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House Dems Introduce Article Of Impeachment

Donald Trump

House Democrats have introduced an article of impeachment regarding Donald Trump's incitement of violence at the U.S. Capitol building
Donald Trump (photo: White House/public domain)
From the New York Times:

House Democrats on Monday introduced an article of impeachment against President Trump for inciting a mob that attacked the Capitol last week, vowing to press the charge as Republicans blocked a separate move to formally call on Vice President Mike Pence to strip him of power under the 25th Amendment.

The dual actions came as Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her caucus sought to ratchet up pressure on Mr. Pence to intervene and push Mr. Trump to resign. If they did not, the Democrats promised immediate consequences for Mr. Trump’s role in an attack that put the lives of the vice president, members of Congress and thousands of staff working on Capitol Hill at risk as officials met to formalize President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory.

“The president’s threat to America is urgent, and so too will be our action,” Ms. Pelosi said on Monday.

The article of impeachment calls out Trump specifically for “incitement of insurrection.” Trump’s own former toadie, Chris Christie, told ABC News on Sunday he believes Trump definitely committed an impeachable offense. You can read the article of impeachment at the New York Times. A House vote on the single article of impeachment could come as early as Wednesday. While most of us watched the events at the Capitol unfold via live news streams, since that time much more video and photographic evidence has been made available which illustrates the breadth of the violent insurrection. Check out this report from NowThis News.

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Insurrectionist Loses It When Informed He’s On No-Fly List

Insurrectionist loses his shit when told he's on 'No-Fly' list and can't board his plane

Insurrection no fly list UPDATE: USA Today has fact-checked this and determined the man in the video was asked to deplane for violating the airline’s mask requirement, not because he was on a no-fly list.

In the aftermath of the insurrectionist violence perpetrated on the U.S. Capitol this past week, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued a statement asking the TSA and FBI add all identified individuals involved in the attack to the federal No-Fly list and keep them off planes. In the video below, it looks like one of the ‘identified individuals’ had just been informed he was not going to flying the friendly skies any time soon. Says the invasion participant: “[Unintelligible] every single one of you! That’s what they do to us! They kicked me off a plane and called me a fucking terrorist! They want to fucking ruin my life!” No doll, you did that yourself. Actions have consequences. As one commenter wrote, it’s amazing that “they thought they could fly to DC, sleep in a hotel, stage a riot/insurrection, go back to the hotel, drink in the bar, sleep overnight, then fly back home – like it was no different than a trip to Comic-Con.” The hashtag #NoFlyList began trending shortly after this hit the Twitterverse. I’ve added a few more of the ‘fine people’ who found themselves banned thanks to their own actions.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger On Trump: ‘I Know Where Such Lies Lead’

Arnold Schwarzenegger compares Trump supporters to Nazis in Twitter message

Arnold Schwarzenegger compares Trump supporters to Nazis in Twitter message
Arnold Schwarzenegger (screen capture)
Arnold Schwarzenegger, movie star and former Republican Governor of California, did not hold back in a recent video message posted to Twitter that compares the recent invasion of the U.S. Capitol to the violent 1938 attack on Jews known as the “Night of Broken Glass” in his native country Austria. “I grew up in a country that suffered from the loss of its democracy,” said Schwarzenegger after noting that the 1938 violence was perpetrated by a “Nazi equivalent of the Proud Boys.” The 73-year-old former politician shared that he grew up knowing people who weren’t Nazis or anti-Semites but who “just went along” with the violence. That included his own father who he admitted would come home drunk and beat him and his mother, like other neighborhood men who were “in emotional pain for what they saw or did.” “It all started with lies, lies, lies and intolerance,” he continued. “Being from Europe I’ve seen firsthand how bad things can spin out of control.” “He sought a coup by misleading people with lies,” he said. “I know where such lies lead.” He also declared that Donald Trump would go down as the “worse president” in history.

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Chris Christie: Trump Committed Impeachable Offenses

Former Gov. Chris Christie says he believes Donald Trump's actions on the day of the Capitol invasion constitute an impeachable offense

Former Gov. Chris Christie says he believes Donald Trump's actions on the day of the Capitol invasion constitute an impeachable offenses
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (screen capture)
Impeachable offenses? Chris Christie thinks so. The former Republican governor of New Jersey told ABC News’s George Stephanopoulos that he believes Donald Trump’s actions and statements to his followers prior to the invasion of the U.S. Capitol building constitute “impeachable offenses.” “If inciting to insurrection isn’t, then I don’t really know what is,” said Christie. “What we had was an incitement to riot at the United States Capitol. We have people killed, and to me there’s not a whole lot of question here.” The former Trump supporter also called out the White House for not flying the U.S. flag at half mast in honor of the Capitol Police officer who was killed in the riots.

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News Round-Up: January 9, 2021

Trump supporter accidentally tasered himself in the balls triggering a fatal heart attack during the invasion of the U.S. Capitol

Trump supporter accidentally tasered himself in the balls triggering a fatal heart attack during the invasion of the U.S. Capitol
Kevin Greeson (image via Parler)
Some news items you might have missed: • Snopes: The venerable fact-checking site says there’s no truth to the rumors that a Trump supporter tasered himself in the balls causing a heart attack. Kevin Greeson (above) has been confirmed as one of the five people who died during the invasion of the U.S. Capitol, but his wife said he did not have a taser. • New York Times: House Democrats intend to introduce articles of impeachment against Donald Trump for his role in the insurrection against Congress if he refuses to resign. • Deadline: The final show featuring longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek aired Friday, and a special tribute at the end of it captures everything that audiences loved about the man. In a video montage, Trebek jokes, banters with contestants, and generally delivers the same warm, naturally smooth, humble and reassuring presence that guided his performances through 36 years.

• Wall Street Journal: White House officials pushed Atlanta’s top federal prosecutor to resign before Georgia’s U.S. Senate runoffs because Donald Trump was upset he wasn’t doing enough to investigate the president’s unproven claims of election fraud. A senior Justice Department official, at the behest of the White House, called Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak and told him he needed to step down because he wasn’t pursuing vote-fraud allegations to Mr. Trump’s satisfaction. • Business Insider: Top aides have said Trump has been spiraling out of control for weeks, but now he’s directed much of his ire toward his heretofore loyal vice president. A source told The Wall Street Journal that the president was furious, telling Pence: “I don’t want to be your friend — I want you to be the vice president.” • Billboard: Taylor Swift’s Folklore finishes 2020 as the top-selling album of the year in the U.S., and the only album to sell at least a million copies during the year, according to MRC Data. Plus, the superstar has now claimed the top-selling album of the year five times — becoming the first act to earn the honor.

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West Virginia Lawmaker Resigns Facing Federal Charges For Capitol Invasion

West Virginia lawmaker resigns after taking part in Capitol invasion

West Virginia lawmaker resigns after taking part in Capitol invasion
Derrick Evans (photo: West Virginia legislature)
A West Virginia lawmaker resigns as he faces federal charges for taking part in the invasion of the U.S. Capitol this week. Derrick Evans, who was recently sworn in as a member of West Virginia’s House of Delegates, has resigned in a short statement. “I hereby resign as a member of the House of Delegates, effective immediately,” Evans wrote in a one-page letter. From the Justice Department:

Derrick Evans, 35, of West Virginia, was charged with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds. Evans was taken into custody Friday.

It is alleged that on Jan. 6, 2021, Evans, a recently elected member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, streamed live to his Facebook page a video of himself joining and encouraging a crowd unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol. In the video, Evans is allegedly seen crossing the threshold of the doorway into the U.S. Capitol and shouting, “We’re in, we’re in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!”

Initially, Evans denied the allegations that he was part of the violent mob that broke into the Capitol building, but his own video footage shows differently. As late as Friday, Evans told the press that would not resign. The House released a lengthier statement from Evans that expressed regret for his actions.

“I take full responsibility for my actions, and deeply regret any hurt, pain or embarrassment I may have caused my family, friends, constituents and fellow West Virginians.

“I hope this action I take today can remove any cloud of distraction from the state Legislature, so my colleagues can get to work in earnest building a brighter future for our state. And more importantly, I hope it helps to begin the healing process, so we can all move forward and come together as ‘One Nation, Under God.’”

Five people died during the riot including a Capitol Police officer. Think about all the time and effort he put into running for office, all the people who worked on his behalf and donated money, all so he could go act like a fool and piss it all away.

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Randy Rainbow Parodies Fiddler On The Roof ‘Sedition!’

Randy Rainbow parody 'Sedition!'

Randy Rainbow parody 'Sedition!' Political satirist Randy Rainbow breaks his own rule of never parodying a song twice after getting numerous requests to revisit ‘Tradition’ from the hit Broadway musical, Fiddler on the Roof. Rainbow first tackled the tune back in May with ‘Distraction!‘ After the events of this week at the U.S. Capitol, Randy Rainbow parodies Fiddler again with this second satirical take titled, ‘Sedition!’ As usual, Rainbow’s lyrics are sharp as a tack as he takes on Trump and his delusional supporters insurrectionists who continue to push the baseless idea that the Donald ‘won his reelection in a landslide’ (oh my sides). “A Twitler with no proof. Sounds like a horrible idea for a musical, no?” says Rainbow in the prologue. “Or at least a horrible idea for a president.” “How does a desperate lame duck president and his boot-licking minions with no hope or evidence try to overturn an election they’ve clearly lost multiple times?” continues our hero. “I can tell you in one word – Sedition!” You can find more of my coverage of Rainbow’s clever satire here.

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Video: When Blue Lives Stopped Mattering To The Trump Crowd

Police officer crushed in doorway at U.S. Capitol

When blue lives suddenly stopped mattering at U.S. Capitol
(screen capture)
I don’t need to add much commentary here except to remind folks that Trumpers claim to be ‘the party of law and order.’ The footage was taken during the invasion of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. In the clip, one Capitol Police officer is being crushed in a doorway amid masses of people. At one point you can see one of the insurrectionists reach up and rip away the officer’s mask while he was wedged in, screaming in pain. When the camera pans back to the officer, he is maskless and bloodied, screaming for help. And suddenly, blue lives stopped mattering.

The video footage was captured by investigative outlet Status Coup.

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QAnon Horned Shaman Arrested For Capitol Invasion

Jacob Chansley, aka the QAnon Shaman, has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in the Jan 6 Capitol Building invasion

Jake Angeli, QAnon horned shaman
Jacob Anthony Chansley, a.k.a. Jake Angeli (screen capture)
Jake Angeli, the QAnon horned shaman aka Jacob Anthony Chansley, has been arrested for his part in the violent invasion of the U.S. Capitol this week. From the Department of Justice: Jacob Anthony Chansley, a.k.a. Jake Angeli, of Arizona, was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Chansley was taken into custody today. It is alleged that Chansley was identified as the man seen in media coverage who entered the Capitol building dressed in horns, a bearskin headdress, red, white and blue face paint, shirtless, and tan pants. This individual carried a spear, approximately 6 feet in length, with an American flag tied just below the blade. The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.

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News Round-Up: January 8, 2021

Gay couple kiss in Cadbury Easter egg ad

Gay couple kiss in Cadbury Easter egg ad
Screen capture from Cadbury’s new commercial
Some news items you might have missed: • LGBTQ Nation: Rising star wrestler Mr. Grim came out as pansexual on New Year’s Day. After he “struggled” with his identity for years, the imposing figure known as the “Hitman For Hire” thanked a trans woman athlete for being his “inspiration.” • Instinct Magazine: Cadbury has taken their annual advertising in an egg-citing direction, and are featuring a stunning gay couple as they creatively dive into a seasonal favorite, the Cadbury egg.

• Pink News: Alexandria Winchester, a 24-year-old Latina transgender woman, was shot dead on Boxing Day in the Bronx making 2020 the deadliest year for trans people on record. • Kenneth-in-the-212: Check out the weekly round-up of LGBTQ publications by KIT212 like South Florida’s Hot Spots Health issue (below).

South Florida's Hot Spots health and fitness issue
(image via South Florida’s Hot Spots)
• Washington Post: Dominion Voting Systems on Friday filed a defamation lawsuit against lawyer Sidney Powell, demanding more than $1.3 billion in damages for havoc it says Powell has caused by spreading “wild” and “demonstrably false” allegations, including that Dominion played a central role in a fantastical scheme to steal the 2020 election from President Trump. • The Advocate: Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican senator who was an ardent critic of Donald Trump until the latter was elected president, was rushed away from an angry pro-Trump mob Friday. Trump supporters heckled and screamed at Graham, who is not visible in the video. “Traitor!” and “Liar!” are screamed by the increasingly angry mob.