# The American Coup: 11.9.2020 - **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [November 9, 2020, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182 "2020-11-09T23:29:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 115
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2284 "2021-01-08T16:34:59Z")
Sad day for MAGA Dilbert fans: > ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2285 "2021-01-08T16:37:05Z")
Now watch him take it back because people are mean to him in the comments… ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2286 "2021-01-08T16:42:51Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > > [@Akaj](#): > > > > … can we retain the system where the winner of the popular vote in Pennsylvania gets 20 electoral votes, but make it more automatic? Skip the state legislatures and electors and just give the winner 20 points? > > I mean, of course you could, in theory. Whether you could get Congress and 38 states to get around to doing it is another matter. > > While this makes sense, and in THEORY could happen, any effort to change the EC will be hit by the truck that is the Democratic Party, which will not want to do it your way, but instead eliminate the EC entirely. Then there would be a huge hullabaloo and it’d go nowhere. Well, I was kinda hoping for a way to change the way the EC is implemented _without_ amending the constitution, but you (along with most others in that thread) are probably correct that no meaningful change could be brought about otherwise. Dangit. ---
**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2287 "2021-01-08T16:48:25Z")
Getting trolled by Scott again I see. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2288 "2021-01-08T16:50:26Z")
Yeah, funny how that works, eh? The rationale I’ve heard before is similar to the one I’ve heard some Afrikaaners use to justify their control of South Africa: _“Well we were the ones who built a nation, and we were the ones who gave the continent its first ‘civilization.’”_ I’ve heard people say this with a straight face not for a moment understanding how imperialist and racist the message is. _“Well we (used Chinese slaves to) put down railroads in this country so that gives us the right to wipe out those indigenous animals!”_ ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2289 "2021-01-08T16:55:27Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > The rationale I’ve heard before is similar to the one I’ve heard some Afrikaaners use to justify their control of South Africa: _“Well we were the ones who built a nation, and we were the ones who gave the continent its first ‘civilization.’”_ I’ve heard people say this with a straight face not for a moment understanding how imperialist and racist the message is. Not to mention ignoring the multiple civilizations that arose in Africa long before the white imperialists turned up, going back to ancient fucking Egypt. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2290 "2021-01-08T16:56:04Z")
George Conway is wondering who financed the Insurrection. I suggested he look at his and his wife’s contact list: > ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2291 "2021-01-08T17:02:31Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > Surely if the House impeaches the Senate is recalled immediately? Not unless McConnell decides to do so. There’s nothing requiring the Senate to act on the impeachment immediately. When Trump was impeached the first time, the House impeachment vote was held on December 18th; the Senate trial didn’t start until late January. ---
**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:** [January 8, 2021, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2292 "2021-01-08T17:03:24Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > George Conway is wondering who financed the Insurrection. I suggested he look at his and his wife’s contact list:- Yeah, you mean like who ordered these t-shirts ahead of time? (BTW, what is that around his neck? Cell phone, walkie-talkie?) [![](https://i.imgur.com/JHjhoHT.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/JHjhoHT.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2293 "2021-01-08T17:04:46Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > George Conway is wondering who financed the Insurrection. Even worse – a lot of those pawns _paid their own way_. Willingly collaborated in ripping themselves off. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2294 "2021-01-08T17:07:19Z")
One of them is reportedly the Rule of Law Defense Fund: > **[UPDATE: Leslie Rutledge was NOT missing in action, if you're talking about...](https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2021/01/07/leslie-rutledge-was-not-missing-in-action-if-youre-talking-about-having-a-connection-to-the-wednesday-riot)** > > A political group with which Leslie Rutledge has a connection helped finance and promote the march that turned into a takeover of the state Capitol. No wonder she's been reluctant to speak up against her peeps. There are probably other sources of “dark money.” Anyway, it’s good to know Chief Justice John Roberts that money is speech – fuck you very much! ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2295 "2021-01-08T17:08:24Z")
Now, ask this clown: Is Donny Moneybags paying for his legal defense fund (like he’s probably implied millions of times over the years)? ---
**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:** [January 8, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2296 "2021-01-08T17:17:49Z")
Well, some patron of trump’s probably is. I don’t think trump personally has enough cash to buy a hamberder. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2297 "2021-01-08T17:54:41Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Why are you arguing with _me_ ? Sorry, I’m not. I was citing the post you quoted. Didn’t mean to imply you supported the quote. > [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > I want him removed (not resigned) if only so that he has the stain of children learning about him in school as the only president who had to be involuntarily removed from office. That would be a humongous start. I still want him to rot in prison for a while, but I’m sure he will suddenly go from the healthiest President ever to the sickest man in America, woe is me, compassionate release. > [@silenus](#): > > > [@MikeF](#): > > > > On a serious note - I’m pretty shocked that there weren’t more firearms seen or used. This could have been much, much worse. > > Given DC’s gun laws, any display of weaponry (like the Proud Boys usually sport) would have resulted in their immediate arrest. On sight. As it was, there were molatov cocktails and at least 2 pipe bombs - actual bombs. Yeah, guns in backpacks and concealed carry clothing is not a ridiculous expectation. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2298 "2021-01-08T17:58:17Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > There’s nothing requiring the Senate to act on the impeachment immediately. Not true. Under Senate rules, after the articles are presented to the Senate by the House managers, the Senate is required to proceed to consider of the articles by 1 o’clock the next day. Remember that in Trump’s impeachment the House deliberately held off on delivering the articles of impeachment to the Senate to try to leverage agreement on how the trial would be conducted. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2299 "2021-01-08T18:02:24Z")
I stand corrected, then. Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2300 "2021-01-08T18:06:11Z")
> [@Saintly\_Loser](#): > > He’s coming out of this just fine. He isn’t going to be removed from office, either by impeachment or by way of the 25th amendment. And even if he was, well, see above about doubling down. We’ll see what happens when his loans are called, and there is no money left from the dwindling tribe of suckers. And when his tax difficulties are given “high priority” by the IRS. Removal of money and his exposure as a grifter with limited financial resources are in his future I hope. He does not need to be prosecuted. He just needs to be reduced to penury. This would satisfy me. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2301 "2021-01-08T18:06:44Z")
The question does arise regarding _how_ the House could present the article to the Senate if they’re out of session until January 20. But the Senate is meeting in brief “pro-forma” sessions every three days just to gavel in and gavel out. I wonder if the House managers would stand at the Senate doors and try to burst in before the chair can gavel the session closed. Or maybe dress up like repairmen and spring the articles on the chair when he gavels in. “Mr. President, you’ve been served.” ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2302 "2021-01-08T18:13:43Z")
A woman from here in the bay area was photographed grinning at the protest/riots while wrapped in a maga flag. She owns a candy shop in Menlo Park, and the yelp page for her shop has been deluged with people calling her out, giving her the lowest rating, and telling people not to patronize the store. Yelp has posted a notice about how their site is for posting reviews of the food or service, and not political comments, and the reviews are slightly grayed out, but [you can still read them](https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-shack-menlo-park). ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2021, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2303 "2021-01-08T18:19:01Z")
If you\* donated by credit card, you would have the option to dispute the charges. Don’t know if it would stick, but I would like to see all those who donated to him try to get their money back. \*not you, I assume, anyway. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182.md?page=114) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182.md?page=116)