A narrative history of the events of January 6th is still hard to read. The book provides diverse voices, including police, members of Congress, and even some insurrectionists ("protestors or riots" in the author's words, but multiple members of Congress, including Mitch McConnell, called it a failed "insurrection"). The violence was horrible:
Weapons [used against the police] included hammers, rebars [metal bars], knives, batons, and police shields taken by force, as well as bear spray [meant to stop a 500-1000lb animal] and pepper spray. Some rioters wore tactical gear, including bulletproof vests and masks.
An officer later described a fellow officer being tasered.
Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), after Babbitt was shot:
He [U.S. Capitol Police officer] was the last person in the world that ever wanted to use force like that. He wasn't wanting to do that. I know for a fact, because after it happened, he came over. And he was physically and emotionally distraught. And I actually gave him a hug. And I said, "Sir, you did what you had to do."
(Mullin later voted to object to the Arizona electoral votes, the debate over which was ongoing when they had to take a break because of the storm at the Capitol.)
People were prepared for battle:
US Park Police officers reported seeing "numerous individuals" with firearms, pepper spray, pipes, and other possible weapons. Others were wearing body armor and riot gear, carrying radio equipment, and wearing "military-grade" backpacks. Among those who were screened, the Secret Service had confiscated hundreds of prohibited items -- knives, pepper spray, brass knuckles, gas masks, Tasers, body armor, and batons.
[The idea that the protests were peaceful is absurd. There is also clear evidence that guns were involved. Strict D.C. gun laws did help keep more people from bringing them.]
VP Mike Pence comes off well. A staffer quoted 2 Timothy to express his actions on that day: " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
A symbolic moment was now Sen. Kim (NJ) going outside of the House chamber and starting to, by himself, join in the clean-up. The official vote count was complete late in the night, hours later than necessary because of those objections.
Trump told the protestors to "be wild" and let them be wild for hours, until telling them to leave. He was correctly impeached (10 Republicans), but only a few (seven) Republicans voted to convict. Thus, we are where we are.
The vile video, which repeated false claims about a stolen 2020 election, showed the Obamas’ heads edited onto the bodies of apes as part of a “Lion King”-themed meme that cast Trump as “King of the Jungle.”
Republicans aid and abet Trump. They now and then find something to be upset about. People like Senator Tim Scott, who suddenly is appalled at Trump's racism. I'm with him:
“This disgusting video posted by the so-called president was done intentionally,” Jeffries said. "Fuck Donald Trump and his vile, racist and malignant behavior
“This guy is an unhinged bottom feeder,” Jeffries added. “Every Republican sycophant who continues to stand by their cult leader should be run out of office.”
[The NY Daily News didn't spell out a certain word, but Jeffries said it.]
Every time Trump does something, remember it isn't just him. He is there because of his aiders and abettors.
Some -- like Mike Pence -- will have a limit and stand up at times. I doubt James David Vance would have acted like he did on January 6th. Trump 2.0 is worse than Trump 1.0.
We must continue, to quote members of both sides of the aisle on that day, not let the "thugs" or thug, as the case might be, win.
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