Heil & Farewell, Tucker Carlson

Tucker Swanson McNear Carlson, the preppy, petulant, Putin-loving prevaricator who dominated Fox News (or “News”) ratings for the past 6 years, was unceremoniously dumped by the right-wing network early on Monday. Fox stocks took an immediate $700 million nosedive.

There was a temptation to attribute the dissmissal to Mr. Carlson’s cynical lies that helped precipitate the $787.5 million Fox Corp. settlement in the Dominion Voting Systems case. But Tucker Carlson wasn’t fired because he’s a liar, a White Nationalist, or a fascist, or a Proud Boys provocateur. It was because he was a bullying, sexist pig.

Mr. Carlson may return to broadcasting on Russian state media or Dancing With the Stars. Who will replace him on Fox?  The New Yorker‘s Andy Borowitz has a view:”Fox Replaces Tucker Carlson with Lying Chatbot.”

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GOP: It’s Official, They’re Fascists.

Meeting in Salt Lake City on Friday, the Republican National Committee (RNC) passed a resolution declaring that the actions of the Insurrection of January 6, 2021, including the violent attempt to overthrow the elected government of the United States and the defilement of the Capitol building, were “legitimate political discourse.” The resolution (co-authored by Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel) was passed by voice vote, without debate, so individual Republican leaders could avoid personal (and legal) responsibility for this outrage against two centuries of American democratic values. They’re not just fascists, they’re weasels.

More:

“Republican party calls January 6 attack ‘legitimate political discourse,’” Martin Pengelly, The Guardian

“GOP leaders approve resolution that says Jan. 6 was ‘legitimate political discourse,’” Bryan Schott, Salt Lake City Tribune

“G.O.P. Declares Jan. 6 Attack ‘Legitimate Political Discourse,’” Jonathan Weisman and Reid J. Epstein, New York Times

Updates:

“Murkowski criticizes RNC calling Jan. 6 attack ‘legitimate political discourse,'” Caroline Vakil,The Hill

“‘Legitimate Political Discourse’ Is Now an Official Republican Party Description of the Jan. 6 Attack on the Capitol,” Ryan Bort, Rolling Stone

“McConnell rebukes RNC, calls Jan. 6 ‘violent insurrection,'” Mary Clare Jalonick,  Associated Press

“‘Legitimate political discourse’: Three words about Jan. 6 spark rift among Republicans,” Josh Dawsey and Felicia Sonmez, Washington Post

“McConnell breaks with RNC: Jan. 6 ‘violent insurrection,'” Jordain Carney, The Hill

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Republican Hypocrisy on January 6th

Many Republican leaders — including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI 8 ) — were horrified by the Capitol attack of last January 6th, and rightly blamed Donald Trump for instigating it. Somehow, they forgot.

A video by the Republican Accountability Project, which will run on Fox News today.

More:

“Republicans Promised to Banish Jan. 6 Insurrectionists. A Year Later, They’ve Purged Jan. 6 Critics,” Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone

“Republicans condemned Trump after the Capitol attack. Now, they are opening the door to him as the future of the party.” JM Rieger, Washington Post

Related:

“How Trump Kept His Grip After Jan. 6,” Blake Hounshell and Leah Askarinam, New York Times

Update:

“GOP commemorates denialism day,” David Siders, Politico

 

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January 6th

America’a red-hatted MAGAheads will be celebrating January 6th, but not as the Feast of the Epiphany (which features swarthy, undocumented Magi immigrants) or as a national day of prayer and mourning for the near-death of American democracy last year. The right-wing paranoid and election-denying alt-right, GOP coup plotters, Proud Boys, QAnon, Boogaloo Bois, Oath Keepers, Trump loyalists, white nationalists and Infowars fanatics and their ilk will commemorate their deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol last year, when they attempted to overturn the presidential election, as directed by the election’s clear loser.

The Capitol Police seem more prepared for a lunatic onslaught this January 6th, so there may be decentralized right-wing assaults on other federal, state, and local government buildings and officials. There will certainly be plenty of right-wing attacks on the truth.

More:

“A Roundup of January 6 Anniversary Commemorations in DC,” Damare Baker, Washingtonian

“Right-wing and liberal vigils planned in D.C. on anniversary of Capitol riot,” Ellie Silverman, Washington Post

“At time of Capitol prayer service Jan. 6, Trump will deliver remarks doubling down on the ‘Big Lie,’” David Siders, Politico

“Bannon, Trump to counterprogram Dems for Jan. 6 anniversary,” Jonathan Swan, Axios

Updates:

“Ingraham, Graham talked Trump out of Jan. 6 press conference,” Axios

“Trump cancels Jan. 6 news conference at Mar-a-Lago, blames news media and House committee investigating attack on Capitol,” Felicia Sonmez and Josh Dawsey, Washington Post

Related:

“Every Day Is Jan. 6 Now,” New York Times editorial

“A year after Jan. 6 attack, Capitol Hill neighborhood still feels the effects.” Joe Heim, Washington Post

“A look back at Americans’ reactions to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol,” John Gramlich, Pew Research Center

“We’ve reached the ‘Yeah, it was pretty much an attempted coup, so what?’ stage of the Jan. 6 probe,” Aaron Blake, Washington Post

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The warning signs before the Capitol riot

Logan Jaffe of ProPublica and Robert Evans of Bellingcat describe the warning signs they observed weeks, months, and even years before a mob of violent Trump supporters broke into the Capitol. A Vox video by Liz Scheltens.

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A Pro-America Rally

We’ve has some alleged “Pro-America” rallies lately, but the pattern was set at Madison Square Garden in 1939. Not by the MAGA crowd, by the Bund. A Night at the Garden, a film by Marshall Curry.

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Twitter’s Insurrection Night Massacre

After it became clear that Donald Trump had used Twitter to organize and incite the murderous mob attack on the U.S. Capitol, Twitter finally suspended his disinformation-spewing account permanently.

Twitter also disabled 70,000 QAnon-linked accounts used to propagate the conspiracy theories behind the MAGA Capitol insurrection. People those conspirators followed were unhappy.

Trump’s Capitol Mob Waved Pro-Police Flags, Killed Cop

The raging mob that Donald Trump set loose on the U.S. Capitol waved “thin blue line” flags and wore “Blue Lives Matter” T-shirts. They attacked police with lead pipes and mace, injured 60 police officers, and killed Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.

Reminder: Donald John Trump ran as the Law & Order candidate; instead, he’s unleashed the “American Carnage” he swore to protect us from.

More:

“MAGA Mob Kills Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, Iraq War Veteran Defending Congress From Trump Rioters,” Pilar Melendez, Ana Lucia Murillo, Will Lennon, and Matt Taylor, BuzzFeed News

“Capitol Police Officer Dies From Injuries in Pro-Trump Rampage,” Marc Santora, Megan Specia and Mike Baker, New York Times

“Capitol Police officer’s death investigated as homicide; Trump’s legal exposure questioned,” Kristine Phillips and Kevin Johnson, USA Today

“Bleeding Capitol cop screams for help as he is crushed against a metal door by MAGA mob that stormed police lines and bludgeoned officers with stolen shields,” Snejana Farberov, Daily Mail

“The Mob at the Capitol Proves That Blue Lives Have Never Mattered to Trump Supporters,” Nathalie Baptiste, Mother Jones

“Rioters breached the Capitol as they waved pro-police flags. Police support on the right may be eroding, experts warn.” Marissa J. Lang and Peter Jamison, Washington Post

Updates:

“‘They Got a Officer!’: How a Mob Dragged and Beat Police at the Capitol,” Evan Hill, Arielle Ray and Dahlia Kozlowsky, New York Times

“FBI, NYPD told Capitol Police about possibility of violence before riot, senior officials say,” Ken Dilanian, Tom Winter, Jonathan Dienst and Andrew Blankstein, NBC News

“Video shows Capitol mob dragging police officer down stairs. One rioter beat the officer with a pole flying the U.S. flag.” Katie Shepherd, Washington Post

“New Video Shows Officer Beaten by Trump Insurrectionists,” TMZ

“Guns, Brass Knuckles, Homemade Napalm: Read Some of the Documents From Arrests After the Capitol Riot,” Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian

“MAGA Mob Assaulted at Least 139 Cops at Capitol: Prosecutors,” Jamie Ross, Daily Beast

Related:

“Decoding the flags and banners seen at the Capitol Hill insurrection,” By Anne Quito and Amanda Shendruk, Quartz

“Decoding the Far-Right Symbols at the Capitol Riot,” Matthew Rosenberg and Ainara Tiefenthäler, New York Times

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Trump-Worshipping Thugs to Celebrate 3 Kings Day in Washington

Election-denying Trump supporters will return to DC on December 6th to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany in DC by protesting congressional approval of the Electoral College vote. The red-hatted faithful will make a pilgrimage to the White House in adoration of their orange-faced savior and present him with the Gifts of the MAGA: fragrant frankincense Filet-o-Fish, super-sized golden fries, and Mace. Tiki Torches are optional.

More:

“Yet Another Trump March Promised for January 6 in DC,” Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian

“There’s Another MAGA Rally Planned In D.C. On Jan. 6, The Day Congress Declares Election Result,” Matt Blitz, DCist

“Trump Fans File Permit Application for January 6 Rally,” Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian

“2 downtown DC Trump supporter hangouts to be closed for Jan. 6 rally,” Will Vitka, WTOP News

“Hotel Harrington And Harry’s Bar, Gathering Place For Proud Boys, Will Close During January MAGA March,” Rachel Kurzius, DCist

Updates:

“Jan. 6 protests multiply as Trump continues to call supporters to Washington,” Marissa J. Lang, Washington Post

“Proud Boys Say They’ll ‘Be Incognito’ During January 6 Trump Rallies in DC,” Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian

“D.C. is becoming a protest battleground. In a polarized nation, experts say that’s unlikely to change.” Marissa J. Lang, Washington Post

“Capitol Police to enhance security at Jan. 6 session to certify election,” Chris Marquette, Roll Call

“Rep. Gohmert Calls for Street Violence as Another Legal Loss Sends MAGA World Spiraling,” Justin Rohrlich, Daily Beast

“Louie Gohmert Suggests People ‘Go to the Streets’ and Be ‘Violent’ After Judge Throws Out Baseless Election Suit,” Peter Wade, Rolling Stone

“DC mayor asks area residents to stay away from protesters ‘who come to our city seeking confrontation,'” Justine Coleman, The Hill

Yet More Updates:

“MAGA marchers plot final D.C. stand on Jan. 6,” Tina Nguyen, Politico

“What We Know About This Week’s MAGA March,” Mikaela Lefrak, Elliot C. Williams, and Martin Austermuhle, DCist, DCist

“DC Cops Tell Descending MAGA Hordes: Guns Banned From Jan. 6 Pro-Trump Protest,” Jamie Ross, Daily Beast

“D.C. National Guard activated to respond to pro-Trump protests,” Jacqueline Feldscher, Politico

“Streets in downtown D.C. to close Tuesday, Wednesday for pro-Trump demonstrations,” Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post

“5 Reasons to Avoid the January 6 Pro-Trump Marches in DC,” Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian

“Mayor and Black Lives Matter Ask Public to Avoid Trump Supporters,”Amanda Michelle Gomez, Washington City Paper

Astoundlingly, More Updates:

“Proud Boys Brawl With D.C. Cops Ahead of Pro-Trump March,” Allison Quinn, Daily Beast

Related:

“Gohmert’s Pence lawsuit seeks to declare Electoral Counting Act unconstitutional in bid to overturn Biden win,” Ronn Blitzer, Fox News

“Trump supporters organizing ‘second inauguration’ for him online Jan. 20,” Joseph Choi, The Hill

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They’re Back! Trump-Worshipping Thugs to March on Washington

Since their November demonstration was so effective in overturning the election, maskless MAGA maggots patriots are returning to the Nation’s Capital tomorrow. They’ll be protesting the shocking lack of proof of election fraud at the Sylvan Theater, near the Washington Monument. Beer drinking is illegal there, so MAGAheads should leave promptly by 2PM to tromp back to the coolers in their vehicles parked in residential DC — downtown streets near the monuments are closed due to the demonstration. Afterward, the red-hatted throng will merge with the Disappointed Denialist Dames at Freedom Plaza to make a pilgimage to the White House. Maybe they can help Melania with her packing.

Speaking of packing, several of last month’s MAGA marchers were busted for gun offenses. Shame their sense of self-protection doesn’t extend to face masks.

More:

“Trump supporters plan DC rally to ‘demand transparency’ before Electoral College vote,” N’dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today

“Another MAGA Rally Planned For D.C., This Time With Fewer Expected,” Matt Blitz, DCist

“Million MAGA March’ on DC: What to know,” Will Vitka, WTOP

“Counter protests planned ahead of second ‘Stop the Steal’ rally,” Lex Juarez, Local DVM

“Park service approves 2 permits for Saturday’s pro-Trump rallies. Here’s what to expect,” Jack Moore, WTOP

Updates:

“This Weekend’s MAGA Rally Speakers Are Coming From the Nation’s Biggest Covid Hot Spots,” Daniella Byck, Washingtonian

“Thousands gather in D.C. for pro-Trump demonstrations as city braces for clashes,” Emily Davies, Rachel Weiner, Clarence Williams, Justin Wm. Moyer and Jessica Contrera, Washington Post

“Trump Supporters Protest Again In D.C., Claiming The Election Was Stolen,” Dominique Maria Bonessi, Matt Blitz, Jenny Gathright, Debbie Truong, and Tyrone Turner, DCist

“Trump supporters turn out in DC to back president, protest election results,” Kaelan Deese, The Hill

“5 Arrested in DC Amid Clashes Before Pro-Trump Rally,” Sophia Barnes, NBC 4 Washington

“Trump Flies Over D.C. Protesters Shouting ‘Destroy the GOP,’” Will Sommer and Alaina Demopoulos, Daily Beast

“Flynn delivers first public remarks since Trump pardon at DC rallies,” Celine Castronuovo, The Hill

“Four People Critically Injured In Downtown Stabbings During Night Of Violent Demonstrations,” Colleen Grablick, DCist

“At least 23 arrested, 8 injured as violence breaks out in D.C. following pro-Trump rallies,” Tim O’Donnell, The Week

“4 Stabbed, 33 Arrested as Trump Supporters, Counterprotesters Clash in Downtown DC,” NBC Washington

“Pro-Trump rally descends into chaos as Proud Boys roam D.C. looking to fight,” Peter Hermann, Marissa J. Lang and Clarence Williams, Washington Post

“Historic D.C. Black churches attacked during pro-Trump rallies Saturday,” Allison Klein, Washington Post

“Pro-Trump protesters rally for a coup: ‘We’re not going anywhere,’” Cameron Peters, Vox

“Vandals hit Black churches during weekend pro-Trump rallies,” Michael Balsamo and Ashraf Khalil, Associated Press

“Proud Boys sparked clashes during pro-Trump rally, D.C. officials say,” Tom Jackman, Michael Brice-Saddler and Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post

“Proud Boys Say ‘There’s Been a Proud Boy at the White House for 4 Years,'” Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian

“DC Police Detail Arrests, Damage From Saturday’s Trump Protests,” Jordan Pascale, DCist

“Run-Ins With Pro-Trump Mobs After Saturday’s Rally: ‘I Started Getting Punched in the Face and Kicked,’” Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian

Related:

“Pro-Trump groups march and pray to protest president’s election loss,” Jonathan Landay, Timothy Gardner, Reuters

“Trump unleashes an army of sore losers,”David Siders, Politico

“What Is the Deal With Harry’s Bar?” Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian

“Here’s Why You Keep Hearing About Harry’s Bar,” Nathan Diller, DCist

“Armed Right-Wing Groups Aren’t ‘Militias’—We Need to Stop Calling Them That,” Richard Stengel, Time

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