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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBluster's Last Stand
Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.
Clive Staples Lewis
I found myself thinking of the above C. S. Lewis quote while watching today's House committee hearing. I find it beneficial to have some saying to repeat like a mantra while listening to republicans spouting utter nonsense and outright lies. Earlier in the week, I thought of Michelle Obama's saying that when they go low, we go high. Yesterday, I began thinking about why the Trump base has been so hostile to the best First Lady of my lifetime, and something clicked in relating to the hearings.
There are good Democrats who ask, in all sincerity, what good it does to impeach Trump, since the Senate is most likely going to find him guilty? And might that not harm the chances of some of the Democratic House members to win re-election? Those are valid questions that I think are worthy of serious discussion among Democrats.
In the context of impeachments, it would be silly to think that elected officials do not think of personal position, party, and country. Indeed, the republicans clearly see this in that exact order. But patriotic people view it in the opposite order: nation, party, and then personal position. We are seeing that daily with the Democratic members of Congress, and if their presentations are not making you mighty proud to be a Democrat, I don't know what could.
Being impeached will place a stain on Trump's presidency. That is a good thing. While the odds are against the Senate republicans putting our country first, I still think it is a possibility. Yet even if not, it stains Trump's place in history. And I respect that House Democrats are doing the honorable thing.
Now, back to Michelle Obama, long one of my favorite human beings to think and talk about. Why do those of the Trump base despise her? Because she is a woman? Black? Much more intelligent and successful than them? Because she was married to a man they still believe was born in a foreign nation? The first three are obvious, but the last one is worthy of consideration.
To understand this more fully, I attempted to identify the thinking of those who are watching the House hearings, and think the republicans are winning the debate. I keep in mind that these same people approve of Trump's asinine tweet about a 16-year old female today, completely unaware that this served to expose his anger that she was named Time's Person of the Year.
The Democrats on the House committees that have held public impeachment hearings represent Americans, I think more than at any previous time in our history, because they reflect what Americans are today. Many of them are women. They are not all white. They are intelligent, and know the Constitution. And a number of them were born in other countries, coming to America at a young age with their families. In other words, they are everything the alt-right fears and hates.
I've been alive for a long time. I've seen a heck of a lot of members come and go in the House of Representatives. And I've read a good many books on the House from before I was born. There have been numerous Representatives that I have a high regard for. And some terrible human beings, as well, such as Newt Gingrich. But I have never been as impressed with the Democrats as I currently am. I'm thankful that I've lived long enough to see this day.
I should add that I have the utmost respect for the witnesses to Trump's corruption that came forward to testify. That took courage.
I'm going to be contacting the offices of the House Democrats, and thanking them. And I will let them know that no matter what happens in the Senate I will be working to elect Democrats in 2020.
We often hear people talk about the risks of America turning into a dictatorship under Trump. I take that very seriously. I view it largely in the context of systems. What type of people enable a cruel dictator to rise? I'd say we are seeing the answer when the republican representatives aggressively and indignantly attempt to justify Trump's behaviors. Let's remove as many as possible in 2020.
Peace,
H2O Man
Me.
(35,454 posts)Excellent piece
kentuck
(111,079 posts)This is a courageous bunch of Democrats in the House.
H2O Man
(73,535 posts)the best example of the power that comes from Democrats of differing backgrounds joining together. Creating a united front within the Democratic Party is essential now. And it will be the key to victory in all of the 2020 elections.
malaise
(268,930 posts)Bluster's last stand is brilliant
H2O Man
(73,535 posts)sank like a stone last night, in all the excitement of impeachment hearings. Plus when a hearing goes on for 14 hours, people may get tired!
The only thing that made me happier than 14 hours of republican emotional pain and frustration was watching the Democrats demonstrate the power of a united front.
malaise
(268,930 posts)way stronger than this crooked semi-literate fascist.
H2O Man
(73,535 posts)I'm feeling good about our current position and chances in 2020. These committee hearings have shown the strength of a unified Democratic Party when we exercise the Constitution. And, of course, I also believe in the Power of Ideas.
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,321 posts)The old boys' billionaires club is not above distorting things in their favor.
malaise
(268,930 posts)and facilitated huge media conglomerates owned by billionaires.
That said the institutions are tough and so are the people who support rule of law.
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,321 posts)IF they could get air time on the tv machinery, the acts of these Democrats could inspire a groundswell among voters. I've seen some pretty sorry coverage on broadcast news, though. Tonight, the evening tv "news" had more soundbites of Republicans being outraged than Democrats being factual.
malaise
(268,930 posts)They will show up
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,321 posts)We need all hands on deck.
burrowowl
(17,638 posts)H2O Man
(73,535 posts)Much appreciated, my Good Friend!
Duppers
(28,118 posts)You've described it well.
Funny aside: the word bluster has always pulled up one of my earlier childhood memories of the villainous puppet character on the "Howdy Doody" tv show, Mr. Bluster. This Mitch McConnell looking puppet has the basic character of the GOP.
H2O Man
(73,535 posts)"Howdy Doody" was one of my brothers and my favorite shows! I remember one of my brothers getting one of the puppets from the show for Christmas. You have brought back some good memories!
The real life Mitch puppet, not so much!
Thank you very much! You made my day! (And I'll tell my brother about this!)
Duppers
(28,118 posts)Said Chief Thunderthud.
Glad to hear that. 😁
That is so good!
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,321 posts)Yeah, it's a bumper sticker or jingo, but it's what I feel and think right now.
I do not want this country to be a subservient piece of Putin's oligarchy. Republicans are working to make it so.
H2O Man
(73,535 posts)And I think we have a unique possibility to "get the red out" in 2020. The recent hearings have shown the power of a united democratic front. I wish that people on the DU primary discussions would recognize the benefits -- indeed, the necessity -- of a united front. We do not have the luxury of divisions created by insults and hurt feelings. And I'm not saying that about others but not myself.