When my son Josh was about 2 (He will be 44 in May) my former wife Vivian and I took him with us to visit the U.S. Capitol. Although it was Summertime, when we reached the Rotunda it was almost empty. We let Josh run around under the dome which, to his delight, echoed with his laughter. As luck would have it, NBC News was filming a piece on Summer Vacationing in DC and a short clip of Josh running around in an almost empty Rotunda made the national NBC Evening News. It was a magical time in a sacred place in American history.
The assault on our Capitol building, by who can only be described as domestic terrorists, was painful to watch. The idea that any group of people can force their will on the people by intimidating our duly elected political leaders is appalling. My personal love and memories of this building as a symbol of Democracy have been desecrated as I am sure are similar memories of countless millions of Americans and people from around the World.
It is even more worrisome that this radical mob was both encouraged and directed by our President and his accomplices. Yesterday became Trump’s legacy. Nothing else he has done or has failed to do will matter. Trump will forever be remembered as the president who lost the election and then directed a mob to attack Congress in an attempt to overturn his loss.
The end of the story is not yet written of course. My own personal encounter with militia members last summer here in Gettysburg tells me we still have much to worry about even after Trump is out of the White House.
The lies, fear, and hatred that Trump promulgated will not just “go away” any more than the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid 19 disease will just “go away.” We have a terrible price yet to pay for both.
Tyrants around the world are no doubt rejoicing as they play back footage from yesterday’s assault. In the past, the United States has, at least on occasion, challenged regimes that have taken power by imposing their will on the majority. Our credibility as an example of a true democratic republic has been shattered, perhaps permanently.
Pray for America and for the idea that “We the People” do, in fact, have inalienable rights which include the right to choose our elected officials and to have our votes count.
Jim, I totally agree – “Yesterday became Trump’s legacy.”
I’m particularly concerned with the footage now of the terrorist mob seizing recording equipment from the media and trashing it prior to and during their assault. This was premeditated, pre-planned, and coordinated. I only hope that there wasn’t collusion on the part of people in the Capitol security administration. At the minimum they were extremely negligent to leave the Capitol insufficiently defended. A conflict, if not an insurrection was entirely predictable. A week before this happened I had suspected and suggested to friends that Trump might seek to cause an incident between his goons and “antifa” which would require that he declare martial law on Jan. 6, 2021. In the end mostly only the right wing terrorists showed up. The mayor of Washington DC had asked everyone to stay clear. I fear that the far-right mentality has infiltrated some of our law enforcement organizations. Certainly their differential treatment of whites and people-of-color couldn’t be any more apparent.
Thanks for your input David. I am glad that people listened to the Mayor. Without other groups to “blame,” the responsibility for these terrorist acts lies entirely and clearly with the perpetrators. I too have a sense that this was pre-meditated by sub-categories/groups who then were able to coerce a larger group into becoming a riotous mob.
Agreed. What we witnessed yesterday is appalling and intolerable. There is no question that we, as a people, have serious work to do going forward.
Thanks Sis, there is lots to think about, and lots to do.
Well stated cousin Jim, I am truly upset of the things that happened at our nations capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Now is the time for change, your cuz, Peggy
Thanks Peggy, like I said to my Simpson side cousins, always good to hear from you.
Well stated, Jim!
Thanks Mary, always good to hear from cousins.
Well written Jim. I totally agree with you & share your concerns.
Thanks Ron.
As usual I agree with your assessment. My memory of the Capitol was just before we left TBS. John Stough said why don’t we go to the Capitol and see what we are about to go fight for. We ended up watching a debate on the Senate floor. The speaker was Everett Dirksen, a true orator. How times have changed.
Thanks for the feedback Walt. Yes, times have changed since we were at The Basic School prior to going to Vietnam. Take care my friend.