Quarantine Tuesday Reading Kaffeeklatsch: 1/5/21

[Holly R W]

I too am shocked by yesterday's events and pray that today is calmer. We are going to have rocky days ahead, as Trump's populism has unleashed a quasi- movement of violence.

[Rachel N.]

I'm saddened and angered by yesterdays events but not shocked as Trump has been stoking these flames since the election. I'm glad that due to the pandemic I'm not working in a federal building right now, I definitely wouldn't feel safe.

[Meli]

This was the only logical end to his presidency and also what he has been building up to for the last several months, arguably sooner since the birther movement. Not at all surprised, but still in shock.

Was a depressing day yesterday :(

[Robin P]

Thank you to our international friends for your support.

[Booknblues]

Democracy did prevail and will prevail.
Biden as he has said all along will be sworn in a January 20.

This exposed the ugly underbelly.

[Theresa]

This is the USA hitting rock bottom. No where to go but up.

[Meli]

Theresa wrote: "This is the USA hitting rock bottom. No where to go but up."

I f&%king hope so... unfortunately I think it can get worse, but that is 2020 Meli talking, 2021 Meli is positive and hopeful! 😈

[Sallys]

As horrifying as the events of last night were I see this as a turning point. Hearing Republicans like Mitt Romney speak, watching the Senators doing their job and certifying the electoral vote created a sense of renewed hope and optimism in my heart.

[Joi]

I was absolutely infuriated yesterday. Tried to stay mostly off social, but it's so hard to not watch a train wreck, especially when being triggered in every way possible. I saw a post from Kerry Washington yesterday, and I've gone back to it a few times this morning.

"What Do We Do?
-Breathe. Practice Self Care.
-Do not post unconfirmed reports. Share information from trusted voices and sources.
-Stop referring to them as "protestors". This was a violent mob.
-Uplift, share, and thank grassroots organizers working hard to promote democracy.
-Celebrate Georgia. Don't forget. We won, we are winning, and that's why the mob is scared. "

It's so easy to get sucked into the negativity, and I let myself wallow yesterday. Today will be better. Today IS better.

[Meli]

Joi wrote: "I was absolutely infuriated yesterday. Tried to stay mostly off social, but it's so hard to not watch a train wreck, especially when being triggered in every way possible. I saw a post from Kerry W..."

I saw your post and at the time I skipped past and was like "nah, I am going to rage."

But I will do those things today 😂

[Joi]

Meli wrote: "I saw your post and at the time I skipped past and was like "nah, I am going to rage."

But I will do those things today 😂"

Totally fair. I had been raging for like 8 hours when I posted that and it made me think l need to calm the f down.

[Meli]

Joi wrote: "Totally fair. I had been raging for like 8 hours when I posted that and it made me think l need to calm the f down."

I do the exact same thing. I spend hours doom scrolling and raging internally until I finally start to come back down and realize I can only control what I can control. Then I cut myself off of social media. SM just makes it worse...

[NancyJ]

I was more calm yesterday than I am right now. As a "coup" it was almost comical, with all the blowhards and show-offs taking pictures of themselves. But what it they had guns, or automatic weapons? I'm worried about the next group - an armed militia emboldened by the ability to access the building so easily.

I think there must have been an order given to law enforcement to not allow themselves to be provoked to violence. It wasn't good for security yesterday, but it would be a little reassuring. I would like to think that the next time, they will be better prepared, and no one will get in.

The 25th amendment makes sense to me. Trump is delusional. He still thinks that he won by a landslide. He is not mentally fit for the job, and he is a danger to Washington and maybe all of us. I hope someone took away Trump's access to the nuclear code briefcase.

[Johanne]

Don't give him access to the big red button!

[NancyJ]

My bookclub tonight is discussing John Lewis. We read different books and interviews about his activism and experience in Congress. He followed the teachings of Gandhi and Martin Luther King. He was a principled man. I'm feeling a little cognitive dissonance right now. John Lewis was committed to peaceful demonstrations, and "good trouble." He continued to participate in demonstrations into his 70's and 80's I believe.

The protestors yesterday might feel the exact same way - that they're fighting for fairness and justice. They didn't bring guns - this is an important point I think. Some of them damaged property and hurt people. But this happened (or was alleged) in many otherwise peaceful demonstrations for civil rights, anti-war, blm, etc.

Maybe they believe they're demonstrating for justice, or are just filled with hate (for everyone in government except their hero). We - or I - don't believe they have a good case for objecting to the voting results, based on many expert's opinions. I think they're being used by a deluded power hungry man who has had unbelievable success in getting millions of people to believe in his lies. I believe that Trump was guilty of inciting a riot, but I wonder how many of those people are just peaceful demonstrators.

I'm trying to recognize that they think they're on the right side of fairness. Any maybe 40% of the country agrees with them.

I'm still wondering about the capital police. Maybe they've been trained extremely well to avoid hurting people. Or maybe they agree with the demonstrators.

[Book Concierge]

NancyJ wrote: "The protestors yesterday might feel the exact same way - that they're fighting for fairness and justice. They didn't bring guns - .."

News reports today show BULLET holes in doors and in windows (bullet-proof / resistant glass). So YES, these thugs DID bring guns and ammunition. Even those without guns were armed. LONG before they even arrived at the capitol, as I was watching them march, I said to my husband ... "all those flag poles are weapons" Additionally at least two explosive devices were found. Other videos shows people with baseball bats and other clubs.

This was an insurrection fueled by a person who has no one's interests but his own as his "guiding" principle. He is enabled by a cadre of sycophants who kowtow to his every whim.

And ...

As a person of color I was sick watching this. I knew that had they been brown/black people they would have been shot or, if lucky, tear-gassed / pepper sprayed and arrested.

As a former military member, and married to a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran .... I cannot believe that this is the country we swore to defend and protect. I am happy that my parents - TRUE patriots - did not live to see this.

[Book Concierge]

ON a more positive note ...

My brother got his first COVID vaccine today (available to him because so many of the staff at the retirement community where he works REFUSED the vaccine ....)

[Cheryl]

Like many of you I'm feeling angry and helpless and wondering what's happening to our country. Today I've tried not to watch the news and become obsessed with the reports. I'm trying to remind myself that there are many, many good and kind people out there.

Amy, Congratulations to you and Jaden!

Theresa, Glad to hear your family members have received their vaccines.

Stay safe everyone.

[LibraryCin]

Book Concierge wrote: "As a person of color I was sick watching this. I knew that had they been brown/black people they would have been shot or, if lucky, tear-gassed / pepper sprayed and arrested. ..."

I was thinking of this. I was also thinking if they were brown, they would have been called terrorists.

[LibraryCin]

Book Concierge wrote: "ON a more positive note ...

My brother got his first COVID vaccine today (available to him because so many of the staff at the retirement community where he works REFUSED the vaccine ....)"

Yay for your brother(!!!), but it amazes me that the health care staff would refuse the vaccine. Only reason I can think for this (except it seems odd that there would be so many) is some worried about a reaction?

[Theresa]

Meli wrote: "Joi wrote: "Totally fair. I had been raging for like 8 hours when I posted that and it made me think l need to calm the f down."

I do the exact same thing. I spend hours doom scrolling and raging ..."

I cut myself off today, did a news blackout. Needed to be able to focus, do work. Far better able to handle it all as a result.

[Theresa]

Book Concierge wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "The protestors yesterday might feel the exact same way - that they're fighting for fairness and justice. They didn't bring guns - .."

News reports today show BULLET holes in doors a..."

Tbey also had molotov cocktails. This was not a protest, but an insurrection set on violence.

[Theresa]

Book Concierge wrote: "ON a more positive note ...

My brother got his first COVID vaccine today (available to him because so many of the staff at the retirement community where he works REFUSED the vaccine ....)"

Great news!

[NancyJ]

Book Concierge wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "The protestors yesterday might feel the exact same way - that they're fighting for fairness and justice. They didn't bring guns - .."

News reports today show BULLET holes in doors a..."

I hear you. Damn. I turned off the TV as much as possible today, so I didn't hear it all. I'm trying to understand them in order to reduce my anger/fear, but it's hard to deal with the hate, and the cult-like thinking. The incompetence or willful cooperation of the police is very frightening. Is he building his own militia? Back in 2016 I feared that he'd bring us into a nuclear war, but I think he'd be happier with civil war.

[NancyJ]

LibraryCin wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "ON a more positive note ...

My brother got his first COVID vaccine today (available to him because so many of the staff at the retirement community where he works REFUSED th..."

Good for him. My mom gets blood tests at home, and I was surprised that the phlebotomist told me she doesn't want to take the vaccine. "No way."

I'm really looking forward to the freedom that the vaccine will eventually bring us.

[NancyJ]

OK Now I'm reading all the good news!!

First Amy - congratulations. I know you worked hard for it too. A former boss went to Ithaca College and he loved it. I used to do a lot of training in Ithaca. I'm not a vegetarian but I loved the vegetarian restaurant there. Get your parent's weekend hotel reservations reservations early.

The Finger Lakes region is so beautiful. It's my favorite place to go for anniversary weekends. I was extremely proud to climb up the entire gorge (800-900 steps and 19 waterfalls) at Watkin's Glen. I can't wait to go back (though I can no longer hike like that).

[Robin P]

NancyJ wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "The protestors yesterday might feel the exact same way - that they're fighting for fairness and justice. They didn't bring guns - .."

News reports today show ..."

To me, a lot of them seemed to be having fun, like it was a big prank, stealing items (actually "looting" is accurate), breaking things, taking pictures and video (making it very easy to find them all for prosecution, since police let them go - as opposed to how BLM protesters were closed in & brutalized.)

[NancyJ]

Thanks for all the tips everyone. Bubbles are great for a Joy break - especially with kids around. I wonder if it would work on zoom? I have a new grand-niece I have yet to meet.

I wrote a few gratitude entries on a happy thread here, I should start again tonight.

We should share all the COPING SKILLS tips we find in our mental health books this month.

Karin - that's a good idea for the vaccine. I have to take allergy meds every day, so I could take 1 or 2 before I get the shot instead of later. I've had bad reactions to odd things like medical tape, creams, and some air fresheners. And I can no longer wear eye makeup.

[Meli]

Groups protesting over the summer and throughout the year, most prominently BLM, have a list of demands and a clear direction on what they are trying to accomplish (at its core, although I recognize that message seems to get lost to the general public at times). These domestic terrorists have no idea what their purpose is and when asked in one case just yelled "revolution!" What is the endgame? Keep a losing president in office? End democracy? It's horrible... I'm not sure they are weighing the fact that should it succeed and we upend democracy it cuts both ways. In the future this could be happening by their opponent and it would succeed should the precedent be set. Luckily it appears that won't happen.

Two things I learned about "these people," Blue Lives never mattered, that was an excuse to oppose BLM. The American flag also doesn't matter because if Colin Kaepernick kneeling is an offense to our flag and incites rage in you, but you turn around to remove the American flag and replace it with a Trump flag the flag was never the issue.

All that being said ...

@NancyJ - I can appreciate what you are doing, trying looking at the other side objectively and see another angle to their mindset. I don't agree their motivations are as innocent as you suggest, and I am not there emotionally (to be objective), but I know these are people with moms and siblings and family who love them. They infuriate me and I can't comprehend their actions and what is happening, but they are people. And despite popular rhetoric they aren't all uneducated hillbilies. They got lost and there is some reason. I think dismissing people's beliefs and shaming people to an extent has pushed some into this extremism.

Regardless of all that I love all you here at PBT :)

I got a lot of reading done last night, I am steady consistent with my daily journaling resolution and I worked out 3x this week so I am feeling strong and healthy and energetic.

AND IT'S FRIDAY, WOO HOO 💃🏼

[Joanne]

LibraryCin wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "As a person of color I was sick watching this. I knew that had they been brown/black people they would have been shot or, if lucky, tear-gassed / pepper sprayed and arrested...."

If they had been POC there would have been hundreds of dead on those Capitol steps-I have not doubt

[Joanne]

GOODS NEWS! I got an email from the hospital-I am eligible to get the vaccine. They will start with tier 1B next week and I am in that group due to health issues, I assume-as I won't be 65 until May. Fingers crossed. Appt. need to be made and getting into that web site will probably take days, but I am hopeful!

[Meli]

Joanne wrote: "LibraryCin wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "As a person of color I was sick watching this. I knew that had they been brown/black people they would have been shot or, if lucky, tear-gassed / pepper sp..."

FACTS.
And we already saw this play out all summer so we know...

Joanne wrote: "GOODS NEWS! I got an email from the hospital-I am eligible to get the vaccine. They will start with tier 1B next week and I am in that group due to health issues, I assume-as I won't be 65 until Ma..."

Congrats!
So happy for all the people who will be able to, or have been, vaccinated.

[Amy]

That’s great Joanne! But please stay careful until the second one comes. I know you will.

We are all on the same page together about how sad and horrified we are about Wednesday’s events, and what should happen, and thankful for our support from our international friends. If I could just add something a little different to the mix, and forgive my taking the soapbox for just a second. I just want to make a note of the T-shirts protesters/insurrectionists were wearing. For those of you who don’t know, 6MWE stands for 6 million wasn’t enough. Referring to the fact that they didn’t kill enough Jews. This is coupled with the T-shirts that say camp Auschwitz on the front, and staff on the back. I’m just pointing it out just in case the conversation isn’t in your circles.

[Meli]

@Amy - Wow, Amy, I did not know anything about that. That is freakin disgusting 🤮

I don't have the words... gonna look up videos of cute cats to cleanse my mind.

[Johanne]

OMG fucking idiots, I didn't know that, Amy. Excuse my language.
And they probably still refuse to be called fascists or neonazis I bet.

[Jgrace]

Trying to calm my nerves, and I'd like to avoid politics here, as much I know that we all need a space to process events. I've decided to limit my attention to 'current events' to reading morning newspapers and listening to evening news. Well, its a resolution, we'll see if I stick to it. This opinion piece by Gaby Giffords helped improve my outlook this morning.


https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/op...

[Robin P]

Amy wrote: "That’s great Joanne! But please stay careful until the second one comes. I know you will.

We are all on the same page together about how sad and horrified we are about Wednesday’s events, and what..."

Yes, not to downplay the real problems of race, but the anti-Jewish side tends to get lost. When Ossoff won, there was mention of Leo Frank, a Jewish man who was gleefully lynched in Georgia. The rioters/thugs were yelling about "globalists" which is a code word for Jews. And I'm sure you know, Amy, that the stories of pedophiles and child murder on QAnon and other group sites come right from old anti-Jewish propaganda. I think you told us your parents are Trump supporters because of his support for Israel, and I wondered if this shook them at all.

[Theresa]

Joanne wrote: "GOODS NEWS! I got an email from the hospital-I am eligible to get the vaccine. They will start with tier 1B next week and I am in that group due to health issues, I assume-as I won't be 65 until Ma..."

That is WONDERFUL!

[Meli]

Jgrace wrote: "Trying to calm my nerves, and I'd like to avoid politics here, as much I know that we all need a space to process events. I've decided to limit my attention to 'current events' to reading morning n..."

I totally forgot about this (when Gabby Giffords was shot)! Seems like a lifetime ago.

[Amy]

You know it’s been very hard to separate what my parents know and understand. My parents are pro-choice, pro gay, pro science, pro education, pro environment. They are registered Democrats and voted Democrat all the way through Bill Clinton. My husband and I are independence. I think if they honestly knew and understood what was happening their side and this would be unbelievably clear. They don’t like trump. But they have all of these fears that are plugged into them by conspiracy theory and Fox News. They really believe that Trump is a better choice for Israel and the Jews. Even though they hate everything else about him. They are more scared by the Democrats, again because of what they hear and believe. I came to understand recently, that they are deep conspiracy theorists. And there’s lots of wealthy Jews who are right in there with them, who don’t understand how much better it is for Israel with Biden and Harris. I don’t understand that trumps ties to the KKK, and to the proud boys, or not just things the Democrats made up because we want him out of office for some reason. And my mother is a scientist and when I used to think with a leader in health. So I thought the coronavirus, would clue her into what was happening. But she believes that the FDA and CDC are in cahoots with big business and big Pharma, and all this fits right into the conspiracy theory. The last conversation of note I had with her, and we rarely talk politics for this reason, she was talking about Hydro Clore Quinn. And I almost threw up. Because I trusted her to be smart. I was with my father in Aspen when we both heard him say about Charlottesville, that they were very fine people on both sides.

[Amy]

I have to post twice due to the damn phone. So I was with him then, and I know how shocked and upset and fry and he has been by some of these things that he has managed to glean that Trump has done. But Fox News manages to spinet in someway that fits the theory. But I have thought to call him today. In some ways he’s more reasonable than my mother. I hate the fact that weekly something stupid happens in politics and I feel like I can’t call my parents until it passes. And this thing is not gonna pass. I thought to maybe call him later just to say hi and check in and say Shabbat shalom. I sort of hate the silence that happens. But my father is a patriot and he believes in supporting the military and the police. This kind of looting and protesting is the very thing that Fox News has convinced them they have to be afraid of. I remember him saying to me, don’t worry Amy. This country can survive a bad president. Which turned out to be wrong. And don’t worry about gay marriage and abortion rights, because those will survive. Also wrong. I thought the coronavirus would shift they’re thinking and I was sadly wrong. But I would like to think that this did. How can you not see this guy has anti-American and completely unhinged. Especially when he’s very smart daughter-in-law and 81 million people have been standing for the other side. I do want to tell him about the T-shirts because I think he should know. But instead, you notice I appear to be talking with you guys. I will certainly call them by this weekend. Trump doesn’t get to take my family too.

[Meli]

Ugh, that's a bummer, Amy.

Luckily, everyone in my family is politically aligned and it is truly a blessing as I hear about families being torn apart. Differences in handling COVID (or not even believing in it) and fighting about politics. It's so sad. I also wouldn't have the patience for it.

My husband's grandma is the odd man out, she voted for Trump, but he is a teacher so he patiently explains to her facts. It makes no difference but at least she is getting factual information from somewhere.

[Theresa]

I’m not writing this to enter into a political discussion, and I am not encouraging a political discussion here. This thread is about emotional support during incredibly difficult unprecedented times that are affecting us globally. It is also about books and reading. Bear with me while I go on here for a bit about the last few days and what I have felt and am thinking and how books play into it. You can also just skip reading it. Your choice.

Wednesday was terrible. Only 9/11 is darker in my memory, as I was here in NYC and felt true fear and terror, something I hope never to experience again. I suspect those in DC and in the other capitals where attempted takeovers occurred at the same time were feeling that level of fear and terror. That needs to be remembered and understood.

As I watched recaps and news updates last night on TV and read coverage from legitimate sources online, my horror – it’s the only word I can use – increased dramatically. The meaning of what happened on Wed is only now starting to sink in. The initial shock is wearing off. If I have been in shock – we all have been – imagine what the lawmakers, aids, and staff on Capital Hill must have been feeling. Still are. Yet they pulled up their socks, went back in and finished the work of the day. And came back the next day. And the next. That is an incredibly hard thing to do – just ask anyone who was in NYC on 9/11. Regardless of how they voted, what speeches they gave, what their politics were, that is something to admire and respect. How ready would you have been to walk back into a place where you were suddenly scrambling for a gas mask, barricading doors, making calls to loved ones to say you loved them just in case. I castigate some for what they continued to promote and say, actions they took earlier in the day. I wish stronger actions were now being taken faster. I wish a lot of things. But I give credit where credit is due.
Make no mistake. Do not fool yourselves. We are without question, in the midst of a coup. A revolution led by our current president and a large swathe the GOP who are using extreme conservative and evangelical factions as the weapons, the tools, the front behind which they hide to maintain their power and dictate the governance of the US forever, for personal gain and personal ambition. This took months of organization and plotting. The evidence is there and it is staggering:
- Similar attempts were made SIMULTANEOUSLY at multiple state houses and governor mansions across the US.
- Flags for a new order were displayed and hung – make no mistake, those were flags not banners with Trumps name on them.
- Symbols of anarchy, white supremacy, hate were on display – in tee shirts, confederal flag, hats.
- A rally led by our sitting president and his family and sycophants was held to encourage them, to raise their blood lust before entering battle just like any Shakespearean or Tolkien King before sending troops into battle.
- Security and police response were deliberately left vulnerable and weak. If you question this at all, just watch the video of the Governor of MD press conference from yesterday where he talks about getting a call from leaders of Congress asking for aid and waiting for hours to send them in because the newly Trump appointed a**wipe who had to authorize Virginia sending troops into DC was unreachable – could not be reached and never was reached. A general finally called and gave the order even though legally he had no authority to do so. [remember: since the election Trump has steadily replaced every single key appointee in the Pentagon with inexperienced loyalists].
- Images and videos from both outside and inside the Capital show more than selfies and disrepect:
o Weapons of all kinds in the hands of the insurgents – guns, clubs, baseball bats, Molotov cocktails
o Pipe bombs were found nearby
o Bundles of zip ties – those used for handcuffing – were carried in – to take hostages presumably
o Doors that were barricaded with furniture being beaten upon repeatedly as insurgents attempted to break through and get at those huddling inside. [As I watched, I kept thinking of shootings in schools with kids and teachers barricading themselves into classrooms]

We are readers. Was this not exactly a scene we have read time and again in books where a government overthrow is attempted? Heck, I just finished one which included mages, dragons, and magic gems.

We cannot fool ourselves. We must call this what it is and we must challenge all who attempt to downplay just how serious this was. This was no mere protest.

And that brings me this: We are seeing white privilege played out on the world stage. Where are the images of those insurgents being led away in handcuffs? Where are the arrests? Even after reinforcements arrived, there did not seem to be any arrests taken. How many images have we seen of peaceful protestors being led away in handcuffs, of ministers holding prayer protests being handcuffed and led away? Yet not one image of one of the men – and they were mostly men – who were beating on the door of the barricaded room doing everything they could to break through and get to the people huddling in fear inside being led away in handcuffs. NOT ONE!

And that, my fellow readers, is white supremacy in action. This past summer there was lots of reading of books on racism and white supremacy. Because we read, because we have read books about these subjects, we should be able to recognize it. We should be in the vanguard of calling it what it is. We need to dig deep and apply what we read to ourselves and our actions. Not just read to post a review, but to use what we learn to better ourselves and the world around us. Read to learn and change. The seeds of January 6th were sown a very long time ago and the roots go deep so the rot goes deep. If we are going to save our democracy, we have to do more than just read to say we read a certain book. We need to read to learn first and then to teach. How we each choose to teach is up to us and our individual abilities and drive.

I am a strong believer in education which isn’t just about formal schooling but about reading.

Thanks for reading.

[LibraryCin]

Amy wrote: "For those of you who don’t know, 6MWE stands for 6 million wasn’t enough. Referring to the fact that they didn’t kill enough Jews. This is coupled with the T-shirts that say camp Auschwitz on the front, and staff on the back. I’m just pointing it out just in case the conversation isn’t in your circles. ..."

omg! I had no idea. omg...

[LibraryCin]

Now I've read your other posts, Amy. I'm so sorry your parents have been taken in by the conspiracy theories. [[[HUGS]]] to you. Hopefully something will get through to them soon.

[Johanne]

Sad to say the covid conspiracy theorists have also taken some in this highly educated country ... Only one friend though, and she suffers from mental illness with paranoia, so she is kinda excused.
I can't fathom any health workers here saying no to the vaccine. And I think the percentage who will say no is very small, but they are sadly just the people who are loud on social media. They don't get a prominent place in eatablished media, so they only live their lives in facebook threads.
Everyone above the age of 16 are offered the vaccine, with a prioritised list of who gets it when. I'm in the bottom as I should be (in my 40s, no health issues).
I feel very priviliged and thankful, and can't understand all the complaining people. I need to stay off social media, and take my in-laws in small doses. My mother-in-law is the master of complaining over trivial issues like the neighbour not cutting his hedge properly, and I don't have patience for that for longer stretches of time. As we can see there are bigger problems in the world.

[Joanne]

Big hugs Amy-I have some of the same issues with my brother-it has ripped us a part, I know you won't let that happen with your mom and dad-but it is still tough

@ Theresa-well said~!

[Cheryl]

Amy, I had no idea about the t-shirts. I am appalled and horrified.

[Jenni Elyse]

Thanks for what you said, Theresa. I’ve been lurking on this thread but I haven’t said anything because I didn’t want to get chastised for being political and others had posted how I was feeling anyway. However, I think what you said is important. We need to recognize what’s happening, challenge those who disagree, and prevent it from happening again. Otherwise, as my husband has been saying for the last year, we’re going to end up in another Civil War.

I did not know that about the T-shirts, Amy. That sickens me to my very core.

[Robin P]

Seeing new footage today, I am more freaked out than ever, because with just a little more organization, it could clearly have been much worse on Wednesday, with many more people killed, bombs set off, fires set.

As far as the courage of Congresspeople, I was struck by Rep. Kim from NJ who spent over an hour personally cleaning up debris in the rotunda, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, who had just shared with the world his 25-year-old son's suicide note from New Year's Eve and now had to endure this. Also I was impressed by 2 young Republicans who I may not agree with on policies but who spoke out. Mike Gallagher from Green Bay Wisconsin, and Adam Kinzinger (not sure if that's spelled right) from Central Illinois are both military veterans who were disgusted with the events.