My own letter to the editor of our local newspaper. I am tired of conservatives unjustly claiming exclusive ownership of patriotism. I am tired of them falsely clawing they represent a majority of American political opinion. Here is my own rebuttal of those claims.
_________________________________
A Perspective on Patriotism:
On January 21, 2017, over 470,000 protestors showed up in the streets of Washington, D.C. for the Women’s Day March to peacefully protest the 2016 election, the previous day’s inauguration of Donald J. Trump, and his stated policies and positions on issues they cared about. An additional 3.2 to 5.2 million people showed up in protests in support of the Women’s Day March in D.C. nationwide in numerous U.S. cities and towns. Millions more showed up in supporting protests in over 198 cities in 84 countries globally. Worldwide participation in that day’s marches has been estimated at over 7 million. None of those protests anywhere was violent, no police officers were injured or traumatized, and no property was damaged or destroyed.
On January 6, 2021, a mob of approximately 2,500 rioters showed up in Washington, D.C. The mob was directed by the former President to march to the U.S. Capitol and “fight like hell” to overturn a legitimate U.S. election. A substantial number of the crowd did just that. They fought with, seriously injured, and traumatized scores of police officers. Some police officers were even beaten with poles carrying the United States flag. They caused millions of dollars in damages to the U.S. Capitol and Congressional offices. They threatened the lives of U.S. Representatives and Senators, even erecting a gallows and threatening “to hang” the Vice President of the United States. The crowd raged through the Capitol building for hours even smearing feces on the walls of the Capitol building and defecating in the hallways before the building was finally cleared of rioters by National Guard troops. To date, 768 of those rioters, summoned and directed by a former U.S. President and others in his circle and political party, have been arrested and charged with various crimes. Some even with charges of seditious conspiracy. Some remain jailed pending trial without bail.
Which of these movements is the larger, better-organized movement? Which of these movements better expresses and demonstrates patriotism?
Keep sending this out. And for an edit the Women's March was world wide. Totalling the number attending in the US cities was 4 to 5 million. I was in Washington...it was miles long and wide and doubled back on itself. Half a million may have been an undercount. No violence. None. It was an astounding gathering. It still gives me hope years later.
It was indeed astounding and perhaps gathering is a more effective and less nuanced description than "protest". The marchers were advocating for a positive cause much more than they were protesting although the grounds for protest were incontestable.
I, too, was there for the Women's March! I asked a department dispatcher about 5:30 pm if she had heard of any problems during the event—she said “none.” “Not one,” I said? “Not one!” she said.
I want to say this about that day; albeit not particularly eloquent. When you hit a note on a piano, say “C” and the you strum a “C” note on a guitar, or that same note on a clarinet, etc., it’s all the same ‘sound’ — if you will. Well that’s the only way I can describe how it was there on that day in DC—all ages, sizes, color, nationalities, genders, etc … all 1.2 M of us on the same “note,” ie., same “vibration” of peace, civility, and patriotism! I could go on and on but I will say this, I will never forget the day, much less the feeling of Oneness!
I know. I was one of those who supported the Woman’s March as a sat on an overnight bus ride from Connecticut to DC filled with women. It was comforting.
Robert, just to let you know that three years into Greensboro’s Marcus Smith unlawful lawsuit, the city has finally awarded his family approximately $2.5 million to his family. Marcus was a nonviolent mentally ill man hog-tied by the police when he approached them, asking for a ride to the hospital. He subsequently died of asphyxiation. we have had two and a half years of weekly vigils and the city has spent over a million in legal fees, but finally, some justice has been rendered. So, you are right—never give up, even when you think the chips are down. i too feel like some resolution to the horrors on view in Washington is about to be set in motion, and I am deeply grateful for the hope you inspire in your readers.
Hi, Jim. Thanks for letting me know about the outcome in the lawsuit by Marcus's family. I hope that they can find peace and closure by the admission of wrongdoing by Greensboro.
Thanks for the intensity of today's letter. I can feel a powerful groundswell of support for the brave Col Vindman. I think he is a difficult figure for the fascists to villainize. The worst of them will do just that, of course. But like you, I hold hope for the persuadable middle - independents, if you will.
But I am wondering why it has taken two years for the Col to file this suit. Hasn't the evidence been in plain sight all this time? Why do the wheels of justice move so slowly!
My sentiments exactly. However, I just don’t envision this suit going anywhere. Military officers serve at the whims of political leadership as they should. And thanks for the thumbs up. I thought I would periodically publish a short satire from my tortured time writing about the worst president in US history.
“ It is incumbent on those who remain committed to the rule of law to speak up whenever we see injustice or corruption—just like Alexander Vindman did. If we are all Alexander Vindmans, there is no stopping us.”
Feb 3, 2022·edited Feb 3, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Robert, thank you for reprinting your July 9, 2020 newsletter passages concerning the disgraceful actions of the military commanders who failed to uphold their oath to protect the Constitution and laws of the Land. The NYT announced Vindmans' "retirement" on July 8, 2020, just 38 days after General Milley marched with Donald Trump for a Trump photo-op after the National Guard violently attacked and cleared peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square. Days later, Milley apologized for his actions and declared "We must hold dear the principle of an apolitical military that is so deeply rooted in the very essence of our republic.”
BUT, there has been no military accounting for illegal actions against Colonel Vindman. Biden should direct Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense appoint an independent counsel to investigate this egregious breach of military code and responsibility.
Most importantly, these breaches demonstrate just how close we came to the military taking an active role in an authoritarian coup, including potentially confiscating voting machines.
Milley, Esper, and everyone in Vindman's chain of command are cowards. I look forward to the day when the Army issues a public apology to Vindman and grants him the promotion he was denied. BTW, Vindman finally resigned because the promotions of OTHER army officers were being held up because of the controversy over Colonel Vindman. He retired so others would not suffer for his heroic stand.
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman deserves an apology and a retroactive promotion to full colonel with full back pay and pension. The same for his brother, Eugene Vindman.
I’m still amazed that as soon as Trump and all his lackeys were gone, the military didn’t immediately & openly reinstate Col. Vindman. Ever since the disgusting campaign against him & his eventual resignation, I thought they were biding their time until they could right this grievous wrong. But after 2+ years, this lawsuit is the first thing we’ve seen. Any idea why that is? Why hasn’t Lloyd Austin spoke up about Vindman and what happened to him more? I remember watching every minute of the 1st (and 2nd!) impeachment and I was moved to tears by Lt Col Vindman and his story. Here, right matters. The man is a national hero and will always be remembered as such despite what the corrupt & cowardly GQP did to him.
And I appreciate you referring to Trump as a fascist. As you know, I am on a campaign to make it common practice to call Trump and Trumpists what they are: fascists. This four minute read summarizes my thinking: https://jordan93016.medium.com/its-time-to-start-calling-them-fascists-d9c7bba7de06. I am hoping more and more people will read it, share it, and do it!
Thanks! I shared your article on Twitter and my FB page. I also tagged the Senate GOP and the House GOP. (I love to do that - I don't know who has to sift through their tweets, but I am hopeful my posts there will cause someone's hair to be lit on fire!)
Feb 3, 2022·edited Feb 3, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
The lawsuit brought by Vindman is a good start. There should be no question but that he will win the case. I think the family of the Fox-victimized "hero" who refused to get vaccinated or be fired from the police force in Washington state and then died of covid last week, they should sue the Fox network and personalities. He left behind a wife and four children. He was urged on, repeatedly interviewed for not succumbing to the governor's "overreach" and when he actually got covid and died, not one word from any of the people at Fox. Lawrence O'Donnell of MSNBC brought this up and featured it and encouraged his viewers to go the dead - but - right former police officer's family's Go Fund Me page and contribute. I think that families all over the country who believed Fox broadcasters and then paid the price for their lies and bad encouragement should all consider suing. I have never been litigious, but these culprits know what they are doing. These are not mistakes. Just a thought. Here's a link to just one story about it:https://sports.yahoo.com/fox-news-under-fire-failing-141559550.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAB4ZaOTCU2L_ldKOlw4Y_DOWKWnroRHrg3Qtf9tgPWpGLI6yB-EGPoUGWEPKk3Xl3yVBGzBIYO9zE9kKdVV44tTz7DmO-vLJeJ3nCHNvc5jCf4v50NOyWjrIfxR5Y2eh0HXUMtG8MsfoG3QhR3vhbDnkU3zKH4Rij2UQ8kqVp8CD
Yes, that’s what I think. I’m afraid that too many vaccine deniers’ families simply don’t realize they should sue Fox. Hmmm, how can we have that idea go viral?
Kudos, Robert. One of your best writings. And lest we easily forget, our sainted military field officers and their civilian overseers have a nasty habit of tossing their soldiers and sailors overboard: Pat Tillman; the carrier commander who tried to protect his crew from Covid infection; the military judicial officials and Seal Team members who tried to hold the killer Chief Seal to account; Lt.Col.Vindman. The list is long, and my memory is not at full strength.
Robert, as always a great read. Also thanks for highlighting what is happening in Florida and our governor’s response. It is heartbreaking. I live on the “ Space Coast” , an hour east of Orlando. We had a similar event in Dec on an I95 overpass. Sadly it received minimal coverage.
Yesterday I was heartened reading about kids who are forming book clubs. Also one group at a high school in Pennsylvania worked to overturn a ban. One of the banned books was Hidden Figures !!
We're all waiting impatiently for someone to begin prosecuting Trump for his crimes against America. There are too many to list in a book. They'd better get started.
While there were so many despicable actions and moments under the Trump administration, the treatment of Alexander Vindman and his brother was perhaps the most shameful. And thank you for calling out the military that, instead of standing by a patriot, let him twist in the wind and lose his promotion and job without cause. I would like to believe that Lt. Col. Vindman is doing well, emotionally and financially, since his ouster from the White House. Hopefully, his attempt to get some form of justice from this lawsuit is a sign of better times for him.
As long as elected leaders do not loudly and forcibly condemn neo Nazi actions in this country a certain group of people will continue to continue to believe being a racists and anti Semitic is acceptable.
I am ready for the list. We need a list in categorical columns of what the orange presidency did to derail this country, its people, its ethics, its standing, its belief in democracy. I can't hold a day's worth of what was done in those four years but it was hourly I know. Remember when national news lead with the day # since Iran took Americans hostage,? " it is Day 97 since the hostages......" was every night. I'd settle for a massive list now to start with and weekly additons. Really. Not kidding.
Thank you once again for highlighting DeSantis's effort to become a mini-me Trump. I watched Rachel Maddow's show last night where she highlighted these disgusting Nazi efforts and excoriated DeSantis for his response. Here is the link to the show. She starts with the Nazi demonstration in front of Brigham and Woman's Hospital (also tying it to Trump's rhetoric) and continues from there. If you can't watch the whole thing, start at about minute 12:00 to see what she says about DeSantis's response. Oh...and look at Marco Rubio's face as he stands behind DeSantis. https://www.nbc.com/the-rachel-maddow-show/video/maddow-2222/9000234080
My own letter to the editor of our local newspaper. I am tired of conservatives unjustly claiming exclusive ownership of patriotism. I am tired of them falsely clawing they represent a majority of American political opinion. Here is my own rebuttal of those claims.
_________________________________
A Perspective on Patriotism:
On January 21, 2017, over 470,000 protestors showed up in the streets of Washington, D.C. for the Women’s Day March to peacefully protest the 2016 election, the previous day’s inauguration of Donald J. Trump, and his stated policies and positions on issues they cared about. An additional 3.2 to 5.2 million people showed up in protests in support of the Women’s Day March in D.C. nationwide in numerous U.S. cities and towns. Millions more showed up in supporting protests in over 198 cities in 84 countries globally. Worldwide participation in that day’s marches has been estimated at over 7 million. None of those protests anywhere was violent, no police officers were injured or traumatized, and no property was damaged or destroyed.
On January 6, 2021, a mob of approximately 2,500 rioters showed up in Washington, D.C. The mob was directed by the former President to march to the U.S. Capitol and “fight like hell” to overturn a legitimate U.S. election. A substantial number of the crowd did just that. They fought with, seriously injured, and traumatized scores of police officers. Some police officers were even beaten with poles carrying the United States flag. They caused millions of dollars in damages to the U.S. Capitol and Congressional offices. They threatened the lives of U.S. Representatives and Senators, even erecting a gallows and threatening “to hang” the Vice President of the United States. The crowd raged through the Capitol building for hours even smearing feces on the walls of the Capitol building and defecating in the hallways before the building was finally cleared of rioters by National Guard troops. To date, 768 of those rioters, summoned and directed by a former U.S. President and others in his circle and political party, have been arrested and charged with various crimes. Some even with charges of seditious conspiracy. Some remain jailed pending trial without bail.
Which of these movements is the larger, better-organized movement? Which of these movements better expresses and demonstrates patriotism?
Think about it…
Keep sending this out. And for an edit the Women's March was world wide. Totalling the number attending in the US cities was 4 to 5 million. I was in Washington...it was miles long and wide and doubled back on itself. Half a million may have been an undercount. No violence. None. It was an astounding gathering. It still gives me hope years later.
It was indeed astounding and perhaps gathering is a more effective and less nuanced description than "protest". The marchers were advocating for a positive cause much more than they were protesting although the grounds for protest were incontestable.
I, too, was there for the Women's March! I asked a department dispatcher about 5:30 pm if she had heard of any problems during the event—she said “none.” “Not one,” I said? “Not one!” she said.
I want to say this about that day; albeit not particularly eloquent. When you hit a note on a piano, say “C” and the you strum a “C” note on a guitar, or that same note on a clarinet, etc., it’s all the same ‘sound’ — if you will. Well that’s the only way I can describe how it was there on that day in DC—all ages, sizes, color, nationalities, genders, etc … all 1.2 M of us on the same “note,” ie., same “vibration” of peace, civility, and patriotism! I could go on and on but I will say this, I will never forget the day, much less the feeling of Oneness!
So agree. It is the food of hope for all of us.
I know. I was one of those who supported the Woman’s March as a sat on an overnight bus ride from Connecticut to DC filled with women. It was comforting.
Wonderful letter. Carry on!
Well done. Are you OK with copying it to other papers?
Certainly
Thanks, it's going to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch today.
Robert, just to let you know that three years into Greensboro’s Marcus Smith unlawful lawsuit, the city has finally awarded his family approximately $2.5 million to his family. Marcus was a nonviolent mentally ill man hog-tied by the police when he approached them, asking for a ride to the hospital. He subsequently died of asphyxiation. we have had two and a half years of weekly vigils and the city has spent over a million in legal fees, but finally, some justice has been rendered. So, you are right—never give up, even when you think the chips are down. i too feel like some resolution to the horrors on view in Washington is about to be set in motion, and I am deeply grateful for the hope you inspire in your readers.
Hi, Jim. Thanks for letting me know about the outcome in the lawsuit by Marcus's family. I hope that they can find peace and closure by the admission of wrongdoing by Greensboro.
Thank you, Robert. I hope they can, too.
Robert,
Thanks for the intensity of today's letter. I can feel a powerful groundswell of support for the brave Col Vindman. I think he is a difficult figure for the fascists to villainize. The worst of them will do just that, of course. But like you, I hold hope for the persuadable middle - independents, if you will.
But I am wondering why it has taken two years for the Col to file this suit. Hasn't the evidence been in plain sight all this time? Why do the wheels of justice move so slowly!
My sentiments exactly. However, I just don’t envision this suit going anywhere. Military officers serve at the whims of political leadership as they should. And thanks for the thumbs up. I thought I would periodically publish a short satire from my tortured time writing about the worst president in US history.
My new daily mantra:
“ It is incumbent on those who remain committed to the rule of law to speak up whenever we see injustice or corruption—just like Alexander Vindman did. If we are all Alexander Vindmans, there is no stopping us.”
Thank you Robert. Excellent newsletter today.
Robert, thank you for reprinting your July 9, 2020 newsletter passages concerning the disgraceful actions of the military commanders who failed to uphold their oath to protect the Constitution and laws of the Land. The NYT announced Vindmans' "retirement" on July 8, 2020, just 38 days after General Milley marched with Donald Trump for a Trump photo-op after the National Guard violently attacked and cleared peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square. Days later, Milley apologized for his actions and declared "We must hold dear the principle of an apolitical military that is so deeply rooted in the very essence of our republic.”
BUT, there has been no military accounting for illegal actions against Colonel Vindman. Biden should direct Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense appoint an independent counsel to investigate this egregious breach of military code and responsibility.
Most importantly, these breaches demonstrate just how close we came to the military taking an active role in an authoritarian coup, including potentially confiscating voting machines.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/06/11/milley-says-he-was-wrong-to-accompany-trump-on-church-walk-during-george-floyd-protests/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/08/us/politics/vindman-trump-ukraine-impeachment.html
Milley, Esper, and everyone in Vindman's chain of command are cowards. I look forward to the day when the Army issues a public apology to Vindman and grants him the promotion he was denied. BTW, Vindman finally resigned because the promotions of OTHER army officers were being held up because of the controversy over Colonel Vindman. He retired so others would not suffer for his heroic stand.
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman deserves an apology and a retroactive promotion to full colonel with full back pay and pension. The same for his brother, Eugene Vindman.
I’m still amazed that as soon as Trump and all his lackeys were gone, the military didn’t immediately & openly reinstate Col. Vindman. Ever since the disgusting campaign against him & his eventual resignation, I thought they were biding their time until they could right this grievous wrong. But after 2+ years, this lawsuit is the first thing we’ve seen. Any idea why that is? Why hasn’t Lloyd Austin spoke up about Vindman and what happened to him more? I remember watching every minute of the 1st (and 2nd!) impeachment and I was moved to tears by Lt Col Vindman and his story. Here, right matters. The man is a national hero and will always be remembered as such despite what the corrupt & cowardly GQP did to him.
And I appreciate you referring to Trump as a fascist. As you know, I am on a campaign to make it common practice to call Trump and Trumpists what they are: fascists. This four minute read summarizes my thinking: https://jordan93016.medium.com/its-time-to-start-calling-them-fascists-d9c7bba7de06. I am hoping more and more people will read it, share it, and do it!
Thanks! I shared your article on Twitter and my FB page. I also tagged the Senate GOP and the House GOP. (I love to do that - I don't know who has to sift through their tweets, but I am hopeful my posts there will cause someone's hair to be lit on fire!)
Way to go Ellen!!!
The lawsuit brought by Vindman is a good start. There should be no question but that he will win the case. I think the family of the Fox-victimized "hero" who refused to get vaccinated or be fired from the police force in Washington state and then died of covid last week, they should sue the Fox network and personalities. He left behind a wife and four children. He was urged on, repeatedly interviewed for not succumbing to the governor's "overreach" and when he actually got covid and died, not one word from any of the people at Fox. Lawrence O'Donnell of MSNBC brought this up and featured it and encouraged his viewers to go the dead - but - right former police officer's family's Go Fund Me page and contribute. I think that families all over the country who believed Fox broadcasters and then paid the price for their lies and bad encouragement should all consider suing. I have never been litigious, but these culprits know what they are doing. These are not mistakes. Just a thought. Here's a link to just one story about it:https://sports.yahoo.com/fox-news-under-fire-failing-141559550.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAB4ZaOTCU2L_ldKOlw4Y_DOWKWnroRHrg3Qtf9tgPWpGLI6yB-EGPoUGWEPKk3Xl3yVBGzBIYO9zE9kKdVV44tTz7DmO-vLJeJ3nCHNvc5jCf4v50NOyWjrIfxR5Y2eh0HXUMtG8MsfoG3QhR3vhbDnkU3zKH4Rij2UQ8kqVp8CD
Sure sounds like Fox Entertainment is guilty of murder.
Yes, that’s what I think. I’m afraid that too many vaccine deniers’ families simply don’t realize they should sue Fox. Hmmm, how can we have that idea go viral?
More blood than chump has on his hands
Kudos, Robert. One of your best writings. And lest we easily forget, our sainted military field officers and their civilian overseers have a nasty habit of tossing their soldiers and sailors overboard: Pat Tillman; the carrier commander who tried to protect his crew from Covid infection; the military judicial officials and Seal Team members who tried to hold the killer Chief Seal to account; Lt.Col.Vindman. The list is long, and my memory is not at full strength.
I want a bumper sticker and a T-shirt saying: HERE, RIGHT MATTERS. I'll wear that when I am not wearing my BLACK LIVES MATTER T-shirt. We Persist.
https://www.teepublic.com/laptop-case/6818602-here-right-matters-lt-col-vindman-impeachment-hear
Oh golly thanks. Spread the good news!
Robert, as always a great read. Also thanks for highlighting what is happening in Florida and our governor’s response. It is heartbreaking. I live on the “ Space Coast” , an hour east of Orlando. We had a similar event in Dec on an I95 overpass. Sadly it received minimal coverage.
Yesterday I was heartened reading about kids who are forming book clubs. Also one group at a high school in Pennsylvania worked to overturn a ban. One of the banned books was Hidden Figures !!
These kids are the future !
I just heard of a new group "Book Ban Busters" which tracks books that are currently being banned. They have a Twitter presence https://twitter.com/RedWineBlueUSA/status/1488156838549934080 and a web site https://www.redwine.blue/bbb I just signed up for updates. Look at the number of instances in Florida so far.
Thanks!!
Wonderful! Can you send me a link?
https://www.npr.org/2021/11/07/1053387447/2-students-who-helped-reverse-their-high-schools-book-ban
Good Lord, the Nazi’s just go by a different name now, REPUBLICAN
We're all waiting impatiently for someone to begin prosecuting Trump for his crimes against America. There are too many to list in a book. They'd better get started.
While there were so many despicable actions and moments under the Trump administration, the treatment of Alexander Vindman and his brother was perhaps the most shameful. And thank you for calling out the military that, instead of standing by a patriot, let him twist in the wind and lose his promotion and job without cause. I would like to believe that Lt. Col. Vindman is doing well, emotionally and financially, since his ouster from the White House. Hopefully, his attempt to get some form of justice from this lawsuit is a sign of better times for him.
As long as elected leaders do not loudly and forcibly condemn neo Nazi actions in this country a certain group of people will continue to continue to believe being a racists and anti Semitic is acceptable.
I am ready for the list. We need a list in categorical columns of what the orange presidency did to derail this country, its people, its ethics, its standing, its belief in democracy. I can't hold a day's worth of what was done in those four years but it was hourly I know. Remember when national news lead with the day # since Iran took Americans hostage,? " it is Day 97 since the hostages......" was every night. I'd settle for a massive list now to start with and weekly additons. Really. Not kidding.
Really appreciate you calling out Lt. Col. Vindman as a hero!
Thank you once again for highlighting DeSantis's effort to become a mini-me Trump. I watched Rachel Maddow's show last night where she highlighted these disgusting Nazi efforts and excoriated DeSantis for his response. Here is the link to the show. She starts with the Nazi demonstration in front of Brigham and Woman's Hospital (also tying it to Trump's rhetoric) and continues from there. If you can't watch the whole thing, start at about minute 12:00 to see what she says about DeSantis's response. Oh...and look at Marco Rubio's face as he stands behind DeSantis. https://www.nbc.com/the-rachel-maddow-show/video/maddow-2222/9000234080
Thanks. I will check it out. I appreciate the link.