the things that are happening here and everywhere

Gosh it's confusing times. 

The courage of my fellow citizens in the face of state violence is humbling and inspiring. At a recent protest I joined other marchers, chanting and holding signs, and felt a frisson of fear when the black SUVs began circling, smoked-out windows rolling down to reveal a camera filming. And we were on a relatively calm street in a small city. We're not being tear-gassed or pepper-sprayed or kettled, herded into vehicles and snatched away from our homes and friends. 

The way people are taking care of each other. Buying groceries. Watching school bus stops. Filming. At great risk to their own safety. This is the America I want to live in. Because the one I foolishly thought I lived in didn't ever really exist I don't think, except for the privileged few. 

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When I traveled more, in Asia and east Africa, the conversation with teachers and waiters and the taxi driver mad I'm going shopping on Sunday morning instead of to church--talk invariably turned to religion. I believe in people, I always said. It's still true.  

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There is other news.

My poem "Dadless" was nominated for a Pushcart. Thank you thank you Metaworker, for believing in me.

 

And I served as a parade escort for the glorious nerd-loving chaos that is Chewbacchus. An unbelievably rainy afternoon gave way to a foggy evening, perfect for the contraptions and krewes to celebrate rebellion and carnival. 

the things that are happening here

Walking near the French Quarter last week, I took notice of an idling sedan with smoked out windows and blue flashing lights. Be brave, I told myself, and kept walking toward it. After I passed, trying in vain to peer inside, a trio of construction workers followed me. Is it ice, one asked? Naw, the other said. That car's out of Baton Rouge. It's here all the time.

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A restaurant in the quarter keeps its doors locked now. Next to the doorbell, a sign: We're here, we'll be with you shortly!

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A friend's job saw many staff suddenly stay home due to the random sweeps. The friend has been working to cover shifts, and the supervisor is making sure those at home have food and money.

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At the gym, a guy mentions he's a contractor and has put up "Private Property" signs all around the work site. I park my truck out front, and if anyone comes by I tell them they all have papers, and to keep it pushing.

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Many friends who speak English as a second language no longer feel safe speaking their first language in public, and this includes Europeans. 

 

 

why we're all tired (missed one)

now, the analysis

We are not out of the woods yet--far from it.

This Seth Abramson thread on Twitter is a sentence-by-sentence analysis of DJT's Insurrection Day (January 6) speech.

FLOTUS was apparently super busy that day with a photo shoot. 

Ronan Farrow seems to have ID'ed more of the armed, zip tie rioters than the FBI.

Also, The Atlantic: The Inaction of Capitol Police was by Design.

Locally, word that at least two SPD officers were present at the riot. 

And the snark.

 

 

one comedian's rundown

I haven't watched Stephen Colbert since he left The Daily Show but his January 6--Insurrection Day-- opening monologue was what I needed. Anger, defiance, comedy, analysis.