I remain shaken to my core after watching yesterday’s attempted coup.
Though I had not been watching television, I was checking Twitter to see if Jon Ossoff had been officially declared the winner of the Senate race, and I saw one of the first photos of the insurrectionists breaching the Capitol. I immediately ran to get Don, we turned on the television and there we remained until we went to bed.
Some thoughts:
Why was law enforcement so unprepared for this? We knew something was coming, we knew that Trump was ginning up his followers. He repeatedly talked about January 6th and how it was going to be ‘wild.’
Even more, I saw photos of Capitol Police taking selfies with members of that mob. I saw them let them in through a gate. I saw them stand there doing nothing as they walked through the Capitol without going through a screener. How did the insurrectionists know where offices were? How were they able to breach the Capitol so quickly and easily? Don and I couldn’t believe how easy it was for them to walk around, with huge flags that could be used as weapons, going from the Hall of Statuary to the floor of the Senate. What the hell?
I am not a conspiracy theorist, but it seems obvious to me that there was someone or several someones on the inside who helped them. There had to be.
To see them desecrate the Capitol, looting offices, trashing everything while taking selfies? They need to be arrested and thrown in jail. This cannot stand.
The seditious members of Congress need to be unseated. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz need to be expelled. They are not worthy to hold any office, let alone one of such importance. There needs to be a clean sweep of Congress. And this should NEVER be tolerated again.
As for Trump, that vile, disgusting excuse for a human being – impeach him today and remove him from office. Or invoke the 25th Amendment. The fact that some of the decisions yesterday – to call in the National Guard, etc. – were made by Pence rather than Trump tells me that the administration knows he is out of his mind. If that’s the case, take him out via the 25th. He needs to be removed from office and thrown in jail.
He incited a group of people that he would never be seen with normally to commit crimes. He’s been doing this for five years, of course, and anyone who tells you they didn’t expect something of this nature was willfully ignoring the daily evidence of his sociopathy. We knew something was coming, that he wouldn’t leave office without creating as much chaos as possible. These misfits and malcontents, these believers in conspiracy theories who would rather live in a fantasy than in the real world were ripe for exploitation. And Trump knew it. As did every person in that administration and the resignations that are suddenly happening should have happened long ago. What? You’re suddenly shocked by his behavior? Give me a break. You worked for him. You enabled him. You didn’t take a stand until two weeks before he leaves office? All of them are beneath contempt.
That this could happen in this country says a great deal about where we are. Someone we heard recently on MSNBC said that we, as a nation, are no longer dealing with a shared set of facts. We have a large portion of the population that believes in a bunch of nonsense that can be debunked in approximately 30 seconds. And we have a monster in the White House.
He has been inciting violence since his early rallies, encouraging people to attack reporters. He made no secret of his propensity for violence or of his insatiable need to be a dictator. And now it’s come to this.
On a day when we should have been able to celebrate the incredible wins in Georgia, we witnessed a coup attempt. I confess that I knew it could get bad, but yesterday’s insurrection went further than I could have imagined.
Throw him in prison for the rest of his sorry life. Throw the insurrectionists in jail and put them on trial. Expel those elected representatives who tried to overthrow an election. They are vile. They are not public servants. We need to rid our governing bodies of these vermin and start fresh.
That’s how I feel this morning.
I’m not editing. I’m writing this in the moment on this day after an attempted coup.
I didn’t get to your comments yesterday. Sorry.
Stay safe.
Pray for our country.
Happy Thursday.
There is no need to edit this post. It is perfectly said.
I remember saying to Brian at the end of November that Trump wasn’t going to go out peacefully. But, of course, I couldn’t have imagined this.
I also never thought that I’d say I’m ashamed of our country, but I am.
Oops, my pinky finger hit the “enter” button on my laptop before I could finish. I mean to end by comment by saying Brian has the day off today and we need a diversion. I’ve been wanting one of those tiered rolling carts from IKEA, so we’re going to head there after bringing Clementine to the vet for her infusion. Nothing exciting, but just to get out of the house and take a drive is needed.
I hope you and Don find some kind of respite you need today.
xoxo
Well said, Claudia. Thank you. I feel the same way this morning. Take care.
I am old and in shock. I had to turn it off as it upset me so much. I can’t believe this-oh wait…I can…today is a new day and President Biden is President Biden…prayers for him and his staff…and Vice President…you are so wise and your words to the point…with this Covid and so many other things going on…this happened…I will not ask What next? but Jan. 20 cannot come soon enough. In the midst of the chaos yesterday, UPS delivered a huge box to me. A lovely painting by a friend-made my day…gorgeous and soothing…As I review for Amazon, I get boxes almost daily, but this one was something that I was not expecting…and so beautiful…peace in the midst of chaos. Here is to four good years with a new president…and then four more with another good one-let’s hope that yesterday opened many eyes. Doubt to the 39 percent, but we can hope and pray. Have a good good day if possible…thank you for your words…prayers to you and Don…maybe I will listen to that song of Don’s for more peace.
Well said. I must say that Mitch McConnell is a little late in standing up to the horror of what this nation has been through for the past four years. Yes, he said something..but he deserves no praise. This is true of many republicans and may their names be not forgotten. Accountability and no mercy.
Take Care,
Kaye
Park City, UT
Well said Claudia, we also watched in awe as to how our government and lawmakers let this happen. I knew from the moment he was elected that this country was in peril and yesterday proved it. Prayers for all affected by this and hoping lessons were learned.
P s
Every person who voted for him and the 39 percent who say election rigged better think today!
Thank you! I have worried about something like this for 4 years. I knew he would be bad but never imagined this bad with the pandemic etc. From day one I thought he would not go easily. You are right he can still do a lot of damage in 13 days! Enough is enough!
Totally agree with everything said. We live 20 minutes from the Capitol and to see this happening was devastating.
There are no words strong enough to express how disgusted I am by yesterday’s display of cowardice and stupidity. A perfect example of white privilege shown right before our eyes. The difference in the show of force between yesterday and the BLM protest is just sickening. I don’t condone violence, but incarceration is not enough for these morons and their so called leader.
Disgraceful
He has not been acting as our president for awhile so he might as well leave NOW! He and the Republicans that would not stand up to him are to blame for yesterday’s attack. Thanks goodness the Democrats now control the Senate and House so changes can be made and our democracy can be healed.
Dear Claudia as usual is like you are reading my thoughts. Yesterday I told my husband I wanted to watch the counting of the votes because it was history in the making. I was right but that was not the history in the making I was so cheerfully sitting to watch. I knew something was coming but still took me by surprise. I kept screaming at the t.v. Where’s the police? Where’s the army? Why such a late and slow response? Today I’m questioning why only 51 arrests and mostly for curfew violations? I do think there must have been some help from the inside, it was so easy for them to get in. And as my daughter said, today they go back to their regular lives as teachers, hairdressers, bankers, etc., you know just “regular people”. The enemy within us! Unnerving! Sadly I don’t think it’s the end of it.
I was thinking the same thing this morning; they got back on their buses, in their cars, and went home like it was just a regular day and went back to work this morning…and acted like it was just a normal weekday… And that is what scares me about these types of people…
Well said, Claudia. xo
I feel the same as you.
You said it all truthfully Claudia, no need to edit. Shocking, absolutely shocking. Take care of yourselves.
You said it all better than I could.
There are some calls for the 25th amendment but I doubt it will happen.
Stay safe.
You can call 202-224-3121 to reach your representatives and senators…the directions are very easy to follow and you can leave a message. Probably some aid will tallying the calls… but maybe just maybe… if enough Americans share their anger and demand that the 25TH Amendment is invoked or at least Impeachment … maybe the people we elect and pay will have the backbone to do what is right!
I live in a Red State…but I can hope and at least feel I did something
The worst part to me is the cooperation and complicity of the DC police. That force needs to be defunded, disbanded and replaced with something that does not act like a dictator’s puppet. The mayor of DC failed in a spectacular way. Almost half of our citizens believe this stuff and support insurrection, sedition, violence. That is not going to be repaired by the new administration, but I am grateful to Stacey Abrams and the voters of Georgia for shifting the balance of power. If we survive until the 20th, I will be surprised.
It was shocking to watch on the news, it was like watching some minor third world republic not the USA. Our British reporter went inside, kept getting pushed and jostled trying to interview by asking folk “Why are you doing this?” The ones on camera were completely moronic in their answers and only confirmed the fools they were to the rest of the world.
I did notice they were what I call ‘Rent a Riot’ types too, you see them everywhere in the world, if there’s a chance to cause anarchy, they’re at the front of the queue.
On a cheerier note, it’s my birthday today.
Praying for all the dear people on here.
happy birthday, dee dee! hope it was happy, spent as you wanted.
and that you and your family are well, safe.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy. Hope you stay safe too and your pain problems cease.
Dee Dee, Happy Belated Birthday!
I didn’t answer comments yesterday. I’m glad I caught this!
I hope you had a wonderful day.
xo
You said it all so perfectly…there is no need to edit.
You would think, that after all he’s said and been saying all these years about the press; about democrats; about anyone who said anything against him; about the ‘good people on both sides’; the authorities aka capitol police, would’ve been better prepared for yesterday, and increased their numbers, as well as being better armed. If that had been a Black Lives Matter rally, they sure would’ve been armed to the teeth! Yesterday? Makes me think the insurrectionists had inside help.
We should’ve been celebrating the win of our two new senators. Instead we were glued to our TV sets, watching the attempted coup of our government. Never, ever, could I have imagined this! He needs to be removed from office…he is sick.
Stay safe. ;)
Well said. And if nothing happens to Trump after yesterday’s debacle, we are truly lost. There should be no dithering, remove Trump, Cruz, Hawley and the rest of traitors immediately.
The behavior of some of the Capitol police shocked me! I was watching, in real time, and they were taking down the barriers! They were taking selfies with the rioters! They were helping them! This needs to be investigated and everyone prosecuted.
Trump and his enablers should be gone IMMEDIATELY. There are an awful lot of politicians who should be out the door, too. I could go on and on, but I won’t. Thank you for letting me vent, Claudia. It feels safe here. You’re a sweetheart!
I so agree with all said. Shame on us for allowing this person to run this country into the ground. He should have NEVER been elected in the first place. I still am in fear of what’s to come after Jan 20th. He’s a very dangerous human being.
I agree completely everything you wrote!!
I came home from the hospital after one test, the other canceled due to insurance prior auth problems and thought, “Great! I can watch the vote count from the beginning!” And then this.
Heartsick and angry. Every word you said rings true to me. And yes, I don’t know why the police were acting so chummy but I do believe they had inside intel on how to get to certain places, either through previous visits to the gallery (if they still do that these days) or because someone (I’d put my money on Gaetz but there is no shortage of candidates). Either that or there are floor plans of the capitol online somewhere and used. Seeing the damage this morning inside was heartbreaking.
This must not be allowed to stand. He must not be allowed to stay in office. Or, to quote Lewis Carroll, “Off with his head.” (Metaphorically. Maybe.)
Or maybe not so metaphorically, Jeanie.
True!
Chère Claudia,
Everyone was waiting for a hit from Trump, and here the French press is wondering why there was so little protection on Capitol knowing that rabid far-right supporters were just waiting for a word from him to march and invade the Capitol. and break everything. That guy over there, a tough fascist has to go to jail for inciting hatred and for the crimes he has committed (pandemic, refugees, etc.). this guy has deaths on his conscience.
Populist and facist movements are growing in power in many countries including here in France and it is very worrying.
Let’s hope America wakes up and Democrats can ease the tension and do the necesarry to keep democracy.
Bon courage Claudia et prends soin de toi.
The Australian Broadcasting Corp (the most authoritative media in the country, a public broadcaster) was asking the same questions.
Thank you. That sociopathic monster should be removed from office immediately. I heard that if they impeach him again, he can never run for office again.
One of the saddest days I have experienced in 71 years. Gut wrenching. Heart breaking. From the beginning I was yelling at the TV about the lack of security. I worked at an insurance company and we had about 10 times the amount of security on a daily basis!! This had been talked about since before Nov 3. what-the-heck?????????? It surely showed foreign terrorists how very easy it would be to literally take over our government. And as far as Graham and McConnel finally having their come to Jesus moment…. yeah, right. They are trying to save their tales at all cost. Graham will be laughing and golfing with the a-hole this weekend, I am sure. And after we watched this travesty, 120 Republicans STILL went back into the chambers and voted against the validity of our election. They, too, should be in jail. I have written to the ones who supposedly represent me and told them of my disgust and dedication going forth to do all in my power to be sure they are out of office. I hope EVERYONE will do the same. It is a small thing, but small things can have big impacts. Hawley, Johnson & Cruz deserve MILLIONS of letters of displeasure for sure. Our voices can be heard.
Your passion and anger come through in you piece. Please don’t edit. It is perfect the way it is. It is a snapshot of this bit of history.
I was cleaning the house and had the TV on to watch to see what they actually do that day for purely educational reasons. I flipped to Trumps speech and it was so inflammatory that I had to turn the channels. Then all hell broke loose. I was beyond angry. Why weren’t they stopping them? Where was the back up? It this how we deal with terrorist? That is what they are.
Trump can not get away with this. It is setting a precedent for the future, either can Cruz or Hawley.
I have now cut ties with two of my siblings who insist Trump can do no wrong. I have ignored them and tried to avoid the subject but can no longer be associated with people that think that way. Done
I think we all feel physically attacked. I hope they step up the security because there are too many nuts out there.
Thank you for your great blog
I am at a loss for words so very thankful for yours. I was shaken to my core yesterday. I felt my country was at war and I think we truly are. The divide I see is frightening to me. I cannot wait for Biden to be in charge and this very crazy man is finally gone. I’ve been holding my breath since before he was elected. My oldest child has left this country and moved to Canada because of a Trump presidency. My heart is broken but I have hope. President Biden is a good man and he will do his best to bring this country together. Georgia did their job and we now have a Democratic senate. In the midst of the violence, disrespect and fear I will cling to my hope. At the moment its all I have.
If he is allowed to serve out his term and just fade away (ha!) and become a mere former president, that will allow him to still have access to state secrets and give him further opportunity to destroy democracy in the future—maybe even make himself a few bucks by selling secrets to our enemies. Get him out now, without any of the honor or access to anything, ever. Now.
An awful day for America. Surely a reckoning must come.
I cannot say better what has happened or may happen than what you and all your commenters have written, Claudia. I fervently hope Inauguration Day actually will be the dawn of a new era…..
Hear, hear. My question now is, with so many jumping ship with 2 weeks remaining, who will be there to help with the transition, providing the inside scoop? Hopefully they won’t be needed.
I’m listening to President-elect Biden now. I have renewed hope, every time I hear one of his speeches.
As to those jumping ship, they may be department heads, but we all know that the real work is done by staffers. I have every confidence, also, in the experience of the President-elect, as well as the people he has nominated for his cabinet. We need to have hope, or we risk being mired in continuing despair.
God Bless you for having the conviction and courage to write this post. It is the truth in every word. I am saving it as a reminder to myself that there are still people who stand for truth and our country.
nothing about the man was EVER presidential. he knows nor cares one whit about this country.
he is for one person ONLY. and that is Donald J. Trump. he is delusional and dangerous.
they should use the words that he knows best and because he’s a reality show has-been.
Mr Trump you’re FIRED.
I woke up crying. I’m crying right now. I cried so many times yesterday. At MY core, I am scared; downright scared.
I hope they identify every single one of those looters and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
And I wish it could include that slimeball Ted Cruz.
But I have to rein in the aforementioned fear or I’ll go crazy. Just after 911, not all that many years ago now (I guess a near-20 years does go fast), I was out in my yard and a big plane kept going back and forth in the sky over us, and I actually became terrified that something else was going on; could we be under more threat? There was so much uncertainty. This morning, by eerie significance, we had the same thing happen. My husband ran outside and decided it was some kind of formation demonstration (why, we have no idea; we have a tiny municipal airport but aren’t far from a navy/air force base); it was seriously, momentarily alarming as they came, went, and then came back again over our house (because how can we not all be on edge with a rogue, deranged, dangerous president in The White House?).
And all I’d wanted to comment on here yesterday were your special doll house beds and to recall a sight we’d seen Monday morning on our little drive out of town when, ahead of us, we saw a magnificent deer walking across the hill road, so we slowed and prayed another car wasn’t coming in the other direction, only to see SEVEN deer following him, one of which was springing through the orchards like a gazelle. You never see something like this here, in broad daylight morning, unless there’s a wildfire they’re trying to flee, or if the drought is so severe that they’re coming out of the mountain canyons, trying to find water; trying to get to the river basin. In this case, we have no fires at present and it had just rained. But I mention this to try to find something beautiful to think of when my thoughts are steeped in such worry otherwise.
I kept thinking yesterday, ‘what if’ I was a grandmother, trying to explain to a young, impressionable grandchild about the assault on our government house; why there is unrest and turmoil in our country. When I was their age, we just went to our classrooms, recited the Pledge of Allegiance each morning, our principal was on the overhead speaker to start the day and she ended her message with a prayer. We didn’t have worry. We felt safe. We felt lucky to live in the USA. We had pride. It’s what I want for today’s children.
Yesterday was shameful. And those legislators who persisted in their “political theater” even after our capitol was breached are beyond forgiving. I will not forget their names or their actions as they did their best to subvert our democracy. Is it shocking or predictable that there are still those who are excusing and supporting 45? They are willingly living in a web of lies spun by the Liar in Chief.
I am for consequences. No man is above the law.
Stay outraged!
I agree with every word you said. But I think that, in the end, it was handled well. Very low body count. I disagree with people who said that the results would have been different if it were the Black lives Matter protesters. Black Lives Matter protestors would not have broken into the Capitol building. They would have remained in the streets, where they were allowed to protest. This was Donald trumfs effort at a coup. And he should pay the price.
Would not have broken in, but would have had armed National Guard and probably the Army all over them anyway.
Well said. I just don’t understand how people can be surprised. This started when he was first campaigning.
When I feel angry I just think of the great victories in Georgia and smile.
Claudia, your post summarized it perfectly. No need to edit. I couldn’t fall asleep last night after what had happened. I think this will stay with us for a long time.
Well said, Claudia.
Agree 100%
Completely agree! You spoke for so many of us.
well said, claudia. also truthful and a snapshot of a shameful, awful, sorrowful day in our country. no edit needed.
and i agree with you.
as upset as i am about what happened, i also am upset about no definite action taken today to get pino out today. what more do they need? how much worse does it have to get before they finally do what is best for our country (not themselves or pino)? i fear pence and the cabinet will drag their feet to avoid being grownups and that congress won’t have enough time to get another impeachment done (though they sure have plenty of reasons). also, i hate hearing some people say nothing should be done because pino will be out of office in “only thirteen days”. that is crazy. a lot of bad stuff can happen in thirteen minutes, let alone thirteen days. such horrid behavior deserves consequences, plus letting pino get away with this stuff could inspire others … and this stuff cannot happen again!!!
thanks for your words and feelings and letting me share some of mine.
hope you all have taken time to do things you enjoy.
planning to make some calls to elected representatives tomorrow.
sending virtual, socially-distanced hugs tonight, along with prayers.
stay safe in every way.
kathy in iowa
when i said congress has plenty of reasons, i mean that about them impeaching pino again … not about them dragging their feet. no excuses!
good night.
kathy in iowa
Completely agree with everything you said Claudia. Sadly I think the floodgates on bad behavior have been opened so wide that they will not be closed again anytime soon. Prayers for our country.
Definitely no need to edit. I agree with absolutely EVERYTHING you said. For sure an order was given to let those fools in without push back. After all, it’s been nothing more than a reality shit show for years now.
When I came home from work and turned on the tv and saw what was happening I was sick to my stomach. I couldn’t watch. I turned the channel to the ID channel. I also checked my FB feed, just to see what was being said. I was so sad to see one of my dearest friends post that she just didn’t know how this could happen. She and her hubs are trumpers and I was shocked. It was plain to see what was coming. I don’t much go on FB the last 3 years because of political crap. I knew who of my friends were trumpers and I just didn’t want to see it. Turning a blind eye, so to speak. I am heartbroken that the people that I love have supported this modern day hitler. Nothing I say will change their minds and they have made it clear that he is their president. I understand we all have opinions and must respect them, but this was plain as day, clear coming and the current hitler has caused it all. Period. You were spot on with everything you said. I am beyond sick about it all.
I couldn’t agree more! Well said. I was a walking zombie on Thursday as I could not peel myself away from CNN. We were horrified and angry. January 20th can’t get here fast enough. Love your blog! I am SO happy I found it again…..
Thank you so much for your kind words, Mamey.
Stay safe!