FiveThirtyEight tries to explain why….
Why aren’t more Republicans taking what happened on Jan. 6 seriously?
First and foremost, it’s possible that despite American democracy’s perilous situation, the threat still feels distant for many Americans. Historical perspective is useful here. At various points in U.S. history, there have been serious threats to the survival of the republic. The Civil War (and democratic backsliding at the end of Reconstruction), World War II and the Cold War all carried some existential threat. But throughout all those difficult periods, we still had peaceful transfers of power. Free and fair elections were held even during the Civil War, and during the politically repressive periodaround World War I (and the 1918 flu pandemic).
And while that unbroken record of peaceful transfers of power may be in real jeopardy now, some Americans might not be concerned, ironically, because of American democracy’s continued success. That is, America’s successful streak may have made it easier for some to claim that Jan. 6 was no big deal — just some tourists who never had any chance of seriously disrupting the proceedings of government, even though footage and personal accounts of the events suggest otherwise.
The other factor at play here is the extent to which American politics has become a zero-sum contest. Nearly every issue and congressional vote is now framed in terms of winners and losers — and partisanship. And as political scientist Lilliana Mason wrote in her 2018 book, “Uncivil Agreement,” “In this political environment, a candidate who picks up the banner of ‘us versus them’ and ‘winning versus losing’ is almost guaranteed to tap into a current of resentment and anger across racial, religious, and cultural lines, which have recently divided neatly by party.”
Republican elites and media figures, in particular, have deftly employed this framework, arguing that Jan. 6 protesters have been treated more harshlythan Black Lives Matter protesters. Others have attempted to blame the attacks on Democrats — specifically, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Taken together, these ideas form a powerful — if false and misleading — narrative ….
The majority of Republicans have consistently downplayed this act of domestic terrorism.
Initially many Republicans Congresspeople,denounced the actions,; however, it soon became obvious that they were way out in front of the rank and file and before long most Republicans began to steadily retreat from any criticism of the event.
Indeed when one sees that the majority of Republicans believe the election was stolen(with no evidence whatsoever ) it is not hard to understand their excusing the mob action.
But Jack, James told us that January 6th was in the rearview mirror, and then he doubled down and said it again. Do you mean to tell me, because I am the only other person besides you who posts here, that January 6th is in reality a very dangerous, important, and historically important historical event that may actually impact the future of our Democracy?
Yeah the posting has pretty much dried up.
I’m particularly concerned about Zreebs,given his condition.Havent heard. From him in about a month.
Same with Scott and DSD.
I confess that my enthusiasm for posting has waned considerably over the past six months or so.
Maybe it’s because ,as I get older ,all of it takes on a certain sameness or perhaps I’m just discouraged at the course of the nation and world presently.
I spoke to Z yesterday he says he’s fine….
I also spoke to SE….
He’s fine also….
The visits to the place have actually picked up even without us talking among each other….
And yes Jack…
I agree…
Some of it actually gets tired…..
Glad to hear those fellows are ok.
Jan.6 WAS in the mirror ….
House committee had to hire a PR form to get it back….
Good….
But?
Lets see how far it lasts…
Anyone think Trump is gonna get idicted?