I think that its relevancy is a question of degree, not kind. The psychoanalysis is spot on, but we would be wise to accept that only time and the death of the cult leader can deprogram them. With that, I would argue that the real value in the hearings is giving DOJ the impetus and political legitimacy (i.e. adherence to due process) to follow up with arrests, prosecutions and punishment of all those in the 3 branches of government that had a hand in planning, bankrolling, and executing the J6 attack. My concern is that we don't learn from the mistakes made in the aftermath of the first US Civil War and Reconstruction, and that we collectively open the door for the next iteration of a Lost Cause myth to take shape. The punishment should fit the crime (treason), and it should be swift and severe. If we let this putsch slide, it will metastasize into something much worse the next time around. Just because someone may understand and recognize what is going on, doesn't guarantee that they will actively resist when the time comes, even if he/she doesn't support the fascists. The average American doesn't understand how our government is set up, and where its centers of gravity are. The Republicans do, and the next attack will be a fait accompli. The Constitution will be suspended, and a dictator (Trump or otherwise) will be installed by the Senate.
All this is to say that my hope is that the Democrats see the endgame the same way, and that they understand the consequences of not following through with serving justice in the here and now.
"If we let this putsch slide, it will metastasize into something much worse the next time around." Regrettably I think the chances of this are high. There seems a fear to act because they know that will trigger repercussions. The problem is the worst repercussion - a successful coup - is guaranteed if action is not taken. Todays DHS warning https://civilwarii.substack.com/p/us-instability-becoming-more-dynamic?s=w tells me the USG is preparing for a major backlash. At least DHS has awoken from its slumbers. Appreciate the comment thanks!
Thanks for creating this forum. It's refreshing to finally have a place to discuss this topic seriously without being brushed off as hysterical or hyperbolic.
But, yes, I am glad that DHS is taking it this seriously. In some ways, they might be better suited than the FBI to coordinate an effective counter to the next coup attempt. Not that the FBI isn't capable, but my sense is that it might be too bureaucratic and stodgy to adapt to this fast-moving threat.
You're welcome. CWII is so micro the bots have not been directed to attack it yet and filled it with GRU and Fox talking points. If it gets hysterical it will be a sign the readership is no longer boutique!
The best sources I have found - legalistic but also not hysterical are here -
Outstanding analysis! The concept of providing followers an “exit ramp” to save face and repair their identity becomes more and more crucial as time passes and followers become hardened. Much of the research surrounding post-conflict “truth and reconciliation” initiatives reinforces the need to try to stay away from pursuing black-and-white, binary outcomes which force (or try to force) the fully committed to completely renounce their conflict position further entrenching the most faithful followers.
I think that its relevancy is a question of degree, not kind. The psychoanalysis is spot on, but we would be wise to accept that only time and the death of the cult leader can deprogram them. With that, I would argue that the real value in the hearings is giving DOJ the impetus and political legitimacy (i.e. adherence to due process) to follow up with arrests, prosecutions and punishment of all those in the 3 branches of government that had a hand in planning, bankrolling, and executing the J6 attack. My concern is that we don't learn from the mistakes made in the aftermath of the first US Civil War and Reconstruction, and that we collectively open the door for the next iteration of a Lost Cause myth to take shape. The punishment should fit the crime (treason), and it should be swift and severe. If we let this putsch slide, it will metastasize into something much worse the next time around. Just because someone may understand and recognize what is going on, doesn't guarantee that they will actively resist when the time comes, even if he/she doesn't support the fascists. The average American doesn't understand how our government is set up, and where its centers of gravity are. The Republicans do, and the next attack will be a fait accompli. The Constitution will be suspended, and a dictator (Trump or otherwise) will be installed by the Senate.
All this is to say that my hope is that the Democrats see the endgame the same way, and that they understand the consequences of not following through with serving justice in the here and now.
"If we let this putsch slide, it will metastasize into something much worse the next time around." Regrettably I think the chances of this are high. There seems a fear to act because they know that will trigger repercussions. The problem is the worst repercussion - a successful coup - is guaranteed if action is not taken. Todays DHS warning https://civilwarii.substack.com/p/us-instability-becoming-more-dynamic?s=w tells me the USG is preparing for a major backlash. At least DHS has awoken from its slumbers. Appreciate the comment thanks!
Thanks for creating this forum. It's refreshing to finally have a place to discuss this topic seriously without being brushed off as hysterical or hyperbolic.
But, yes, I am glad that DHS is taking it this seriously. In some ways, they might be better suited than the FBI to coordinate an effective counter to the next coup attempt. Not that the FBI isn't capable, but my sense is that it might be too bureaucratic and stodgy to adapt to this fast-moving threat.
You're welcome. CWII is so micro the bots have not been directed to attack it yet and filled it with GRU and Fox talking points. If it gets hysterical it will be a sign the readership is no longer boutique!
The best sources I have found - legalistic but also not hysterical are here -
https://www.brookings.edu/research/trump-on-trial/
and
https://www.justsecurity.org/81729/covering-the-january-6th-select-committee-a-primer/
The latter is brief and to the point.
Outstanding analysis! The concept of providing followers an “exit ramp” to save face and repair their identity becomes more and more crucial as time passes and followers become hardened. Much of the research surrounding post-conflict “truth and reconciliation” initiatives reinforces the need to try to stay away from pursuing black-and-white, binary outcomes which force (or try to force) the fully committed to completely renounce their conflict position further entrenching the most faithful followers.