I'm just getting caught up with the events of today but there's no proper response except disgust and revulsion at this third-world behavior in the world's oldest democracy. Apparently Trump incited the crowd to march on Congress and the blame largely lies with him. The Washington Examiner is correct here: "
Trump and his mob have dishonored America."
The mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday was engaged in nothing less than a seditious insurrection. Everyone who participated in the violence and lawlessness acted disgracefully. Officials who set the tone for the sedition, especially President Trump, acted even more disgracefully, as they are expected to know better, indeed to lead.
"Today, the United States Capitol — the world’s greatest symbol of self-government — was ransacked while the leader of the free world cowered behind his keyboard — tweeting against his Vice President for fulfilling the duties of his oath to the Constitution," Sasse, who has been a critic of Trump's in the past, said in a statement.
"Lies have consequences. This violence was the inevitable and ugly outcome of the President’s addiction to constantly stoking division," he continued.
I'm not going to engage in equivocation like some others. And, yes, I thought Trump's bluster after losing the election - which I acknowledged on election day - was mostly empty sore-loser hot air. I figured we would just have to listen to these hallow complaints for a month and then he'd be gone. But, instead, Trump confirmed all the dictatorial and anti-democratic criticisms aimed against him and then distanced himself when it all went sideways. Inauguration Day can't come soon enough.
Update - I just saw the Senate reconvene; Mike Pence and Mitch McConnell gave good speeches defending American traditions and norms.
Update3 - Scott Johnson at Powerline: "
A shameful day" - "
President Trump seems determined to leave office in a manner that vindicates the vile accusations hurled at him by his opponents over the past four years. After a speech rehearsing his electoral grievances and calling on his vice president to abrogate his ministerial duty today, some of the assembled multitude followed the logic of Trump’s grievances and stormed the Capitol."
Update4 - Seen on
Reddit: "
I used to say that conservatives wouldn't act the way liberals did 4 years ago... I stand corrected. Consider this my resignation from caring about either side. Good luck, Biden. I don't give a f--- anymore."
