If we'd been around during historically significant events, like those depicted in the Bible or other old texts, I wonder what we would have done. Would we have memorized details to establish oral histories? Would we have produced great written accounts?
Would we have dropped our other duties, like baking bread or herding sheep, to concentrate on every minute detail of the major drama? Would we have left the place where we usually spent our time to relocate to where we could have played a role?
Or would we have turned away, minding our own business, tending to our own concerns, minor though they might be in comparison? Would we have sought the historical equivalent of Netflix?
***
The second impeachment trial of Trump is now presumably history.
His defense yesterday was brief and shameless. It utterly failed to refute the charges that he incited the Capitol riot. On the contrary, the facts in the case indicate that Trump is guilty as charged. But thanks to the many Republican Senators who will vote to acquit him, Trump will not be convicted.
As that happens, so many questions will remain unanswered. Someday we'll know more about relevant events like his phone call with Kevin McCarthy, which only came to light last night. It establishes that he knew what was happening at the Capitol but did nothing to stop it.
So now history will apparently pass us by, and usher in a renewed state of political paralysis, with Republicans trying to block Biden's policy agenda. For two years the Democrats will have to force measures through without any GOP support.
A year into the pandemic and weeks after the Capitol riot, plus this joke of an impeachment trial where the guilty party goes unpunished, I wonder how many of us can summon the strength to keep paying attention?
And I wonder what sort of democracy will survive our short attention spans.
***
Here in Northern California, yesterday was the final broadcast hosted by Michael Krasny of KQED's "Forum." He worked there 28 years, interviewing politicians, celebrities, activists, artists, business leaders, ambassadors and every other type of person in the news.
Most of all, though, he specialized in interviewing authors of both fiction and non-fiction books. It is Michael's deep love of literature that I treasure most.
Congratulations on the next leg of your creative journey, my friend!
***
The heds:
* In an expletive-laced phone call with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy while the Capitol was under attack, then-President Donald Trump said the rioters cared more about the election results than McCarthy did. "Well, Kevin, I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are," Trump said, according to lawmakers who were briefed on the call afterward by McCarthy. McCarthy insisted that the rioters were Trump's supporters and begged Trump to call them off. Trump's comment set off what Republican lawmakers familiar with the call described as a shouting match between the two men. A furious McCarthy told the President the rioters were breaking into his office through the windows, and asked Trump, "Who the f--k do you think you are talking to?" according to a Republican lawmaker familiar with the call. (CNN)
* Trump Was Sicker Than Acknowledged With Covid-19 -- When hospitalized with the coronavirus in October, his blood oxygen levels had plunged and officials feared he was on the verge of being placed on a ventilator. (NYT)
* Mounting evidence suggests Trump knew of danger to Pence when he disparaged him amid Capitol siege (WashPo)
* Nikki Haley says Trump has no future in GOP (CNN)
* A bill introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly this week would allow a man who gets a woman pregnant to request an injunction barring her from having an abortion. The legislation would require a court hearing to be held within 14 days of a petition being filed by the individual seeking an injunction. [HuffPost]
* Christian Prophets Are on the Rise. What Happens When They’re Wrong? -- They are stars within one of the fastest-growing corners of American Christianity. Now, their movement is in crisis. (NYT)
* Former FBI official, a Navy veteran, is ‘key figure’ in Jan. 6 riot, prosecutors allege (WashPo)
* Capitol Riot: 5 More People Allegedly Linked To Proud Boys Are Arrested (AP)
*
Amazon faces biggest union push in its history (Reuters)* Researchers believe QAnon has ensnared millions of Americans and is especially popular among baby boomers who are struggling with digital literacy. The formerly fringe movement gained explosive traction in 2020 by seizing on fear and confusion stemming from the pandemic and exploiting political tensions surrounding the election and nationwide racial justice protests. The result is an unprecedented disinformation crisis, and countless families on the frontlines, trying to pry their loved ones from a cult. [HuffPost]
* Drug firms seek tax deductions from opioid settlement (WashPo)
* The Pandemic Emptied Europe’s Cities. What Will Bring People Back? -- City life came to a standstill from London to Berlin when the coronavirus struck. Now worries of a lasting exodus are pushing urban authorities to address long-festering problems. (NYT)
* Spotify to allow employees to work from anywhere (Reuters)
* Tough economies usually push people into more education. It’s not happening this time. (WashPo)
* Attacks on Asian Seniors in Bay Area Prompt a Cry for Help (California Today)
* Airports have taken steps to reduce coronavirus transmission but risks still remain, study says(WashPo)* Fin whales — 60-ton, 80-foot long, graceful beasts — get their name from the prominent fin on their backs. And as they swim in groups, they gossip with one another by making booming 189-decibel chirps. (NYT)*
The pandemic has left a huge cache of dinosaur bones stuck in the Sahara (WashPo)
* Experts Warn Uptick In Celebrity Boxing A Sign Nation Still Not Ready To Process Last Four Years (The Onion)
You would break my heart
But still I had to play this painful part
You wrapped me 'round your little-bitty finger
With your magic smile
You put your spell on me
Took my breath away
But there was nothin' I could do to make you stay
I'm gonna miss you
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