Traitors and Treason
The shame of January 6, 2021
The shameful results of November's election will be certified today by Vice President Harris.
It's also the fourth anniversary of the day I realized Donald Trump was worse than I thought. And that's saying a lot. In my mind, he's been a bottom feeder since 1991, when I read his book and discovered he was a contemptible, deceitful, craven, amoral reprobate. And I’m holding back. A guy I went to church with 40 years ago took exception to my opinion of Trump before the election. (Can you believe people who claim to imitate Christ find a statesman in Trump?) I told my old church friend—with whom I’ve had no contact since the late 80’s—that I can’t speak to his evaluation of another man’s character. I can only account for the standards I impose. If I’m severe with how I judge myself, someone who aspires to lead me has to be a better person than me. Donald Trump doesn’t satisfy the minimum standard I require of myself or my friends.
On January 6, 2021, Trump sent a mob to the Capitol to “fight like hell” and prevent Mike Pence, the President of the Senate, from certifying the electoral college votes in accordance with the Constitution. That riot resulted in the deaths of 5 people. One of those was Officer Brian Sicknick, 42, a Capitol Policeman. He was attacked and covered in pepper spray. He died the next day. His parents believe their son's death was Donald Trump's fault. I agree.
Julian Khater, 32, of State College, Pennsylvania, was arrested for assaulting Officer Sicknick. He was found guilty and is serving his 6-year sentence. Trump has pledged to pardon him and the other rioters. Khater will likely be free by the end of the month.
On January 6, 2021, over 150 law enforcement officers were injured, some severely.
The insurrection and attack resulted in over $500,000 in damages to our Capitol Building.
The rest of the world looked on in horror and confusion. "What has happened to America?"
I will always think of that day, those people, and the person most responsible with unutterable loathing.
In two weeks, the brilliant light of democracy and liberty will be obscured and blocked out when the Second Darkness begins on January 20th.
Mike Franks was a beloved character on NCIS.
I don't know if Officer Sicknick was a fan of the show--though I'd bet money he was. But this scene plays out in my mind when I think of Brian's funeral; the music is by The Boxer Rebellion. In my whole life, I've never heard of any American dying directly for the cause of liberty, freedom, and democracy, except Brian Sicknick. He died for that cause. As a veteran, Brian was buried in Arlington National Cemetary with full military honors.
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