As you might imagine, the January 6th Committee Hearings are giving me many, many thoughts. Having the events put into a running timeline, from what was happening behind the scenes even before the election, right up until the minute by minute events at TFG’s rally to the coordinated effort (pre planned as we are learning) to storm the Capitol, is really helpful to understand the enormity of this event.

We really did come very close to losing our democratic form of government.

I appreciate all the people (primarily republicans who worked for TFG) who have come forward to testify. I really do. It doesn’t make them heroes, but they did need to find a reservoir of courage to speak up. There are some of course, who despite the fact they admit that TFG went three stops past too far, say they would still have voted for him and that they are “proud of their accomplishments.”

Really?

Maybe they want to stay in good standing with the GOP, such as it is, or maybe they have the very real fear that angry mobs will show up on their doorsteps or attack them online. This is happening and these acts are terrible. The violence that has been directed at some of the people who have testified is not the equivalent of peaceful protest at the recent SCOTUS decisions or attacks by the states on reproductive health freedom.

I am also grateful the representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger have stepped up to be such integral members of the J6 Committee. Despite what TFG and his minions say, it really IS bipartisan with them on board.

I would just have this one little thought for them to consider as they move forward with their life in politics or out of it:

I know that we are never going to agree with many of our core philosophies of what constitutes good government. But I ask if you can see that the GOP stance on voting, on telling lies about your opponents, are the very things that brought us to the point that a corrupt president would think it was his god given right to abuse his office, mismanage a global pandemic, and end with an attempt to overthrow the government.

Going forward I would wish not that we agree on everything, but that we can accept that we each have sincerely held beliefs. That we can debate these differences without telling lies and attacking each other. That voting is a right and the more people that are engaged in voting, the better it is for our country. That an educated population is more productive than an ignorant one. That healthcare and housing and adequate food for all makes a better, safer country for everyone. That clean air and water and open space and pandas are part of having a strong country. (did you notice I snuck pandas in there?)

People should be able to be who they are, love and marry who they wish, or not marry at all if that is their preference. Why is this such a hard thing?

But now, it’s time to start celebrating the Wu Self’s Birthday Season because he turns 10 this year!!!!

We will continue this adventure next Sunday, in part 2 of Mr. Wu’s birthday celebration!

Till then, keep being the bears, remember to check your registration and VOTE! Current polls are showing that Democrats have a much stronger possibility of holding on to both the House and the Senate. This is only possible if we get informed as to who wants to do what and then get out there and VOTE!

Bob T *I voted the primary* Panda

If anyone in western Washington state wants a good voting guide, I have several that were recommended by a local organization that I trust:

Progressive Voters’ Guide:
https://go.soswhidbey.org/e/860033/6OHhEYndIbXqbEcxJ0rfWjkbvU69nQ/3rmrqg/305432107?h=5tISxPZnjsl9uhCPR6Zm8LRCzpar50ddY8zMa8SFE5k

LD 10 Democrats:
https://go.soswhidbey.org/e/860033/endorsed-candidates-2022/3rmrqk/305432107?h=5tISxPZnjsl9uhCPR6Zm8LRCzpar50ddY8zMa8SFE5k 

Marianne Edain’s Politiblog: 
https://go.soswhidbey.org/e/860033/2022-07-22/3rmrqn/305432107?h=5tISxPZnjsl9uhCPR6Zm8LRCzpar50ddY8zMa8SFE5k