent a letter urging OTHERS to be the front line attempting to interfere with the electoral count gave him courage. Sort of a mob mentality.
CC, Sadly, yes…
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/even-now-arizonas-rusty-bowers-still-vote-trump-rcna34737
Thank you for the article, Kathy. That is so counter-intuitive! I found additional comments by Bowers saying what Trump did was terrible, but he'd still vote for him again. It's irrational. I don't know how one brain can hold such conflicting thoughts. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jun/22/arizona-rusty-bowers-jan-6-trump-vote
Coincidentally, Tom Nichols was on TV tonight discussing his Atlantic Article " What are Trump Supporters So Afraid Of." It's about why people have ramped up their vicious attacks on J6 Committee members like Adam Kinzinger. Mr. Nichols suggests that some Trump supporters are trying to rationalize continuing to back Trump despite a sudden and ever growing avalanche of facts proving he is a monster who is trying to destroy America. They don't want to hear proof of his evil behavior because it makes them feel terrible to admit that they have been so wrong. I don't know if there is any validity to this idea or not. It's a sort of "kill the messenger" theory. Whatever the motivation for trying to terrorize good people, I wish someone on the protective details could track down some of the perpetrators and throw them in jail. They need consequences for their actions. And America needs to start protecting our patriots more diligently. https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/06/what-are-trump-supporters-so-afraid-of/661346/
Thanks Robert for the excellent recap. Yesterday's hearing was powerful. It was a brilliant balance of Republican officials who chose the right and legal path and the election workers who could be our neighbors or friends who were targeted by the greatest bully our nation has ever known.
How can any American watch that and not condemn TFG and his lackeys? Their tactics were those of dystopian horror novels.
I don't know how TFG will be held accountable. I don't know what the DOJ will ever do. I just wake up every morning hoping that charges can be brought by someone that will prevent him from holding future office. And some financial penalties to include repayment of those he scammed would seem appropriate.
And then, is there any hope that the "normal" wing of the GQP will regain some sway? Raffensperger seems to have support...
The fourth J6th hearing for me was the most emotional and the testimony of Rusty Bowers, Lady Ruby and her daughter Shaye Moss was riveting and heartbreaking as well as damaging to Trump and his associates. It represented the ugly truth that Trump didn’t care about the “ little people” or dedicated public servants doing their jobs. He only wanted to overturn the election for himself at any cost. What I hope this hearing accomplished was that it was an eye opener to the “ little people” that Trump regardless of his rhetoric does not care about the voters who supported him and is using them and their financial support for personal gain and adulation. People like Rusty Bower’s Lady Rudy and Brad Raffensperger I hope will be the role model and inspiration for many people to come forward and “ do the right thing”. Sure not all the Trump avid supporters will have heard yesterdays hearing but enough have and maybe we can start to turn the tide against the assault on our Democracy. Yesterday Trump lost in the most important court in the country and that is the court of of public opinion.