You’re at work. You love your job and have been a dedicated employee for many years. You have taken the required course to become effective at your job and open to attending professional trainings to evolve and become better. As time moves on, you gain a strong sense of safety at your workplace. You trust the people you collaborate with daily. They trust you as well. Eventually, through team-building exercises and ice breakers, you gain a sense of “family” with your workplace peers. Life could not be any better.
An email pops into your in-box. The subject line titled: Performance Review. Nothing daunting because, in the past, they were uplifting and inspiring. Praising you for a job well done. You click to open it. Instead of the expected praise, you gasp. It’s threatening you to change your work habits or face punishment. You read what the new procedure is and learn it is not only unethical but also against your morals. Plopped in the middle of a dilemma over integrity, you reject the new policy, pondering who would send you such a treacherous email? You return to work using your honest and ethical procedure, but the email continues to weigh on your mind. Word spreads about your professional choice and suddenly, your life is at risk as an angry mob threatens to end your existence because you refused to follow the procedure suggested in the email. You flee for your safety, vowing to quit the job. Days later, you learn your boss is responsible for inciting the mob that attacked you for making an ethical choice. It was a ploy to force you to resign from the company.
If the above scenario had happened, how would you handle it? Would you seek legal assistance and sue the company for compensation for loss wages? Perhaps, discrimination? Or simply threatening your physical safety in the workplace? Either way, who would be responsible for the attack? The mob which force you out of the company? Or your boss, who incited the mob to come to the company and scare you? Perhaps, it’s both. They did work in tandem in a premeditated fashion of some sort, right? Either way, you would feel betrayed by the company, your employer, and perhaps even…other employees (the people you called “friends”).
If you agreed to those suggestions, then how is the above different from what happened on January 6, 2021? When a large group of insurrectionist, waving Trump’s red MAGA flags, stormed Capitol Hill to attack congress members who were there to certify Biden’s presidential win? Those arrested for the alleged act of treason claimed they were following their “leader’s” orders. Trump. Trump had spent over 6 months before the 2020 election claiming if he lost, it would be because of fake voters or a rigged system. Though there still is no evidence of the election being rigged. His fan base was determined to stop the certification process by any means necessary.
The officers who risked their life during the insurrection feel similar to how you would feel if your workplace concocted a ploy to fire you: betrayed. They fought to keep the insurrectionist out Capitol Hill as best as they could, and now to see the same group of red hat wearing rioters of the cusp of being pardoned by the same man who put the officers’ life in jeopardy, is betrayal. Betrayal for their service. Betrayal for their bravery. Betrayal for what they stand for in America. How can a country appoint a dangerous felon the highest office in our country, again?
This past weekend, there were many protest groups calling for Trump’s reelection not be certified, citing the 14th amendment. According to the 14th amendment (in simplest terms): Former government officials who took an oath to support the Constitution but then betrayed it by engaging in an insurrection cannot hold office. The question that remains unanswered is: what is Trump’s role in the insurrection? Many sources claim there is no evidence Trump was involved in the insurrection. Sure, he was not there at Capitol Hill with the rioters, however, one can argue his actions before, during, and after the election were the direct cause of the insurrection. He touted for months about a rigged election and encourage Americans to “fight back” against those who “stole the election.” During one of his speeches, he stated, “We’re going to go down there and fight like hell.” Which…is exactly what transpired.
The officers of January 6th have every right to feel betrayed. Though many Americans are not content with the election results, nor look forward to what America may become under the rule of Trump, there was still a peace transfer of power. No insurrection, violence, or threats to lives. This is how it should always be.
Link to NPR article regarding Officers feeling betrayed.
About the Creator
Iris Harris
An aspiring novelist. I enjoy writing ghost, horror, and drama. Occassionally, I dabble with some essays. You can find more of my work with the link below:
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Envisioning America
The 2024 election season reignited following Biden’s departure early this summer and Kamala Harris taking the campaigning reins. During one of her rallies, she questioned Americans: What kind of America do you want to live in? I think about our that specific question. What type of America do I want to live in? To watch future generation grow up in? What unites us as American?
By Iris Harrisabout a year ago in The Swamp
Iraq to Nationalise West Qurna 2 Oilfield Operations, Government Says
Iraq is making headlines this week with a bold decision: the government has announced plans to nationalise operations at the West Qurna 2 oilfield, one of the largest and most vital oil assets in the country. This step comes amid geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and concerns about the stability of oil production. For a nation where oil revenues fund everything from public salaries to infrastructure, keeping West Qurna 2 running smoothly is critical. But what does this move really mean — and why now? West Qurna 2: Iraq’s Oil Powerhouse West Qurna 2 isn’t just another oilfield. Located near Basra in southern Iraq, it produces between 465,000 and 480,000 barrels per day — roughly 9% of Iraq’s total output and about 0.5% of global supply. That makes it strategically vital. Any disruption in production could have ripple effects on Iraq’s economy and even global oil markets. Historically, the Russian giant Lukoil has managed the field, holding a 75% stake under a service contract. But recent developments forced Baghdad to reconsider this arrangement. Why Iraq Is Taking Control Now The catalyst? Sanctions on Lukoil over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In late 2025, Lukoil declared force majeure, citing sanctions that prevented it from fulfilling contractual obligations. That raised alarms in Baghdad. If Lukoil couldn’t operate normally, Iraq risked losing vital oil production. The solution? Bring operations under state control through the Basra Oil Company (BOC), the government’s own oil management firm. For now, this nationalisation is temporary — planned for about 12 months — giving Iraq time to maintain production while exploring future ownership solutions. How Iraq Plans to Keep Production Running According to officials, BOC will handle day-to-day operations, from paying staff to covering operating costs. Revenue from other major oilfields, like Majnoon, will help fund operations at West Qurna 2. The government assures that production remains steady at pre-nationalisation levels, a key point for Iraq’s economy and its commitments to OPEC. Maintaining output stability also signals to international markets that Iraq is managing the transition carefully. The Geopolitical Context Nationalising West Qurna 2 cannot be separated from global politics. Sanctions against Russian companies disrupted Lukoil’s ability to operate, forcing Iraq to act. By taking control, Iraq safeguards its energy security and reduces dependence on foreign companies that may be vulnerable to political pressure or sanctions. It’s a clear example of how geopolitics can directly affect energy production. What Comes Next? Potential Buyers and Partnerships Although Iraq has nationalised operations temporarily, it’s not shutting the door to foreign investment. Reports suggest interest from major players like ExxonMobil and Chevron, as well as private equity firms, to acquire Lukoil’s stake in the long term. This creates a balancing act: Iraq wants the technical expertise and investment that foreign companies can bring, while also asserting sovereign control over one of its most important resources. Global Implications For the world, Iraq’s move is significant. West Qurna 2 contributes nearly half a million barrels of oil per day to the global market. Keeping production stable protects not just Iraq’s economy, but also global energy prices. At the same time, the episode highlights how international sanctions and politics can have unintended consequences, forcing nations to make tough decisions to maintain essential operations. A Strategic Assertion of Control Ultimately, Iraq’s nationalisation of West Qurna 2 is about more than oil. It’s about energy security, national sovereignty, and strategic autonomy. Whether the takeover remains temporary or evolves into a longer-term model involving foreign partners, it underscores a larger truth: oil is not just a commodity in Iraq — it’s a matter of national security. For investors, governments, and energy watchers, the West Qurna 2 story is a reminder of how interconnected geopolitics, sanctions, and energy markets have become. Key Takeaways: Iraq has nationalised West Qurna 2 operations due to Lukoil’s sanctions-related operational issues. The move is temporary, allowing state control while exploring future ownership. Production is being maintained through the Basra Oil Company and revenue from other oilfields. The decision reflects a mix of economic necessity, geopolitical pressure, and strategic sovereignty. Global oil markets are watching closely, as disruptions could affect supply and prices.
By Muhammad Hassan4 days ago in The Swamp
Center Stage with Gina C.
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler5 days ago in Interview
Comments (4)
They were betrayed then and again when Cheeto pardoned them. Fine to pardon “trespass” maybe, but NEVER those who harmed officers. No excuse, and one of those pardoned is now dead from an altercation with Chicago police and some others arrested for new crimes. He is running the cou Try like a reality tv show and as a crime boss.
Excellent discussion, Iris. It seems like rules can be bent, for the "right" people.
I watched a documentary about the Jan 6 insurrection the other night. It was told from the perspective of the police officers on duty that day. It was awful watching these men and women try to fight off the mob and be considered traitors for defending the Capitol. Not sure how the next four years are going to play out. This was a really interesting read and I liked the way you linked it to a toxic workplace.
Well written article. You make a good argument. I agree 100% that Donald Trump and cited this insurrection. I also believe that had Mike Pence got into that car that Trump sent for him, he would’ve been killed. I find it unbelievable that the Republicans would want a man like Donald Trump as president. First of all he was in mental decline and second he is a dishonest man. I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I honestly believe that Donald Trump did not win this election legitimately. He and Elon Musk Juan, with a campaign of lies, deception, and miss information. Nothing about their campaign was on the level or honest. what gets me is that the Democrat did not call him out on that. It also gets me that the Democrats did not ask for a recount and those swing states. It seems very odd to me that only two weeks before the election Kamala Harris was winning all of the swing states and then come election day. She loses all of them. There is something very wrong here. But anyway, the Republicans have chosen a con man, a thief, and a liar to be their president and to be the role model of the United States. Well, I called bunk.