Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, And Other Riff-Raff

 

Click here here for Heather Cox Richardson's daily newsletter from March 19, 2021. She opens:

When I see Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), and other voices from our right wing, siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin in his demand that President Joe Biden debate him or pretending that the January 6 attack on the Capitol wasn’t a big deal, or Republicans voting to overturn a legitimate election or trying to keep Americans from voting, sometimes I despair of our democracy.

She goes on to say that she is reassured by the fact that this attitude is not widespread in the country -- but it is widespread in the Republican party. 

66% of people who believe that Trump won the election say that the riot at the Capitol is getting too much attention. Eighty-two percent of them said Trump’s conduct leading up to the insurrection was not wrong and that the House should not have voted to impeach him.  

Among those who believe the big lie, that Biden stole the election and Trump is the legitimate president, they believe that they are not insurrectionists seeking to overturn a legitimate government -- they are heroic patriots seeking to rescue democracy.

One of those arrested for violent behavior at the Capitol on January 6 said:

“We’re not going to merge into some globalist, communist system, it will not happen. There will be a lot of bloodshed if it comes down to that, trust me…. Nobody wants this, but they’re pushing us to a point where we have no choice.”

Another posted on social media:

“What’s more disturbing to me than the Dems trying to steal this election, is how many people… just accepted Biden won, despite the obvious corruption… Luke warm Patriots are dangerous.”

And:

“We tried playing nice and by the rules, now you will deal with the monster you created. The spirit of 1776 has resurfaced and has created groups like the Proudboys and we will not be extinguished. We will grow like the flame that fuels us and spread like the love that guides us. We are unstoppable, unrelenting and now … unforgiving. Good luck to all you traitors of this country we so deeply love … you’re going to need it.”

After the attack, during which approximately 140 members of the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department were assaulted, some of those charged posted:

“[I]f you feel bad for the police, you are part of the problem. They care more about federal property (our property) than protecting and serving the people.” 

And:

“I’m proud as f**k what we accomplished yesterday, but we need to start planning and we are starting planning, for a Biden presidency.”