Consequences

     The more we learn about the riot and insurrection at the Capitol last week, the worse it gets. We are in the midst of the worst threat against democracy this country has faced since the Civil War. Worse than any war since, worse than any scandal, worse than any recession, worse than any natural disaster, worse than 9/11. It’s not over yet, not by a long shot.
     But just like any of those other things, we can learn from this, and we can improve. We now have the ability to spot the enemies of democracy and America, because they came out into the open and exposed themselves for who they really are. That’s why even tragic and catastrophic events like this are a gift. That’s why you shouldn’t be afraid of tyrants and hooligans and bullies, because there are so many more of us than there are of them, and even though it doesn’t seem like it at times, the Constitution and Law are on our side. You can fear what they might be able to accomplish, but don’t be afraid of them. That’s what they want. They are terrorists, after all. Look at what’s happening now. These criminals are being arrested and the GOP is facing consequences, in polls, at their jobs, and with their donors.
     So of course they are turning to the old trick that bullies and abusers use next: gaslighting. They are trying to push a narrative that the left is being mean by trying to remove or impeach Trump. They are claiming that we are the ones dividing the country. That’s some grade A bullshit right there. That is how abusive men control their wives, telling them that if they call the police or leave that they are splitting the family apart or forsaking their vows.
      The only people who will fall for that are their deplorable supporters, and that’s why they are doing it. They can hope that a few democrats will fall for it, but they know that 75 million or so yahoos will eat it up. The GOP hasn’t been concerned with issues or the welfare of the country for a long time; they are in the enabling business. They only care about giving the horrid one-third of this country soundbites and slogans that exonerate them of any responsibility or blame. The GOP worries about branding and messaging, not about people or lives or democracy, or about any consequences their words might bring.
     Now that has come home to roost, and it’s our job to make sure they pay. Any person who was in the Capitol that day rioting or trespassing needs to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Any elected official who incited the mob or voted against certifying Biden’s electoral victory needs to be expelled, censured or impeached. Any corporation, organization or person who facilitated this insurrection needs to be punished as well.
     Conservatives love law and order so much, let’s be sure we give it to them.