Thomas: I usually enjoy your substack and often quote you, but your reaction to protesters and protest generally in today's column sticks in my craw. You can read it here: "If protesters don't hijack the narrative, most Americans..." That's not how it works in this fractured media environment or in social movement history. It was PROTESTERS who created the video that exists in the first place. It was protesters literally screaming, ignoring orders, and moving toward the ICE agents, continuing to video, that created the many angles where mainstream media could actually do the work of analyzing the event. Your claim that "liberals and progressives immediately jumped to a conclusion," as though cooler minds (which somehow live calmly and rationally in the midst of ICE/this frightening administration versus citizens and noncitizens alike) came to the right conclusion. Which was what? That it was an abuse of power. "I think most Americans less invested in a side will see an abuse of power." Am I invested in a side? Yes. Absolutely. And I think that fewer sober-minded lectures from the middle might help us (democratically and peaceably of course) overturn an increasingly fascist regime.
I’ve noted on other substack this morning that Renee Nicole Good died in carrying out oversight of an Executive Branch agency with a sketchy AF record over the past year. This is — or should be — a job for CONGRESS. And had they DONE IT, we would likely not be having this conversation and Renee Good’s six year old son would not be an orphan today. But the flaccid Congress that appears to have taken on only a ceremonial role in the Trump regime, failed to do this, and as a consequence Renee Good’s blood — and the blood of countless others — is on their hands. If they were capable of shame, this thought might get them to do more than mumble talking points and write sternly worded letters. But given recent history, I’m not optimistic. Donald Trump, in the role of abusive spouse, will blame the victim and his sycophants will echo mindlessly whatever he says ()to the degree they can translate it at least). His opposition will wring their hands and complain that as the minority they can do nothing (despite all the best evidence to the contrary provided by Republican minorities of the last 40 years or more).
But if you are of a mind to contact your elected “representatives” [sic], you might mention that a civilian mother was killed in the line of *their* duty.
The violent provocateurs have often been false flag opps by law enforcement. This was proven as fact in the infamous shoe store burning In Minneapolis after George Floyd. If there is violence I hope the media investigates who actually started it.
Action that one can take in this moment if you are uncomfortable with attending a rally in your area:
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is pointing us to our agency! Watch, below, as she introduces a motion, on the Federal Law Enforcement Oversight Committee, to subpoena footage of Renee Nicole Good’s death.
The vote was split 50/50 and the motion failed. But don’t collapse yet! Look at the data:
There are 7 Republicans on the committee but only 4 Democrats on the committee. That means two Republicans voted in favor of a subpoena. They only needed one more vote!
That means there’s room to put pressure on the Federal Law Enforcement Oversight Committee!
You’re correct in your description and assessments. I think the local citizens’ response will be measured and restrained. Their frustration and anger will nonetheless be significant.
Thomas: I usually enjoy your substack and often quote you, but your reaction to protesters and protest generally in today's column sticks in my craw. You can read it here: "If protesters don't hijack the narrative, most Americans..." That's not how it works in this fractured media environment or in social movement history. It was PROTESTERS who created the video that exists in the first place. It was protesters literally screaming, ignoring orders, and moving toward the ICE agents, continuing to video, that created the many angles where mainstream media could actually do the work of analyzing the event. Your claim that "liberals and progressives immediately jumped to a conclusion," as though cooler minds (which somehow live calmly and rationally in the midst of ICE/this frightening administration versus citizens and noncitizens alike) came to the right conclusion. Which was what? That it was an abuse of power. "I think most Americans less invested in a side will see an abuse of power." Am I invested in a side? Yes. Absolutely. And I think that fewer sober-minded lectures from the middle might help us (democratically and peaceably of course) overturn an increasingly fascist regime.
@Cat Warren, I agree with you 💯 !
Title of the article alone is a disgrace! Disappointing!
I’ve noted on other substack this morning that Renee Nicole Good died in carrying out oversight of an Executive Branch agency with a sketchy AF record over the past year. This is — or should be — a job for CONGRESS. And had they DONE IT, we would likely not be having this conversation and Renee Good’s six year old son would not be an orphan today. But the flaccid Congress that appears to have taken on only a ceremonial role in the Trump regime, failed to do this, and as a consequence Renee Good’s blood — and the blood of countless others — is on their hands. If they were capable of shame, this thought might get them to do more than mumble talking points and write sternly worded letters. But given recent history, I’m not optimistic. Donald Trump, in the role of abusive spouse, will blame the victim and his sycophants will echo mindlessly whatever he says ()to the degree they can translate it at least). His opposition will wring their hands and complain that as the minority they can do nothing (despite all the best evidence to the contrary provided by Republican minorities of the last 40 years or more).
But if you are of a mind to contact your elected “representatives” [sic], you might mention that a civilian mother was killed in the line of *their* duty.
The violent provocateurs have often been false flag opps by law enforcement. This was proven as fact in the infamous shoe store burning In Minneapolis after George Floyd. If there is violence I hope the media investigates who actually started it.
Action that one can take in this moment if you are uncomfortable with attending a rally in your area:
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is pointing us to our agency! Watch, below, as she introduces a motion, on the Federal Law Enforcement Oversight Committee, to subpoena footage of Renee Nicole Good’s death.
The vote was split 50/50 and the motion failed. But don’t collapse yet! Look at the data:
There are 7 Republicans on the committee but only 4 Democrats on the committee. That means two Republicans voted in favor of a subpoena. They only needed one more vote!
That means there’s room to put pressure on the Federal Law Enforcement Oversight Committee!
Rep. Clay Higgins (Chair): 202-225-2031
*Rep. Summer Lee (Ranking Member): 202-225-2135
Rep. Paul Gosar: 202-225-2315
Rep. Andy Biggs: 202-225-2635
Rep. Nancy Mace: 202-225-3176
Rep. Scott Perry: 202-225-5836
Rep. Lauren Boebert: 202-225-4761
Rep. Brian Jack: 202-225-5901
*Rep. Wesley Bell: 202-225-2406
*Rep. Lateefah Simon: 202-225-2661
*Rep. Ayanna Pressley: 202-225-5111
https://open.substack.com/pub/muppetgender/p/call-to-action-get-on-the-phones
Walz seems to be handling this well, so far.
You’re correct in your description and assessments. I think the local citizens’ response will be measured and restrained. Their frustration and anger will nonetheless be significant.