# 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:** 125
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2484 "2021-01-09T20:27:03Z")
It’s a major dynamic in domestic abuse cases, though…the woman take beating after beating but at the end of the day, she’s …BUT I LOVE HIM… I hope Pence is watching the news and I want to find out what network he’s watching. Because I want them to play that clip of the crowd chanting “Hang Mike Pence” over and over and over until it penetrates his defenses. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2485 "2021-01-09T20:28:32Z")
My goodness. It was like the collection of all the wildling groups in _Game of Thrones_ coming together at the The Wall. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2486 "2021-01-09T20:29:02Z")
You clearly posted otherwise. Unless you _do_ think that "_Honolulu air traffic control could have directed the Japanese attack on 7 Dec?"_ 🤔 ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2487 "2021-01-09T20:33:58Z")
> [@flurb](#): > > They’re a part of the legislature, and ultimately their bosses are Pelosi and McConnell. No. Except as far as Congress sets their budget, etc. Pelosi and McConnell have nothing to do with day to day operations. > **[United States Capitol Police](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Police_Board)** > > The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is a federal law enforcement agency in the United States with nationwide jurisdiction charged with protecting the United States Congress within the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories. It answers to the Capitol Police Board and is the only full-service federal law enforcement agency appointed by the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States. > The United States Capitol Police has the primary respo... The **Capitol Police Board** is the body that governs the [United States Capitol Police](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Capitol_Police). It was established in 1873,[[1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Police_Board#cite_note-United_States_Capitol_Police_--_History-1) and today consists of three voting members: the [Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_at_Arms_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives), the [Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_at_Arms_of_the_United_States_Senate), and the [Architect of the Capitol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architect_of_the_Capitol). Additionally, the Chief of the Capitol Police serves ex officio as a non-voting member.[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Police_Board#cite_note-United_States_Capitol_Police_web_site-2) The Chairmanship of the board alternates annually between the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms. [[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Police_Board#cite_note-United_States_Capitol_Police_web_site-2) And indeed two of those three have been fired. Was it a _intentional, from-the-top, scheme_ ? No, I dont think so. But they clearly poo-pooed the idea that trump’s mob could get dangerous, and the Capitol was inadequately staffed. I do think some individual members were sympathetic, however. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2488 "2021-01-09T20:43:47Z")
Mark Pitcavage, quoted in that article, is an expert in this area. I used to be on a list-serv he ran. Very smart man. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2489 "2021-01-09T20:44:39Z")
I dont think he should. Let the AG of NY do it, etc. ---
**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 9, 2021, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2490 "2021-01-09T20:48:12Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > I understand he’s _very_ annoyed with Trump. Might even be disappointed. Still can’t bring himself to actually criticize Trump. That might be over-reacting. He may even be considering asking Mother if she will let him take the balls out of her purse and wear them for an hour or so. ---
**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 9, 2021, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2491 "2021-01-09T20:48:45Z")
[https://flic.kr/p/2kqErhZ](https://flic.kr/p/2kqErhZ) ---
**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 9, 2021, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2492 "2021-01-09T20:51:27Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > Maybe he was right, because, after all that, Pence is still too scared or smitten or both (Stockholm Syndrome) to admit that Trump is dangerous and unfit for office. He needs to think about what would’ve happened if he hadn’t been so lucky. He needs to gird his mind and think about how close his family came to being tortured murdered and raped. If that had occured, Pence might right now be considering maybe the possibility of giving Trump a Stern Look. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2493 "2021-01-09T20:55:31Z")
> [@Cervaise](#): > > I’m friends with a guy who is involved with organizing media conventions, like various city-based comic-cons. He says it’s common, at any large event, to have some number of National Guard troops assigned to the location. They are placed on standby, out of view, like in the hotel basement or an unused convention hall, somewhere on site where they can respond quickly but won’t be seen until activated. Umm. No. It takes a order for the Governor or President to do this, a very public order. Not to mention I know people in the NG, and they have never mentioned doing this. Riot police? Sure, maybe, possible. But not NG, that is simply impossible. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2494 "2021-01-09T21:07:52Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > He needs to gird his mind and think about how close his family came to being tortured murdered and raped. > [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > If that had occured, Pence might right now be considering maybe the possibility of giving Trump a Stern Look. - I heard he was so upset that when he got home, he had a teaspoon of beer, put a hair out of place and went to bed without Mother to tuck him in. ---
**Author:** ![Crane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crane/32/3495_2.png) [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2495 "2021-01-09T21:08:46Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > You clearly posted otherwise. Unless you _do_ think that " _Honolulu air traffic control could have directed the Japanese attack on 7 Dec?"_ 🤔 I was responding to a poster who proposed there may have been plausible reasons for the police assisting the rioters. Anyone who believes that might also consider some conspiracy theory about ATC during the Japanese raid to be plausible. ---
**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:** [January 9, 2021, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2496 "2021-01-09T21:28:59Z")
What exactly are you trying to say??? ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2497 "2021-01-09T21:31:28Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > No. Except as far as Congress sets their budget, etc. Pelosi and McConnell have nothing to do with day to day operations. Thus the “ultimately” – Pelosi and McConnell appoint their chambers’ respective Sergeants-at-Arms and the Architect of the Capitol. My point is that the Capitol Police are not in any way answerable to the President or the executive branch, but would expect to bear consequences (and did) from their legislative overseers if members were forced to flee their chambers. ---
**Author:** ![Crane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crane/32/3495_2.png) [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2498 "2021-01-09T21:33:44Z")
Bzzzzt-Cancel, ignore, forget it - obviously whatever point I was trying to make was too obscure or something - whatever I apologize profusely ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2499 "2021-01-09T21:53:15Z")
> [@Crane](#): > > here may have been plausible reasons for the police assisting the rioters. The police _did_ assist the rioters. It is there on film. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2500 "2021-01-09T21:55:28Z")
I’m not sure which of the many such threads this belongs in, but this one is as good as any. Here’s what happens when you get lost in Washington DC, and end up in the wrong neighbourhood: > ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2501 "2021-01-09T21:58:56Z")
I think there is the possibility that many of them were sympathetic to their cause and therefore not as forceful in their response as they should’ve been. From the footage I’ve seen, the cops on duty didn’t do much at first. Piecing some footage and some reporting together, I think they may have let some of them in to use the bathroom. I saw another clip of a cop approaching a protester that lit up a cigarette and politely telling him they couldn’t smoke inside. It’s not some conspiracy theory but you need to understand that it doesn’t need to be. There are two things that we all need to understand and I can’t say them forcefully enough. _ **Every one of those people and 50 million more REALLY believe that that the election was stolen by a banana republic scale fraud and Donald J Trump is the rightful winner of the election** _ _ **Donald J Trump REALLY believes that the election was stolen in a banana republic scale fraud and that he is the rightful winner of the election** _ That’s a lot of people. Cops, Lawyers, Doctors, Schoolteachers. It seems so outrageous that it’s hard to process, it’s hard to put your head in that space. And it’s scary to put your head in that space at this time in history. I believe I predicted , back in mid-December, that the period of time between January 6th and January 20th would be the craziest in history. That’s because I understood the two things listed above. I could write pages on how we got here, the myriad of ways in which Donald Trump has _groomed_ the nation for this moment, precisely in the way that predators groom their victims. How this succeed largely because right-wing media is a drug worse than heroin and we are in the middle of a public health crisis. I could write pages on his alliance with evangelicalism and how he’s convinced an army of good Christian men to go to war for him. Because he has. Even after we dispose of Trump, we still have a problem. ---
**Author:** ![Ziberian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/919ad9/32.png) [@Ziberian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ziberian)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2502 "2021-01-09T22:10:49Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > That was a response to my suggestion of installing more LEO’s in the Capitol? Ok then. It was a response to your suggestion that the LEO’s should be hidden from public view so as not to upset the Trumpers. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2021, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182/2503 "2021-01-09T22:16:20Z")
> **[Must-see new video shows Capitol riot was way worse than we thought](https://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/chris-99178053752?fbclid=IwAR1dsEjyfkxWpkpyxhree9Yy91jdbtJal7UF7K5xD0zwpWCnK05_ZLNRLds)** > > Chris Hayes: “It is entirely possible that there were people in that crowd, looking to apprehend, possibly harm, and possibly murder the leaders of the political class that the President, and people like Mo Brooks, and even to a certain extent Ted... Disturbing. Watch as the three cops get out of the way and let the traitors break in. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182.md?page=124) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-american-coup-11-9-2020/925182.md?page=126)