The Party of John Wilkes Booth
Sic temper tyrannis
Republicans have given up on democracy.
Their stirring of rebellion over what they claim to have been a fraudulent election without any significant proof of fraud is one sign. This is even after numerous judges, some appointed by the occupant of the White House, and even the Supreme Court, rejected their specious arguments. Sixty some odd times, the last I took a look.
But there have been many, many other signs.
When the Bundy clan and cohorts overran, occupied and fended off federal agents in an armed and chilling standoff at Oregon’s Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, it was an indication of how far domestic terrorists were willing to go. They met with no resistance taking the refuge. They met with little resistance during the occupation. Afterwards, the consequences they suffered were exactly what you’d expect when rugged white individualists have to pay penance for a potentially lethal and violent transgression.
A veritable slap on the wrist.
Compare that to the consequences of a Black man who may or may not have been aware he was passing a counterfeit twenty dollar bill at a convenience store.
Eight and a half minutes of death by chokehold.
The Ammon Bundy-led attack on public lands proved that armed white men can hold sway for days and then walk away unscathed. Suffer little to no consequences. It showed how white men with guns believe lawlessness benefits them. That the rule of law and democracy has become nothing but a hindrance to them.
I learned today by listening to the Rachel Maddow Show that Michigan’s former governor and the state legislature during his term had basically neutered democracy by assigning or appointing overseers in portions of the state to make decisions for the residents. If you’ve been wondering why the water in Flint remains questionable to toxic, the reason falls squarely on decisions made by these “state-appointed emergency managers”.
Also known as ‘unelected officials’ who do not have to answer to the locals. It’s the Republican version of an “end around”. A way to subvert democracy.
The lurid despot, who remains a threat to our country, longs to be made “president-for-life”. Like his buddy in Russia. The reactions of the GOP members of Congress after the failed coup on the 6th of January which, hopefully, was not a dress rehearsal for something more brazen, is further proof of Republicans abandoning democracy.
Because. . .even following a day where the Capitol Building was under siege by a bloodthirsty mob and then eventually breached. . .
Even after members of Congress were all threatened physically and psychologically. . .
Even after those members being well aware that dopamine-fueled, conspiracy-minded insurrectionists marauded in the hallways, offices and chambers effectively holding them hostage. . .
Even with five people dead and dozens wounded. . .
Even after the “thin blue line” on duty and sworn to protect those members of Congress and the Capitol Building were savagely bludgeoned with flag poles flying the American flag, as well as the now twice-impeached president’s flag. . .
Even after watching a giddy, unrepentant so-called commander-in-chief taking no responsibility and telling the mob he loves them. . .
Even after all of that, Republicans continued to vociferously defend the man who mocks the institution and the Constitution.
I wrote to the ten Republican representatives who voted in favor of impeachment and, essentially said, that I probably hold no other common ground with them, but I salute their standing for country over party. The other 190 or so Republicans stood with authoritarianism. In their defense, I suppose, it’s a reflection of what their constituents want. At least the squeaky wheels they hear from the most.
Abraham Lincoln wouldn’t want to be a member of this party, but John Wilkes Booth would.
John Wilkes Booth chose a bullet over ballots.
The new party of John Wilkes Booth may not have arrived at that conclusion yet, but after the plot in Michigan to kidnap and kill the governor, the storming of multiple state capitols in the interim, the deadly, as well as the deadly serious, insurrection at the Capitol, the online threats for further disruptions in the coming days and the lack of public introspection by the Republicans who continue to walk the halls of Congress, it sure seems like they don’t care if it breaks that way.
Their idea of government - and it has been this way for a long time - is it is “my way, or the highway.” Government is something they use to make their rich donors richer and where they can - hopefully, at some point - make a fortune.
The tyrant they wish to slay is small D democracy.
It’s too messy for them.
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In his mind, John Wilkes Booth was slaying a tyrant. Thus the phrase attributed to him which he purportedly uttered when he shot Lincoln in the back of the head, sic temper tyrannis meant “thus always to tyrants.”
Also, this bearded lizard dragon is adorable.
Sorry about being a broken record but, until the fever truly breaks, I am going to be on pins and needles. - JLM