# 7 Jan 2021 and beyond - the aftermath of the storming of the Capitol **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 8, 2021, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020 "2021-01-08T10:28:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 132
**Author:** ![lum\_s\_husband](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lum_s_husband/32/3698_2.png) [@lum\_s\_husband](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lum_s_husband)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2021, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2629 "2021-12-20T22:57:43Z")
The idea that no one is above the law is truly one of the most anti-democratic concepts ever devised. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2021, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2630 "2021-12-20T23:19:18Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > The rule of law means that there are rules and some sort of due process. But it does not and should not mean that the people have no recourse if they believe the system is corrupt and people are getting away with crimes or things we as a people believe should be crimes. Their recourse is to pass better laws and elect better people to enforce the laws. But the people can’t do anything to their fellow citizens directly, but only through the law. That’s what rule of law means. The rule of law means that we don’t base things on the whim of any particular person - or any group of people, or the majority of people. Say someone is really unpopular, hated even, but he hasn’t broken any laws. Can the majority vote to throw him into jail? Why not? Isn’t that democracy? Or the opposite - say the public really loves a criminal. Can they choose to set him free? Due process is not just some inconvenience, it’s the cornerstone of civilization. If due process isn’t working, then you don’t ignore it, or bypass it - you fix it. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2021, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2631 "2021-12-20T23:37:14Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > When is **president** Teflon going to be questioned in person in public by anyone? President Biden has made the IMHO correct choice to not seek federal charges against trump. Several states are moving forward, however. > [@The\_Librarian](#): > > LOL, they staged a failed coup and now they are getting away with it. Who is? Hundreds of indictments, dozens of guilty verdicts, several long terms in the Iron Bar hotel, that doesn’t sound like “getting away with it”. And more is to come. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2021, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2632 "2021-12-20T23:43:31Z")
Well…yeah…but no heads on pikes at the city gates, amirite? ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2021, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2633 "2021-12-20T23:45:46Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > President Biden has made the IMHO correct choice to not seek federal charges against trump. And why should he? A President who directs the DOJ would be as corrupt as Donald Trump. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2634 "2021-12-21T00:12:31Z")
Cite that Biden has made any choice regarding prosecuting Trump? ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2635 "2021-12-21T00:21:14Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Who is? Hundreds of indictments, dozens of guilty verdicts, several long terms in the Iron Bar hotel, that doesn’t sound like “getting away with it”. And more is to come. Some of the flunkies with the costumes and face paint are getting punished. But I’m not aware of any of the people in power who egged them on who’s suffering any consequences. And they’re the ones who need to be deterred from orchestrating a sequel in 2024. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2636 "2021-12-21T00:22:03Z")
> **[Biden hopes to avoid divisive Trump investigations, preferring unity](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/president-elect-biden-wary-trump-focused-investigations-sources-say-n1247959)** > > Biden has told aides that he's concerned that investigations would divide the country but that he would leave decisions up to an independent Justice Department. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2637 "2021-12-21T00:22:41Z")
This does not support your assertion. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2638 "2021-12-21T00:52:08Z")
The rule of law to Trump supporters is to storm the Capital and try to overthrow the government. And they are getting slaps on the wrist for that. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2639 "2021-12-21T03:15:13Z")
I know we’ve seen this before, but hope springs eternal. [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/20/us/politics/jan-6-committee-criminal-referrals.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/20/us/politics/jan-6-committee-criminal-referrals.html) > According to people briefed on their efforts, investigators for the committee are looking into whether a range of crimes were committed, including two in particular: whether there was wire fraud by Republicans who raised millions of dollars off assertions that the election was stolen, despite knowing the claims were not true; and whether Mr. Trump and his allies obstructed Congress by trying to stop the certification of electoral votes. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2640 "2021-12-21T07:38:02Z")
> **[Rep. Scott Perry denies Jan. 6 panel's request for interview](https://apnews.com/article/elections-donald-trump-capitol-siege-bennie-thompson-congress-701aef885cf58fb433e1e04bc85a5b4b)** > > Republican congressman Scott Perry of Pennsylvania has rebuffed a request for him to sit down for an interview and turn over documents to the committee investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. > [@](#): > > The [House panel](https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-capitol-siege-trump-impeachment-29f9dca497e443189dc0fde11bffbb9d) investigating the [Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection](https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818) requested an interview and documents from Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania on Monday, marking the first time the committee publicly sought to sit down with a sitting member of Congress. > > The latest request launches a new phase for the lawmakers on the committee, who have so far resisted reaching out to one of their own as they investigate the insurrection by President Donald Trump’s supporters and his efforts to overturn the election. Perry and other congressional Republicans met with Trump ahead of the attack and strategized about how they could block the results at the Jan. 6 electoral count. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2641 "2021-12-21T09:53:31Z")
> [@lum\_s\_husband](#): > > The idea that no one is above the law is truly one of the most anti-democratic concepts ever devised. How so? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2642 "2021-12-21T17:23:27Z")
[Scott Perry say “nah”.](https://apnews.com/article/elections-donald-trump-capitol-siege-bennie-thompson-congress-701aef885cf58fb433e1e04bc85a5b4b) ---
**Author:** ![lum\_s\_husband](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lum_s_husband/32/3698_2.png) [@lum\_s\_husband](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lum_s_husband)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2643 "2021-12-21T19:42:11Z")
It is my understanding from the comments preceding mine that these sorts of “crimes” are essentially political in nature, and only tyrants criminalize politics. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2644 "2021-12-21T19:53:19Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > According to people briefed on their efforts, investigators for the committee are looking into whether a range of crimes were committed, including two in particular: whether there was wire fraud by Republicans who raised millions of dollars off assertions that the election was stolen,… Not to get anyone’s hopes up, but I know from personal experience working with a Joint organized Crime task force, etc, that wire fraud and Money laundering are comparatively easy to get convictions on. No witnesses to kill or scare for one thing. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2645 "2021-12-21T22:29:34Z")
> [@lum\_s\_husband](#): > > It is my understanding from the comments preceding mine that these sorts of “crimes” are essentially political in nature, and only tyrants criminalize politics. What sort of scare-quotes “crimes” are you referring to here? Are you suggesting that the indicted Jan. 6 insurrectionists aren’t being charged with actual crimes? Because AFAICT, smashing your way into a government building and destroying government property and smearing feces on the walls etc. are actual crimes in pretty much anybody’s book, rather than being merely made-up “political” accusations. And “white-collar” crimes like wire fraud and money laundering are actual crimes too. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2646 "2021-12-21T22:46:01Z")
Not to mention assaulting police officers. ---
**Author:** ![lum\_s\_husband](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lum_s_husband/32/3698_2.png) [@lum\_s\_husband](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lum_s_husband)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2647 "2021-12-21T22:58:18Z")
I think these things _are_ crimes. The posts I was reacting to posit that the proper reaction to these crimes is elections rather than prosecutions. I think that there must be prosecutions of leaders not just foot soldiers. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2021, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020/2648 "2021-12-21T23:12:31Z")
> [@lum\_s\_husband](#): > > The idea that no one is above the law is truly one of the most anti-democratic concepts ever devised. Hmm. I think what’s confusing people (certainly me) is your statement in post #2629 that “The idea that no one is above the law is truly one of the most anti-democratic concepts ever devised.” I don’t see how the principle of equal treatment under the law, irrespective of wealth or status, is in any way “anti-democratic”. And your later endorsement of prosecuting “leaders, not just foot soldiers” (which I agree with) also seems to contradict that claim. So, ? 😕 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020.md?page=131) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/7-jan-2021-and-beyond-the-aftermath-of-the-storming-of-the-capitol/930020.md?page=133)