America was attacked by terrorist on January 6, 2021.
They were NOT Muslims. They weren't radicalized by audio tapes of a Iman or a cleric in a mosque. They didn't make videos proclaiming Allah Akbar.
America was attacked by our fellow Americans. Radicalized by Rush Limbaugh and Fox News (state TV). Their cleric was Donald J. Trump and his enablers (including his children.) And their proclamation was "TRUMP 2020."
But, like everything else in America, the perception is all about race.
Yes, there were many POC involved in the siege of the Capitol, on the day when certification of the electors for Joseph R. Biden was taking place. But the large majority of the mob was white people, particularly white men. They were egged on by Senators like Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley (from my home state of Missouri,) who gave the mob an upraised fist salute in acknowledgement. They were riled up by Rudy Giuliani, who called for "trial by combat" at the rally that preceded the siege. And they were given their marching orders by the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Donald Trump has protested the results of the last Presidential election since that night, and it was he who encouraged the rally that turned into the attack. He promised to be with the mob, but like most Trump promises he bailed on his people. But what caught almost no one off guard was the EASE of the terrorists getting into the building, and the LACK of response from the police.
Because it was VASTLY different from just last summer, when peaceful protestors gathered to protest the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, at the hands of Law Enforcement Officers. In that protest, as in almost every protest that summer, police used tear gas, shields, batons, rubber bullets, and brutal tactics to remove people from the area. This was done so that Trump could hold a Bible upside down in a photo op. He was accompanied by members of his cabinet, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the former Secretary of Defense. In other words, it was perfectly normal to treat mostly peaceful protestors, protesting the videoed murder of an unarmed man, like they were an invading army.
But an ACTUAL invading mob? Hellbent on overturning the results of an election? While the President seemed "delighted" by the carnage, according to Ben Sasse, Republican Senator of Nebraska? It took phone calls from those politicians locked within the Capitol to the mayor of D.C. and a call from the Vice-President to mobilize the National Guard.
That is the beauty, the joy, of being white in America. It's the joy of not worrying that your actions will result in your death or imprisonment. It's the joy of being able to riot in the seat of power of American politics and have your actions explained away with whataboutism. It is the sheer gall of even planning something so traitorous as to bring a gallows, complete with a noose, mere feet from our elected officials and not worry about a hail of bullets coming from Law Enforcement. And, it is the sheer Privilege of inciting an act that hasn't been seen since 1814, gleefully watching your handiwork, and then making a half-hearted call for calm, and no one calling you the traitor you are. This joy is what burned down Rosewood, what burned down Black Wall Street, what killed Emmit Till. This level of entitlement is what POC see every time a cop gets away with killing an unarmed person of color. It's what women hear when the Brock Turners of the country get leniency for sexual assault, because they have a "bright future" that would be tainted by paying for their crimes. It is the living, breathing, example of White Male Privilege on full display, allowed to fester with "boys will be boys" adages and "angry white male" angst. It is the natural result of the "both sides" argument and the near-constant stories about the vanishing white male pride, something that hasn't happened since the founding of the Republic. And, it is deadly. It always has been.
America has fed this beast. January 6, 2021, the beast bit its master's hand. Now what do we do with the beast?
About the Creator
Thomas Bishop
I am a Father, a Husband, a Brother, and a Son, before I am anything else. Former soldier, lifelong Comic book collector, avid reader, lover of movies, liberal progressive, and depressive. I write what I think.
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I Don't Understand
I truly don't understand America. For at least four years now, despite him stating exactly why he took a knee, Colin Kaepernick has been painted as the greatest traitor to the Military since Benedict Arnold. Never mind that is was a former Green Beret, Nate Boyer, who spoke to him about racial injustice and suggested that Kaepernick take a knee during the National Anthem rather than sitting. Never mind the fact that Kaepernick himself stated that his peaceful protest was against the continued state sanctioned murder of unarmed POC and not against the flag or the men and women who serve in the military. Because the current occupant of the White House, in a continued bit of jingoism to his red state supporters, decided to turn Kaepernick's protest into an Us vs Them issue and call any player taking a knee a "son of a bitch."
By Thomas Bishop5 years ago in The Swamp
Almost 60% of Kyiv Without Power as Russian Strikes Shatter Grid
Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is facing a humanitarian and infrastructural crisis after recent Russian missile strikes severely damaged the city’s power grid. Reports indicate that nearly 60% of Kyiv residents are without electricity, leaving millions struggling to cope with freezing temperatures, disrupted water supply, and widespread uncertainty. The attacks, which targeted key energy facilities, underscore the growing intensity of the ongoing conflict and its devastating effects on civilians. Targeting the Lifelines of the City The Russian strikes specifically hit electricity substations, transmission lines, and power distribution hubs, effectively paralyzing Kyiv’s ability to maintain a stable power supply. Ukrainian officials have described the attacks as “strategic and calculated”, aimed at crippling not only energy infrastructure but also the day-to-day functioning of the capital. “This is not just an attack on buildings; it is an attack on people’s lives,” said a senior Ukrainian energy official. “Without power, hospitals struggle, water pumping stations halt, and millions of families are left in darkness.” Winter Compounds the Crisis The timing of the strikes could not have been worse. Kyiv is currently enduring bitterly cold winter temperatures, with averages hovering around -10°C to -15°C. With the electricity grid down, central heating systems in residential and public buildings are failing, and the lack of power is affecting water heating and cooking facilities. Local authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, bundle up, and limit electricity usage where generators are available. Emergency shelters have been opened to accommodate those most vulnerable to the cold, including the elderly, children, and individuals with health conditions. Impact on Public Services The power outage has caused a cascade of disruptions across essential services. Hospitals are running on backup generators, but fuel supplies are limited, raising concerns about the continuity of care for critical patients. Public transportation, which relies on electrically powered systems, has been slowed or temporarily halted, stranding commuters and disrupting city logistics. Water supply networks are also affected, as many pumping stations depend on electricity. Residents in affected neighborhoods report intermittent water supply, while supermarkets and pharmacies are struggling to maintain operations due to refrigeration failures. Schools have been temporarily closed, and businesses are grappling with interruptions to their operations, further straining an economy already weakened by prolonged conflict. Ukrainian Response and Repairs Ukrainian energy teams are working around the clock to restore power. Mobile repair units have been deployed, and local engineers are attempting to reroute electricity to the most critical areas, including hospitals, shelters, and emergency response centers. While some districts have regained limited power, officials warn that full restoration could take days due to the extensive damage and continued threat of further attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on international partners to provide emergency energy support, including portable generators, fuel supplies, and technical expertise. International Reactions The international community has expressed concern and condemnation over the targeting of civilian infrastructure. The United Nations has called for the protection of essential services, emphasizing that attacks on energy grids violate international humanitarian law and disproportionately affect civilians. Neighboring countries, including Poland and Romania, are reportedly coordinating with Ukraine to supply emergency electricity and fuel, while humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources to assist displaced families and those struggling in freezing conditions. Humanitarian Toll For ordinary Kyiv residents, the crisis is deeply personal. Families huddle under blankets, schools remain closed, and many are forced to rely on candles and makeshift heating methods. Social media posts from the city highlight the emotional toll, with parents expressing concern for their children, and elderly residents facing life-threatening conditions in the absence of heat. Volunteer groups are stepping in, distributing warm clothing, food, and portable heaters. Community solidarity has emerged as a critical lifeline, with neighbors helping each other navigate the challenges of a city plunged into darkness. Strategic Implications The strikes on Kyiv’s power grid are part of a broader campaign to weaken Ukraine’s infrastructure and morale. Analysts suggest that targeting energy networks not only creates immediate suffering but also strains long-term recovery efforts. As winter continues, the resilience of Kyiv’s residents and emergency services will be tested, highlighting the ongoing human cost of the conflict. Conclusion The recent Russian strikes that left nearly 60% of Kyiv without power underscore the vulnerability of urban centers during wartime. While Ukrainian authorities are working tirelessly to restore electricity and provide humanitarian aid, the situation remains precarious. The city faces not only a physical blackout but also a chilling reminder of the broader consequences of conflict on civilian life. As international attention focuses on Kyiv, the world witnesses both the destruction wrought by modern warfare and the resilience of a population determined to endure, even in the harshest conditions.Start writing...
By Fiaz Ahmed about 10 hours ago in The Swamp
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