Those associated with the ongoing Trump MAGA moment have recently put a spotlight back on the most despicable day in America in the 21st Century, that of January 6th, 2021 and a violent insurrection and failed coup, by use of security video released by propagandist Tucker Carlson, on Fox “News.” The political strategy for re-living this day seems rather unthought out, and perhaps will only backfire in this move, but it brings up an important issue in that of the attempted exoneration of those attacking the US Capitol Building that day. A quick view of Twitter yesterday showed Marjorie Taylor Greene pleading for one insurgent to be released because he was only walking in the building after entering an open doorway. Another post showed the stated victimization of the so-called QAnon Shaman, again trying to portray him as somehow wholly innocent.
I wish to focus too on those who have been arrested, tried and have served incarceration time due to their actions on that unfortunate day in our nation’s history. From Montana six residents belong to this group. And in the adjoining states of Idaho and Montana, with a population of 3.0 million, eight individuals in total are in this group. This would amount to 1 in 375,000 while for the country as a whole it is about 1 in 329,000.
The majority of these individuals in the two states pleaded guilty with several cases pending. These are states I know well. I found none from the states of Wyoming, North Dakota nor South Dakota. How many attended the rally but did not enter the capital building from this area is unknown. Certainly one cannot fault someone legitimately protesting in a peaceful manner. I personally see benefit in this regardless of one’s views, even if being deceived entirely.
I had a conversation sometime back with a cousin who was horrified by that day as much as I, we agreed that people we knew or even family members could have been caught up in this coup attempt easily. And I’m not certain that if my past experiences had not been as they were, that I could have possibly not been one of them arrested for that day. I have never been a victim of a propaganda outlet, but do feel for those who have. There is no legitimate right leaning video media source available, the trap is set.
From Montana and Idaho above these Americans traveled an average of 4,000 miles at a cost for round trip of about $640 spending money on lodging and food to stay in Washington DC, and have undoubtedly spent many thousands of dollars for legal costs, and have perhaps lost employment and destroyed careers. The costs are great even in monetary terms, not counting severe costs to relationships. The economic commitment to go to the rally was substantial. On one level there is admiration of the action. One would have to imagine that this financial commitment may have provided impetus toward even more extremism on that day. They wanted to get their money’s worth.
The push to change the narrative well established by this time of that day, a risky move, and the motives behind it strike me rather odd and worth a thought. My sense is that with so many spending time in prison, that the MAGA movement may be feeling repercussions from those involved, and their family and friends. With time spent incarcerated thinking about the reasoning why they are where they are, many must have very sinking amounts of loyalty to Donald Trump and those around him who in all candor defrauded them into prison. Fox “News” hosts and Murdoch himself may have fear of men easily prone to violent acts, as others push the big lie. Do these MAGA orchestrators think they need these people’s loyalty reestablished for a future coup attempt? It is difficult to know perhaps, as the entire group is one of primarily pathology at this time, and reasoning may not be occurring, but these are interesting questions to me.
One can only have conjecture as to these people in prison right now. While most including myself want the ringleaders to face appropriate justice as well, our national security perhaps riding on it, I wished to address what these everyday Americans may have learned from this experience. Will there be some bright lights resulting from some of these people after debts to society are paid? Some may become even more radicalized, but I wish to be more optimistic of my fellow Americans who made grave mistakes on that day. Immediately after that day a family member was furious that Trump was thrown off Twitter and seething about the event. It was that moment when I realized the magnitude of that day. It is a mess that is taking a long time to clean up, and I wish to explore some of the possible lessons learned from that day by those involved. It is also a self-exercise for myself to gain an understanding in my own dealings in America, I wish not to do something similar as those arrested for that day ever.
On that day, it was surreal to most who observed it. It was something hard to grasp, even though I and many others expected sometime to happen after paying close attention to Trump leading up to the election and immediately after. Not since the American Civil War had anything comparable occurred we were told.
I have found the 1884 book Day’s Collacon useful in recent years to understand better the America of today. I think that the time period of many of the quotes in this book relate to this time period as well. This book was published not that long after the war between the states. Such is my rationale in exploring this topic, through quotes which to me seem to fit the moment at hand. There are a wide range of authors of these quotes, I never use the same author twice. I found the quote the most fitting to my overall idea of what lessons should have been learned by the insurrectionists of January 6th. I don’t expect this to necessarily reach these people, or a Fox viewer in this area, but perhaps it might. It has a value. Please excuse the length of this article and any repetition which may appear. I researched the quotes as completely as I could fathom, trying to hit upon as many points as possible. Hopefully there will be some beneficial thought provoked, which is my only goal.
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I begin with my overall theme of learning one’s lesson in life. We all make mistakes, that is how we learn. So this is somewhat of an olive branch handed to those who may have become too excited in the moment, believed disinformation and lies and may have spent resources to go to Washington DC that day and entered the Capital Building upon the urging of Donald Trump and others.
“Life lessons should teach us wisdom.”
— Bias
BIAS, surnamed "The Prince of Wise Men," born at Príene, in Caria, Asia Minor, 570 B.C .; one of the seven wise men of Greece; he was noted for his liberality to the poor, his wisdom, and love of justice; the date of his death is unknown.
The January 6th coup attempt was a monumental misjudgment in my opinion. The political consequences have been immense, great amounts of resources and time have been expended by the GOP because of it. It has strengthened the opposition party most certainly in my view. The danger still resides, but overall it was a great mistake.
“Whoever commits a crime strengthens his enemy.”
— D. O'Connell
O'CONNELL, DANIEL , "The Great Irish Agitator," born at Carhen, near Cahirciveen, county Kerry, August 9, 1775; a famous Irish orator and political agitator; died at Genoa, Italy, May 15, 1847.
A question comes to me. Have these Americans jailed for their actions contemplated the words from Donald Trump’s mouth that day? Have they put two and two together yet? Have they realized that they were marks for a conman? And those around Trump reinforced the Big Lie. In an ideal world they have by now realized their mistake of trust. The Fox “News” hosts lead their viewers down many a bad street with their so-called entertainment.
“There is a relation to be observed between the words and the mouth which pronounces them.”
— Bruyère
BRUYERE, JEAN, DE LA, born at Dourdan, in Normandy, 1646; a celebrated French author and moralist; died, 1696.
The Republican Party has radicalized many of its members over the years, this is unmistakable fact. The actual principles of the MAGA movement are little to none, although it’s adherents might disagree. But most likely they could not state any true principles to the movement. It is a movement of white grievance and fear, with shared hate, and deep thirst for only power. One-Time principles of fiscal conservatism do not apply anymore, although there would be arguments to the contrary. Truth is denied incessantly within the MAGA moment. It is in my opinion a group acting in pathological ways, which seem to only intensify.
“To deny principles is to deny truths; and to deny truths is heresy.”
— M. Postlethwayt
POSTLETHWAYT, MALACHI, born, 1707; an English writer; died, 1767.
Truly, a Fox “News” watcher, a person who attends Trump rallies, who supports many of the hard right Republicans must wish to be deceived. I do not think many are less intelligent than I, some may have comparable education, they wish to have a world view affirmed. I’ve been badly deceived in the past in personal matters as well. It is easy to put your trust where it should not be. To realize it is empowering, although humiliating at the same time. It brings on anger.
“We are seldom deceived unless we wish to be deceived.”
— Rousseau
ROUSSEAU, JEAN JACQUES, the son of a watchmaker, born at Geneva, June 28, 1712; a celebrated Swiss philosopher, and eloquent writer. His works are numerous, and replete with brilliant and suggestive reasonings, much eloquence and force of imagination, energy of expression, and such a boldness of conception as to entitle him to a place amongst the first writers of his age; died of apoplexy at Ermenoville, July 2 , 1778.
The overall thrust of the Republican Party for quite some time is to suppress the vote. The Stop The Steal Rally, the storming of the nation’s capital, gerrymandering, etc., all the efforts to maintain minority rule are at the heart a dishonest victory. With a “win at all costs mindset” it may not be perceived as dishonest, but it’s all clearly dishonest. This is a lesson one would hope would come through, but it’s unlikely. Would a man sitting in a jail cell for a failed insurrection contemplate this? I’m uncertain.
“It is dishonest victory that is gotten by the spoil of a man's own country.”
— Cicero
CICERO, MARCUS TULLIUS, born, January 3, 106 B.C.; one of the greatest writers of antiquity, and as an orator he had but one rival; died, 43 B.C.
This goes to the end result of the jailed insurrectionist, will they continue on a path of extremism regardless of costs? Will they seek a form of revenge as some criminals do, either on those of the left or those who they may feel betrayed by?
“Repentance without amendment is like continual pumping in a ship without stopping the leak.”
— L. W. Dilwyn
DILLWYN, LOUIS WESTON, born, 1778 ; an English naturalist and author: died, 1855.
This goes to individual legacy. Personally I have sought redemption within my life in recent years. It’s a positive motivator for myself and others I know. It would be best for the insurrectionist to consider this deeply. Depending upon age, it may even prove increasingly important.
“Posterity gives to every man his true value and proper honor.”
— Tacitus
TACITUS, CAIUS CORNELIUS, born about 59 A.D.; a celebrated Roman historian, and one of the most eloquent orators of his time; died, 120.
Have those incarcerated studied the US Constitution while spending their time among their thoughts? One would hope they took the opportunity to do so. Certainly there is an interest in the country indicted by their commitment to the MAGA movement. Did the violence of that day invoke some yearning for knowledge? The following quote left me wondering this. Is actual patriotism possible, not the belligerent type of nationalism displayed in the insurrection?
“In the violence of party strife men listen, think, and read, who never thought before.”
— Burnap
BURNAP, GEORGE WASHINGTON, D.D., born in Merrimack, New Hampshire, November 20, 1802; an American Unitarian divine, and author of several theological works; died at Philadelphia, September 8, 1859.
The MAGA passion certainly became out of hand that fateful day. And reason was put on hold among so many. People did things which they might not have if not caught up in the moment. There is a certain tragedy to this story of January 6th on many levels. We all lost on that day.
“Passion and reason are ever at war.”
— R. Bage
BAGE, ROBERT, born at Derby, England, 1728; a popular novelist and miscellaneous writer; died, 1801
The certain patriotism on display that day certainly had a blindness to it. If one were to ask many of those arrested if they believed in democracy, most likely they would say yes. If one was to ask them if the US Constitution matters, they would again reply yes. But any adherence to established American principles, however ignorant of them as what may have been discounted in the riot.
“Patriotism is a blind and irrational impulse unless it is founded on a knowledge of the blessings we are called to secure, and the privileges we propose to defend.”
— R. Hall
HALL, ROBERT, born at Arnsby , Leicestershire, May 2, 1764; a celebrated English Baptist divine and theological writer; died, 1831.
Perhaps only limited understanding of the US Constitution and civics in general hindered some into making poor choices to attend the ralley that day, and especially to become violent after the speeches?
“A good principle not rightly understood, may prove as hurtful as a bad.”
— Milton
MILTON, JOHN, "The Homer of Great Britain," born in Bread Street, London, December 9, 1608; an immortal English poet, and one of the most illustrious in genius, philanthropy, learning, and virtue; died in London, November 8, 1674.
The value of the justice system, and the rule of law are quite apparent. The interference in the process witnessed in attempts to reduce the seriousness of that day by Tucker Carlson notwithstanding, one must have confidence that true justice of all involved will result. The jailed insurrectionists understand liberty better now perhaps.
“A prison proves the value of liberty.”
— Alberoni
ALBERONI, GIULIO, born near Piacenza, 1664 an Italian cardinal; died, 1752.
Have the injured capital police been compensated justly for their experience of that day from fellow Americans? Has the desecration of the center of American government been addressed beneficially to prevent it happening again? The reform of the offenders is of question, from this writing. Will leaders not contemplate such a thing again, or was it only attempt number one? Will American citizens not let themselves get caught up in another coup attempt? These questions will most likely be partially answered in the next two years.
“The ends of punishment are three: to redress the injured, to reform the offender, and to deter others.”
— Dr. Robert Hooper
HOOPER, ROBERT, born about 1742; a British medical writer; died, 1812.
One must not want to become a poor example. This may be universal in my opinion among average American citizens. Perhaps I’m wrong. Clear judicial examples were made in the prosecutions of hundreds of insurrectionists.
“Beware of setting examples that you would be ashamed to have others follow, or that would be injurious if followed.”
— E. Rich
RICH, EZEKIEL, born in Vermont, 1788; an American clergyman and writer; died at Albany, New York, 1868.
The Trump flags, even the confederate battle flag were taken into the capitol building that day. Rebellion was on many minds. Violent men and women reacted to it all in a dangerous manner. This quote seems to hit on all accounts.
“No sooner is the standard of rebellion displayed, than men of dangerous principles resort to it.”
— Fisher Ames
AMES, FISHER, born in Dedham, Massachusetts, April 9, 1758; orator and statesman; died, July 4, 1808.
Although the members who attacked the capitol that day did not think of themselves as a mob, they certainly were. The efforts are still ongoing to repaint the event as peaceful. But the mob violence is well documented. Perhaps not everyone charged was violent against policemen, but they were in an act of insurrection on that day regardless. There is guilt by association, be it entirely fair or not.
“Mobs are highly dangerous to us; for though the government cannot, if disposed, greatly injure our liberty, mobs can; in mobs I have seen mild, orderly, sober men converted into fiends.”
— Dwight
DWIGHT, TIMOTHY, D.D., LL.D., born in North Hampton, Massachusetts, May 14, 1752: an eminent divine and scholar; died at New Haven, January 11, 1817.
Trump was reported to have wanted to be at the site of the attack on the congress. He apparently savored watching it on television. He is without a doubt someone who likes cruelty, and thinks it has a legitimate place in governance. It is simply clear that despotism is his modus operandi. Those displaying violence on that day certainly appear to be comfortable with cruel despotic behavior. The Republican Party of today, beholden to firearms manufacturers and the NRA, is indicative of a despotic government using intimidation freely and purposely in my opinion. The talk of only defensive use of firearms rings very hollow these days. It’s a short walk to widespread cruelty at this juncture from intimidation.
In despotic governments, people are cruel; lenity reigns in moderate governments.”
— Montesquieu
MONTESQUIEU, CHARLES DE SECONDAT, Bar on de la Brède et de, born near Bordeaux, January 18, 1689 a brilliant, original, and popular French author, jurist, philosopher, and littérateur. His greatest work “ The Spirit of Laws," (L ' Esprit des Lois,") created universal admiration, and was translated into every language of Europe. In this arduous enterprise of exploring the labyrinths of history and political science, he was in advance of his age as an advocate of liberty and humanity; died in Paris, February, 1755.
The ringleaders must face justice as well. This almost everyone who wants a democracy to continue can all agree upon. Unfortunately, some have benefited financially by the Stop the Steal strategy, some may now have power who perhaps should not. This seems rather basic, and one hopes justice is fulfilled.
“If we recompense evil with good, with what will we recompense good? Recompense evil with justice, and good with good.”
— Confucius
CONFUCIUS, born, 550 B. C.; the most illustrious of Chinese philosophers, and the most learned and virtuous man of his age, He labored strenuously in refining the manners of his countrymen; his memory and the moral works he wrote, are held in the highest veneration by them; died, 477 B.C.
Will those arrested for the insurrection decide to take part in democracy after their time is spent? Will they understand what American democracy, imperfect as it is, actually means for our lives? Or will they only wish to stay in their camps and refuse to cooperate in the American experiment? Although we are not at an actual war among ourselves, we are certainly very divided still. And an unresolved January 6th, can only continue this state. Refusal of taking responsibility is a potential ongoing problem.
“Reconciliation with enemies is owing to a desire of bettering our condition - the fatigue of war, and an apprehension of some untoward event.”
— Rochefoucauld
ROCHEFOUCAULD, FRANÇOIS DUC DE LA, (Prince de Marsillac) born, December, 1613; a celebrated French courtier and moralist. His fame as a man of letters, rests chiefly on his " Maxims and Moral Reflections," which do more credit to his head than his heart; died, 1680.
Will there be reprisals among the insurrectionists at all levels? Trump himself is extraordinarily vindictive, a group which continues to identity with him closely may be expected to do the same. This is an unanswered question.
“Every citizen, as an individual, is bound to surrender the right of redressing his wrongs wholly to society; aggression and injury in no case justify retaliation.”
— F. Wayland
WAYLAND, FRANCIS, D.D., LL.D., born in New York, of English parentage, March 17, 1796; an eminent American Baptist divine, philosopher, and author; died, September 30, 1865.
Will the primary one responsible for the misadventure of the January 6th, 2021 insurrection bear the brunt of the blame in the end? One can only hope for the country that this can happen in time. There must be consequences, this is clear. The true blame to become accepted among all Americans is very important to prevent a repeat of this day.
“In arms, the praise of success is shared among many; yet the blame of misadventures is charged upon one.”
—J. Hayward
HAYWARD, JOHN, born about 1800; an American writer, ( New York, 1833)
That infamous day was in all accounts a day of madness which the country has not been exposed to in a long time. Those mad, perhaps thought the opposing side to be the mad ones. The shaman we all watched certainly appeared to be detached from reality. I’m quite concerned by the continued irrationality exhibited by many on the right, and some on the left as well. This must be addressed by the press in a better manner.
“Every madman thinks all other men mad.”
— Publius Syrus
SYRUS, PUBLIUS, flourished 45 B. C.; a slave brought to Rome, of whom very little is known of his personal history, except that at the games exhibited by Cæsar he challenged all the dramatists of the day, to contend with him in improvising upon any given theme, and carried off the palm from every competitor.
Should Trump and his closest advisors apologize to those incarcerated from January 6th? Is this in order? Would it serve a beneficial purpose for the future of the country? The quotes on apologies indicate a certain degree of uselessness in them. Personally I would hope a personal apology to eventually happen, although Donald Trump and others may be incapable of doing such.
“Apology is as great a peacemaker as the word " if." In all cases, it is an excuse rather than an exculpation, and if adroitly managed, may be made to confirm what it seems to recall, and to aggravate the offence which it pretends to extenuate.”
— Chatfield
SMITH, HORACE, ( Paul Chatfield,) born in London, 1779; a celebrated English humorist, journalist, and miscellaneous writer. He was the author of a variety of amusing books; one of them, "The Tin Trumpet," was published in 1836, under the nom de plume, of " Paul Chatfeld, " ( q.v.,) and from which many of the following quotations are taken; died, 1849.
I really think that the MAGA movement demands a king, it being fully authoritarian. I personally believe that those attacking the capital on that day had their king. Will those punished for that day change their concept of a leader? This question has been on my mind for sometime. Can an authoritarian follower reform in this way?
“A king ruleth as he ought, a tyrant as he lists; a king to the profit of all, a tyrant only to please a few.”
— Aristotle
ARISTOTLE, born at Stageira, a seaport town in the district of Chalcidice, 384 B.C.; an illustrious Grecian philosopher, and the most learned man of antiquity; he became so famous for his intellectual attainments that Philip of Macedon appointed him tutor to his son Alexander the Great, and in this occupation he spent eight years; the young Prince became so strongly attached to him that he valued his instructor above his own father. Aristotle was versed in every science then known, and he illustrated them in his writings with all the resources of a mighty mind; died at Chalcis, in Euboea, 322 B.C.
The reference book used has many what may be termed “pro-martyr” quotes dealing with Christian martyrdom. I think that this idea of martyrdom for one’s faith or ideology may be appealing to an insurrectionist, so I’ll end on it. I’m uncertain if I’m correct or not, but the following quote is quite appropriate for January 6th.
“He is a fool who suffers martytdom, that people may stare at and admire him.” — Martial
MARTIAL, or MARTIALIS, MARCUS VALERIUS, born at Bibilis, in Spain 40 A.D.; a celebrated Latin epigrammatic poet; died, 103.
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So that ends my writing for the lessons perhaps learned or to be learned from the insurrection of January 6, 2021. I’m unfamiliar with any interviews of these people in a comprehensive manner by precessional journalists. There may be. Several testified at the January 6th hearings in the last congress. It seems important to do so in my opinion, in order to understand that day and its aftermath better. Thank you for reading, and trying to follow my logic.
23rd posting, March 14, 2023