“January 6” has become a date that needs no reference, like “9/11”. Writers and speakers need provide neither the year nor further explanation to convey what’s being addressed. Events too awful to watch and too momentous not to watch tend to have that effect on audiences.
All sentient Americans, regardless of political persuasion, should be glued similarly to televisions starting tonight. Indeed, it is both more important and more compelling than gazing at spectacle to discover what’s been learned through careful study of events leading up to, during, and since 1/6/21.
The Hearings
Aired live starting tonight, 8 – 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) on networks with at least a modicum of interest in something resembling news, are hearings conducted by the US House of Representatives committee charged with investigating the attack on the Capitol.
The American public is owed no less than a thorough, careful investigation and comprehensive report. That reporting aspect begins in earnest tonight. Citizens and taxpayers paying public servants to mind the store will be wise to watch.
Talk about reality TV.
Yes, This Is a Big Deal
If we learn nothing else, it should become evident why certain individuals did not want this investigated at all. Think about that: the Capitol of the United States is attacked by a large, violent mob while Congress is doing official business and they DON’T want to investigate.
They also really don’t want you to watch these hearings. They know they have much to fear from the truth coming out, and self-interest is paramount. Such individuals disqualify themselves from the honor of public service. If they remain in office, or regain office, that will be our fault.
I’m no fan of conspiracy theories in general, but any notion that this attack was all there was to it, no more than a spontaneous eruption of overzealous support for the candidate who summoned them, is preposterous on its face – as criminal as that behavior was. The day and timing chosen for the attack tell you all you need to know about the planners’ intentions (a car was even provided to whisk Mike Pence away) although their grasp of the Constitution was infantile.
There are a lot of dots to connect here. If the picture that comes into focus is that of 800 rioters arrested so far actually being the least of our concerns, very significant indictments better be on their way. If not, the next coup attempt, while just as evil, might be smarter. Not that this one is over, yet.
This Is the Chance
“Just give me the facts!” is a common refrain directed at the media. “Don’t tell me what to think, or how to feel. I am so sick of spin, and worse. Report; tell me truthfully what happened. Go where I can’t go, dig out the facts, and give them to me straight. I’ll take it from there.”
For all who lament the state of modern journalism, this is your/our chance: Watch live (or record and watch later) every minute of these January 6 hearings. Skip, mute, or record for later, all the talking-head commentary that networks provide before, during breaks, and after the hearings. Listen, consider, and decide for yourself: What really happened here? What is credible, what isn’t, and why?
What is the big picture that emerges? Is there a big picture? If a compelling take on what has happened seems irrefutable, what does that series of conclusions mean for what is happening now in our country? What should happen going forward?
Then, if you feel like it, listen to others’ commentary.
If nothing else, and perhaps best of all: Watching carefully will enable a discussion on the merits about where we are with our republic, and what we can do to keep it. Imagine that.
Ken Bossong
© 2022 Kenneth J. Bossong