Listen now (2 min) | Friends, The words “anniversary” or “commemoration” do not appropriately characterize this day. What occurred a year ago is nothing to be memorialized, nothing to glorify. What happened on January 6, 2021 was frightening and shameful. That date shall live in infamy — like December 7, 1941 and 9/11. The difference is that on those days the United States was attacked by foreign powers, whereas on this date the United States was attacked by Americans — some waving American flags, most of them loyal to the man who had lost the presidential reelection the previous November 3 but who did not concede his loss and continues to argue the presidency was stolen from him.
I am praying fervently that Merrick Garland will stand up for America, investigate, and where appropriate prosecute those involved in this coup including Trump and his enablers (like Steve Bannon, Jeffery Clark, Peter Navarro, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, etc, etc). Our country can't move forward without a fair reckoning, not just prosecutions of low level trespassers.
Following an earlier comment yesterday on the same topic, I would just add that we really, really, really need to know who we are voting for and why. Corporate-establishment democrat lawmakers let Trump get away with four or five direct crimes against the Constitution. By not steadily raising these cases in front of the nation (which, of course, does not mean winning them), they showed that their priority is to protect the corporatocratic status quo in Washington instead of risking their career defending principles. We need to vote for people who truly believe in something, not just pretend to. And if we do not find enough of these darn progressives that establishment democrats constantly rail against, maybe it is time for some of us to run for office. After all, we are in that sense also the leaders we have been waiting for. (PS: If party loyalty matters to you and you have a hard time discerning who believes in what, just follow the money)
Thank you, Robert, for so clearly stating this -- love listening to your voice "speaking" it as well; appreciate that touch -- your gentle, measured voice and honest, somber tone.
The problem that I see is the process is TOO SLOW AND INEFFICIENT. At the rate it’s going nothing of REAL substance will happen before the midterms and with the various states voting law hijacking’s and the right wing propaganda machines there is a very high risk of a repugnant win in November and bye bye commission and kiss democracy good bye.
The congressional and senatorial insurrectionists need to be on a fast track expulsion and trump and his circle need to be in cuffs before June….
We’re on the edge of the cliff and about to fall off….
I find your comments healthy and invigorating. How do we talk to the people that have been duped by this whole travesty of the Trump regime. I don't like to call them stupid or dumb, because I think they are ignorant of history and don't really understand that Trump is just as uneducated in history and economics as they are. I think the Trump followers think they are kindred spirits with him. How do we educate when people are so ready to band anything that will elevate their ignorance?
Donald Trump and his supports (enablers) are the worst threat to democracy we have ever had. We need to hold anyone involved in this attack on our country accountable for their actions. We need to call on section 3 of the 14th amendment and remove the enablers from OUR HOUSE. Anyone directly involved should be charged with treason.
While I am concerned that the democrats will get into a big Kumbaya circle rather than push this (no wonder they lose), hopefully Merrick Garland will use the full force of the justice department to punish those involved.
I truly fear for democracy as we move closer and closer to authoritarianism.
I’m still horrified at the events and it’s shocking it was a year ago and we are in COVID year 3. How pathetic and sad is it that people refuse the vaccine (and kill others) because a lying, rapist, swindler with zero medical, scientific or political experience told them not to. Even though he and other lying politicians have received the vaccine now, that’s where it started. It’s disgusting. We are beyond the globe’s embarrassment. Our statistics regarding children welfare, poverty, hunger, education system is ABYSMAL compared with all the other industrialized nations (many, we as arrogant Americans think we’re better than). Our maternal mortality rate is abysmal. Pro life, what a fuxking joke. Makes me sick. WHAT ARE WE DOING USA?!
Thank you Mr. Reich. All Americans need to understand what is taking place. I wish Biden would be more aggressive with his rhetoric and actions. Basically republicans are playing too big of a role in running the country. They made Biden look foolish, him begging his BBB program be passed and deliberately backed out. Biden looks like Kim of North Korea with Trump with nuclear weapons. Remove the filibuster, ban insurrectionists serving in Congress. Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? We gave Biden every branch of government and unfortunately he’s too weak. Expand our Supreme Court to achieve balance. It’s been over a year and every traitorous actor is still in place. I guess he thinks we will vote them out which is an example of doing the same thing and expecting different results. Insanity. I think it’s too late. Ted Cruz is already planning impeachment. That’s a traitor in action serving in Congress
Yes. And I suggest that psychological and cultural guidance be required for those detained by ministers of justice. Those angry people who have fallen for the Big Lie need more than jail time or community service. They must learn that violence such as they showed is harmful to themselves as well as to their fellow citizens and figures of authority like guards and police, and that wanton destruction of public (or private) property will not be tolerated, excused or admired.
I plan to call up my Democratic Congressperson and ask when the Justice Department is going to get around to indicting the co-conspirators of those who invaded the Capitol.
Capping four years of Trump kowtowing to Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong-Un, the images of the mob of Americans attacking our seat of government to overturn a legitimate election badly damaged our country's standing in the world.
I watched as much of Garland as I could stand. here is a guy who has been kicked all over Washington by the Republicans and is now in a position to end future attacks and marginalize the leaders of the right wing conspiracy to overthrow our government. What is he doing? In his own words going after the little guy. Going after the person who went to the rally and then went to the Capitol. Distinguishing between the person trespassing and the person attacking. But where is the investigation and prosecution of the organizers of the attack? Is Garland afraid of prosecuting them? Has he been told not to by the White House? Why are we all focused on Trump and not his direct lieutenants? Nixon was brought down when the criminals carrying out his policies, one by one were indicted and capitulated. The smoking gun came with the revelation at a Congressional hearing by one of them of the existence of the tapes. Prosecuting some fool with horns who sat in Pelosi's chair is like stopping the Watergate prosecution with the burglars. Its al,most as if the Democrats want us to believe Trump did it without having to present the evidence. A year on is too much. Garland has the responsibility to end this shame or resign if he cannot do the job.
I did write a blog: https://misssylviadrake.livejournal.com/194420.html The terrifying worry is what the Guardian and Atlantic essays bring out: Trump and allies are making their movement grow and nothing is being done about it. They don't answer subpoenas and no one it seems dare arrest Trump or anyone else. It's not what happened last year; it's what will happen in the next election as the GOP has set up and continues to set up rigged procedures.
I listened to our Attorney General yesterday and it seemed surreal that a year later he was saying things that it seemed were overdue. I am not a lawyer, so I don't fully realize just what is involved in practicing the law. But it was good to hear him addressing the nation and asserting that he intends to bring justice as quickly as possible while being thorough.
Thank you, Dr. Reich, for your words of wisdom that rang thru my ears a year ago, and are still ringing, especially today on the first anniversary of this tragic national event that was instigated by Trump and his followers. We must continue our vigilence against the extreme wrong doing of a former President of this country, and work in whatever ways we can to seek to find ways to stop this insanity! Trump is a dangerous man in so many ways, and his behavior toward this country does not merit his future involvement in our law making now or at any future date. He is obviously a danger to this country and our people, and the sooner we prosecute him with real jail time, the better off we will be! Sincerely, Dr. And Mrs.William and Kathleen Peterson, Mansfield, OH
I am praying fervently that Merrick Garland will stand up for America, investigate, and where appropriate prosecute those involved in this coup including Trump and his enablers (like Steve Bannon, Jeffery Clark, Peter Navarro, John Eastman, Mark Meadows, etc, etc). Our country can't move forward without a fair reckoning, not just prosecutions of low level trespassers.
Following an earlier comment yesterday on the same topic, I would just add that we really, really, really need to know who we are voting for and why. Corporate-establishment democrat lawmakers let Trump get away with four or five direct crimes against the Constitution. By not steadily raising these cases in front of the nation (which, of course, does not mean winning them), they showed that their priority is to protect the corporatocratic status quo in Washington instead of risking their career defending principles. We need to vote for people who truly believe in something, not just pretend to. And if we do not find enough of these darn progressives that establishment democrats constantly rail against, maybe it is time for some of us to run for office. After all, we are in that sense also the leaders we have been waiting for. (PS: If party loyalty matters to you and you have a hard time discerning who believes in what, just follow the money)
Thank you, Robert, for so clearly stating this -- love listening to your voice "speaking" it as well; appreciate that touch -- your gentle, measured voice and honest, somber tone.
The problem that I see is the process is TOO SLOW AND INEFFICIENT. At the rate it’s going nothing of REAL substance will happen before the midterms and with the various states voting law hijacking’s and the right wing propaganda machines there is a very high risk of a repugnant win in November and bye bye commission and kiss democracy good bye.
The congressional and senatorial insurrectionists need to be on a fast track expulsion and trump and his circle need to be in cuffs before June….
We’re on the edge of the cliff and about to fall off….
I find your comments healthy and invigorating. How do we talk to the people that have been duped by this whole travesty of the Trump regime. I don't like to call them stupid or dumb, because I think they are ignorant of history and don't really understand that Trump is just as uneducated in history and economics as they are. I think the Trump followers think they are kindred spirits with him. How do we educate when people are so ready to band anything that will elevate their ignorance?
Donald Trump and his supports (enablers) are the worst threat to democracy we have ever had. We need to hold anyone involved in this attack on our country accountable for their actions. We need to call on section 3 of the 14th amendment and remove the enablers from OUR HOUSE. Anyone directly involved should be charged with treason.
While I am concerned that the democrats will get into a big Kumbaya circle rather than push this (no wonder they lose), hopefully Merrick Garland will use the full force of the justice department to punish those involved.
I truly fear for democracy as we move closer and closer to authoritarianism.
You mentioned psychological scars. This day is a SCAR on our nation. We must hold the perpetrators accountable and make sure this never occurs again.
I’m still horrified at the events and it’s shocking it was a year ago and we are in COVID year 3. How pathetic and sad is it that people refuse the vaccine (and kill others) because a lying, rapist, swindler with zero medical, scientific or political experience told them not to. Even though he and other lying politicians have received the vaccine now, that’s where it started. It’s disgusting. We are beyond the globe’s embarrassment. Our statistics regarding children welfare, poverty, hunger, education system is ABYSMAL compared with all the other industrialized nations (many, we as arrogant Americans think we’re better than). Our maternal mortality rate is abysmal. Pro life, what a fuxking joke. Makes me sick. WHAT ARE WE DOING USA?!
Thank you Mr. Reich. All Americans need to understand what is taking place. I wish Biden would be more aggressive with his rhetoric and actions. Basically republicans are playing too big of a role in running the country. They made Biden look foolish, him begging his BBB program be passed and deliberately backed out. Biden looks like Kim of North Korea with Trump with nuclear weapons. Remove the filibuster, ban insurrectionists serving in Congress. Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? We gave Biden every branch of government and unfortunately he’s too weak. Expand our Supreme Court to achieve balance. It’s been over a year and every traitorous actor is still in place. I guess he thinks we will vote them out which is an example of doing the same thing and expecting different results. Insanity. I think it’s too late. Ted Cruz is already planning impeachment. That’s a traitor in action serving in Congress
Yes. And I suggest that psychological and cultural guidance be required for those detained by ministers of justice. Those angry people who have fallen for the Big Lie need more than jail time or community service. They must learn that violence such as they showed is harmful to themselves as well as to their fellow citizens and figures of authority like guards and police, and that wanton destruction of public (or private) property will not be tolerated, excused or admired.
I plan to call up my Democratic Congressperson and ask when the Justice Department is going to get around to indicting the co-conspirators of those who invaded the Capitol.
Capping four years of Trump kowtowing to Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong-Un, the images of the mob of Americans attacking our seat of government to overturn a legitimate election badly damaged our country's standing in the world.
I watched as much of Garland as I could stand. here is a guy who has been kicked all over Washington by the Republicans and is now in a position to end future attacks and marginalize the leaders of the right wing conspiracy to overthrow our government. What is he doing? In his own words going after the little guy. Going after the person who went to the rally and then went to the Capitol. Distinguishing between the person trespassing and the person attacking. But where is the investigation and prosecution of the organizers of the attack? Is Garland afraid of prosecuting them? Has he been told not to by the White House? Why are we all focused on Trump and not his direct lieutenants? Nixon was brought down when the criminals carrying out his policies, one by one were indicted and capitulated. The smoking gun came with the revelation at a Congressional hearing by one of them of the existence of the tapes. Prosecuting some fool with horns who sat in Pelosi's chair is like stopping the Watergate prosecution with the burglars. Its al,most as if the Democrats want us to believe Trump did it without having to present the evidence. A year on is too much. Garland has the responsibility to end this shame or resign if he cannot do the job.
I did write a blog: https://misssylviadrake.livejournal.com/194420.html The terrifying worry is what the Guardian and Atlantic essays bring out: Trump and allies are making their movement grow and nothing is being done about it. They don't answer subpoenas and no one it seems dare arrest Trump or anyone else. It's not what happened last year; it's what will happen in the next election as the GOP has set up and continues to set up rigged procedures.
I listened to our Attorney General yesterday and it seemed surreal that a year later he was saying things that it seemed were overdue. I am not a lawyer, so I don't fully realize just what is involved in practicing the law. But it was good to hear him addressing the nation and asserting that he intends to bring justice as quickly as possible while being thorough.
Thank you, Dr. Reich, for your words of wisdom that rang thru my ears a year ago, and are still ringing, especially today on the first anniversary of this tragic national event that was instigated by Trump and his followers. We must continue our vigilence against the extreme wrong doing of a former President of this country, and work in whatever ways we can to seek to find ways to stop this insanity! Trump is a dangerous man in so many ways, and his behavior toward this country does not merit his future involvement in our law making now or at any future date. He is obviously a danger to this country and our people, and the sooner we prosecute him with real jail time, the better off we will be! Sincerely, Dr. And Mrs.William and Kathleen Peterson, Mansfield, OH