What is the meaning of January 6? There is one scenario, one “history” in which it plays a crucial role in mobilizing both the system and civil society in the defense of constitutional government - a key moment in an intensified push towards egalitarian democracy even. 7/

The meaning of the Hitler Putsch wasn’t determined by the facts of 1923, but by Weimar’s fall thereafter. The historical significance of the Trump Putsch isn’t determined by the facts of January 6, but by the fate of American democracy going forward. 6/

Yet studying the past alerts us to the complexities and contingencies that decide our path; it raises awareness for the fundamental openness of history, of the vast universe of outcomes – good, bad, catastrophic, and everything in between – that are possible at any given moment. 5/

It isn’t quite so simple, however, as history doesn’t repeat itself, it accumulates, and it doesn’t unfold according to abstract, generalizable rules. The past can indeed help us make sense of the present, but not through facile analogies. Twenty-first century America is not Weimar Germany. 4/

I also reflect on the use and abuse of historical analogies - specifically about Hitler’s failed 1923 Beer Hall Putsch which has often been invoked as a warning for America: When extremists who attack the republic aren’t held to account, they will destroy democracy. 3/

I wrote about the historical significance of January 6, how “history” determines meaning and how we create “history” in a never-ending struggle that is shaped by ever-changing realities, interests, sensibilities, and conflicts in the present. “History” is constantly in flux. 2/

What is the meaning of January 6? We don’t know yet, because January 6 won’t be over for quite some time. For now, we need to grapple with the fact that we are quickly running out of time to force the answers we desire.
 
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I was flipping through radio channels on a drive this afternoon and heard the end of a conversation on a conservative station: "sure there were some random criminal acts, but this was not an insurrection"; "thank you, that was Hans von Spakovsky."

Haven't heard from that racist asshole in awhile.

Honestly, Bill Barr is REALLY competent at corruption. One of the most competently corrupt AGs ever.

I'm pretty sure that Jeffrey Clark would not be so competent.