Capitol Riot and Inauguration Lockdown Cost the City of DC Millions

“How big was the economic blow that the city received due to fears of a Jan. 6 reprisal? While it will take some time to come up with a final tally, the Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District is estimating a nine-figure loss. ‘From the pandemic point of view, the city is out $100 million-ish from the normal inaugural bump,’ says Gerry Widdicombe, director of economic development for the Downtown D.C. BID.”

–“What the Capitol Riot and Inauguration Lockdown Cost the City of D.C.,” Kriston Capps, Bloomberg CityLab

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Greetings From Fortress Washington

The National Mall will be empty of well-wishers on Inauguration Day, but, thanks to the threats of domestic terrorists incited by Donald Trump, 25,000 National Guardsmen will join thousands of federal, local, and regional police to observe the transfer of power. More Capitol Hill photos here.

Bearing silent witness to the Inauguration: the souls of 400,000 dead Americans needlessly sacrified due to Trump’s criminal reglect.

More:

“‘I never imagined this’: Washington prepares for an inauguration under siege,” Lois Beckett and Julian Borger, The Guardian

“‘Wartime footing’: Capital draped in steel and concrete in unprecedented inauguration security operation,” Kevin Johnson, USA Today

— “Inside look at how 25,000 National Guardsmen are arriving in Washington, DC,” Luis Martinez, ABC News

“What It’s Like To Live Inside D.C.’s Militarized Security Zone,” Jenny Gathright, Carmel Delshad, Jacob Fenston, Natalie Delgadillo, and Tyrone Turner, DCist

“Sorry, Your Homeowners Insurance Might Not Cover Insurrection,” Rob Brunner, Washingtonian

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Image by Mike Licht. Download a copy here. Creative Commons license; credit Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com. More Capitol Hill photos here.

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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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Bye-Bye Bambi: National Park Service Guns Down Deer in DC

In DC, the National Park Service begins its seasonal “Deer Management Program,” deploying NPS biologist-sharpshooters in Rock Creek Park to hunt whitetail deer in the middle of the Nation’s capital. This year the hunt may extend into Rock Creek neighbors, including Melvin Hazen Park, Soapstone Valley Park, Pinehurst Parkway, Glover Archbold Park, Battery Kemble Park and Fort Totten Park. The seasonal slaughter will commence tonight, November 16th, and continue every night until March 16, 2021. The Park Service is, um, shooting to reduce the population to 15 to 20 deer per square mile.

Last year, the NPS donated 1320 lbs. of venison harvested by the program to the DC Central Kitchen charity.

Related:

“Advocacy group presses for culling of deer population in Arlington,” Scott McCaffrey, InsideNoVA

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Image (“Rock Creek Deer Hunt, after Atelier de Walt Disney”) by Mike Licht. Download a copy here. Creative Commons license; credit Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Trump-Worshipping Thugs Plan March on Washington

Rabid Trump supporters have announced at least three different pro-Trump demonstrations in the Nation’s Capital this weekend. The MAGA-hatted throngs will be arriving in DC without Park Service event permits, face masks, COVID tests or gun permits. This isn’t the kind of visitor boost Washington’s hard-hit tourism industry was hoping for.

Election-denying protesters are expected to include the full range of the New GOP: Oath Keepers, Three Percenters, Boogaloo Boys, Infowars fanatics, Groypers, QAnon adherents, Proud Boys, white nationalists, and neo-Nazis. This must be the event President Trump told them to “stand by” for. The weather’s getting a bit chilly in DC, so the Boogaloo Boys might want to leave their Hawaiian shirts at home and change into their brown shirts.

More:

“MAGA nation tries to rally around Trump with MAGApalooza,” Tina Nguyen, Politico

“Here’s What We Know About The MAGA Rallies Planned In D.C. This Weekend,” Colleen Grablick, DCist

“Eventbrite Pulls Pro-Trump Rally Page, Says March for President Over Election Is ‘Harmful Misinformation,'” Ewan Palmer, Newsweek

“Far-right protesters, counterdemonstrators plan to gather Saturday in D.C. amid pro-Trump rallies,” Marissa J. Lang and Peter Hermann, Washington Post

“DC officials preparing for Proud Boys protest over the weekend,” Justine Coleman, The Hill

“Proud Boys converging on DC for ‘Million MAGA March’ protesting election,” Josh Marcus, The Independent

“Saturday’s Pro-Trump Events in DC Have a Very Real Potential to Turn Violent, According to Experts Who Track Extremism,” Andrew Beaujon, Washingtonian

“Trump supporters plan rallies in Washington DC, experts warn extremists may attend,” N’dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today

Update:

“DC police chief to weekend protesters: Don’t bring guns,” Jack Moore, WTOP News

“People Are Flying Into DC for the Million MAGA March,” Jane Recker, Washingtonian

“Trump supporters, counterdemonstrators face off near White House ahead of Saturday rallies in D.C.,” Emily Davies, Marissa J. Lang and Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post

“MAP: The Million MAGA March Is Necessitating Crazy Street Closures in DC,” Jane Recker, Washingtonian

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Supreme Court, September 24, 2020

Ruth Bader Ginsburg rests at the Supreme Court Portico.

 

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Bagel Day

Tuesday was Bagel Day at the software development center, and I favored Bagels & Baguettes near Stanton Park. There was a line when I got there, around 8:30 AM. The shop was near the Senate office buildings and the Heritage Foundation, so there was a TV tuned to CNN to keep news-obsessed customers occupied.

By the time I got my two dozen hot bagels, the damnedest thing was on that television. An airplane had crashed into a World Trade Center tower in New York, and the building was on fire. It was September 11, 2001.

I went to the office break room and put out the bagels, cream cheese, and smoked salmon. I guess I was making coffee when the second plane hit the other tower. I figured people still had to eat.

Washington DC isn’t a state. Why not?

Despite America’s founding principles, politics perpetuates taxation without representation in the United States. Kimberly Mas and Madeline Marshall explore why Washington DC is not a state in this Vox video.

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The NFL in DC: ‘Washington Football Team’

The DC NFL team has replaced its racist name with a generic one: “Washington Football Team.” If only they could replace Dan Snyder with a generic “Washington Football Team Owner.”

More:

“Washington NFL team to temporarily rebrand as ‘Washington Football Team.'” Orion Rummler, Axios

“NFL franchise to go by ‘Washington Football Team’ this season, delaying permanent name change,” Les Carpenter and Mark Maske, Washington Post

“Washington NFL team to use ‘Washington Football Team’ for 2020 season,” Adam Schefter, ESPN

“D.C. NFL Team To Call Itself ‘Washington Football Team’ In 2020 Until New Name Is Decided,” Jordan Pascale, DCist

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