When the history of this era is written, analysts will note how the enforced periods of isolation and other pressures necessitated by the pandemic induced a kind of social pathology that intensified problems that were already plaguing our society.
Three examples: Addiction, Relationship Issues and Economic Insecurity.
1. Studies indicate that drug addiction rates are rising as people are confined to their homes with little chance of socializing. In San Francisco, it's been reported that drug overdoses are killing four times as many people as Covid.
2. The stress on relationships is palpable and is proving to be more than some can bear. I'm awaiting better data on this problem; the anecdotal evidence is disturbing.
3. The economic insecurity now forcing many people to wait in food lines and hope for financial aid from government is the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
We probably all know people hurting in at least one of these ways. And when we try to help, our attempts to do so can seem inadequate, almost naive.
***
So members of the House went ahead and impeached Trump quickly and efficiently. In the end they had little choice. Now the trial will move to the Senate. Depending on what evidence emerges about what actually happened on January 6th, he could be the first President ever convicted of high crimes and misdemeanors.
All we know at present is he summoned his followers to Washington, gave an incendiary speech, and they attacked the Capitol. That is enough for impeachment right there.
But there are disturbing signs that the assault on the nation's citadel of power was carefully planned for weeks and that the rioters had help from insiders, possibly including government representatives and Capitol Police.
If this is true, the problem goes much deeper than Trump, and removing him will only be the first step in fighting a cancer that threatens to destroy our system of governance.
This is the essence of the warning Garry Kasparov tried to raise, to no avail. As despicable as his actions were, Trump may be only a diversion from the real problem, which has been building up for years and infects every sector of society.
Now we enter a week of high tension. Will the mob strike again, and if so, where? Are there more traitors within the military, national guard, secret service, other law enforcement agencies?
How deep is the support for Trump's philosophy among those sworn to protect the republic?
***
As a writer, my attempts to speak out on behalf of unity, hope and tolerance are starting to feel somewhat naive and certainly inadequate. Why should anyone listen to me? Some commenters have been raising that point bluntly.
I don't have an answer.
It's difficult for all of us to avoid the utter exhaustion caused by a relentless news cycle when the news is all bad. New developments occur on a 24-7 basis but that is only one aspect of the intensity of this experience. Most journalists I know are showing serious signs of burnout. most non-journalists are too.
As for me, I have no excuse since I am not employed and nobody is requiring me to do this. Furthermore, I have loved ones dealing with the three issues detailed above and they need my sustained attention. We all have to recognize our limits.
***
The news, annotated:
* F.B.I. Urges Police Chiefs Across U.S. to Be on High Alert for Threats -- A joint intelligence bulletin warned that the deadly breach at the Capitol would be a “significant driver of violence” ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. (NYT) The next week could be the most dangerous time yet. (DW)
* Trump issues video call for end to violence. (CNN) Way too little, way too late. (DW)
* The impeachment of President Trump for a second time — in a Capitol ringed by troops — seemed like the almost inevitable culmination of four years that left the nation fractured, angry and losing its sense of self. (NYT) Trump brought this on himself. (DW)
* A ‘Stop the Steal’ organizer said three GOP lawmakers helped plan his D.C. rally (WashPo) We need to know more about what really happened on January 6th. (DW)
* QAnon reshaped Trump’s party and radicalized believers. The Capitol siege may just be the start. (WashPo) Let's hope not. (DW)
* Sen. Hawley Defends Decision To Object To Electoral Votes (NPR) His political future is doubtful. (DW)
* U.S. sets single-day virus death record, and new strains emerge (WashPo) The bigger crisis. (DW)
* Coronavirus cases among lawmakers who sheltered in lockdown show one vaccine dose may not immediately protect against infection (WashPo) Bad news. (DW)
* Some national veterans organizations have vowed to remove members who were charged in the Capitol riots, taking a stand against the violent attack last week. Organizations like the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and AMVETS said they also plan to revoke memberships of those found guilty of illegal acts or violence. (CNN) The right thing to do. (DW)
* Airbnb Is Canceling All Reservations In Metro D.C. During Inauguration Week (NPR) Good. (DW)
*
Biden forgoing Amtrak trip to Washington over security fears (AP) Risks are too great. (DW)
* Restaurant and hotel workers reel as layoffs soar again (WashPo) Low-paid workers are the main victims. (DW)
* Republican Party faces rage from both pro- and anti-Trump voters (Reuters) Live with Trump, die with Trump. (DW)
* European Populists Who Looked to Trump Now Look Away -- The riot at the U.S. Capitol and bogus claims of election fraud have led former allies of President Trump to distance themselves. (NYT) Trump's isolation is complete. (DW)
* Israel launches unusually intense strikes on Iranian positions in Syria (WashPo) Major danger sign. (DW)
* 'Many Of Us Narrowly Escaped Death': Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recounts Capitol Insurrection (NPR) Thank god for the Capitol Police. (DW)
* How Far Does Wildlife Roam? Ask the ‘Internet of Animals’ -- An ambitious new system will track scores of species from space — shedding light, scientists hope, on the lingering mysteries of animal movement. (NYT) A small ray of needed hope. (DW)
***
In a place where no one goes, the air itself is a final breath
So discontinue the antiseptic care charade
As a cry of justice comes, a malignant fire fades
I am the reason your future suffers
I am the hatred you won't embrace
I am the worm of a pure gestation
I am the remedy, spit in my face
All your laws and rules are outdated
All your subjects are killing the kings
I could rattle off a million other reasons why
But does it matter when the only thing we love will die?
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