More thoughts on where we are….

In my lifetime, I never thought I’d see an armed attempt at a takeover in our nation’s Capitol. I never thought I would see elected representatives in the government excusing an outgoing “president’s” attempt to stay in power at any cost. That no members on Congress died is a small miracle. But still 5 lives were lost, one a member of the Capitol Police force defending the Congress.

When HWMNBN first announced his candidacy 6 years earlier, using racist, authoritarian language, I wanted to believe what he said would immediately disqualify him. I wanted to believe he had no chance of winning the nomination over far more seasoned Republicans.

But on that day, a small, smoldering fire of apprehension started within me.

I wanted to believe he could not get nominated but he did. I wanted to believe he could not be elected, but he was.

At every step, he crossed another line. At every outrage, every attack on democracy and human decency, people in power let it go. “Let him have this small victory. What harm could it do to humor him?” But like a wildfire that grows exponentially each minute you fail to put out the flames, he grew larger and more difficult to contain.

There is not enough space here to list all of his outrages. Other people have done it far better than I could. (See Amy Siskind’s The Weekly List or Heather Cox Richardson’s interview with Bill Moyer)  But in the last seven days, he has both made a phone call to the GA Secretary of State which could certainly be considered extortion, and incited an armed assault on the Capitol where the entire Congress and the Vice President were convened to certify the vote of the Electoral College. Actually, those 2 events took place within 4 days.

We are seeing history in the making and quite frankly, I’m not sure how this is going to turn out.

It depends on how deep the rot goes, I guess. I believe in the goodness and dedication and competence of our incoming president Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris. They are already compiling their team of experienced, competent, dedicated cabinet and staff. If they are not prevented from taking office, I believe with a lot of hard work, they can turn things around and get the country working again.

The death toll from COVID19 is about to reach 400,000. That is more than the population of all Whidbey Island and the San Juans. Barely a year ago, HWMNBN was impeached for the first time, and when COVID19 reared it’s ugly head.

There can be no healing without accountability. Those who knew better, who amplified the Big Lie about the outcome of this election must be called to account. Whether he is removed by the 25th Amendment, Impeachment, or resignation, The Big Liar must go. 10 days IS too long to leave him with the means for more destruction.

I was in college when Richard Nixon resigned. It was a little scary and a little thrilling. I watched it on television. This week, where we don’t know if there will be the will to demand accountability, is far more terrifying.

Love to you all.

The Ghost of Richard Nixon has some thoughts:

Be brave pandas!
Bob T Panda