Category: Opinion

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sat down with Lesley Stahl for an interview on “60 Minutes” following Wednesday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol. She used the opportunity to take a couple more shots at President Trump during his last few days in office.

Stahl asked the Democrat Speaker, ” Is anybody running the executive branch of the government?”

“Well, sadly, the person who’s running the executive branch is a deranged, unhinged, dangerous president of the United States,” Pelosi responded. “And we’re only a number of days until we can be protected from him. But he has done something so serious that there should be prosecution against him.”

Sunday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls President Trump “deranged, unhinged, dangerous” and says he should be prosecuted. https://t.co/LhBZNKlRfJ pic.twitter.com/deLkAPiZf5

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) January 8, 2021

 

 

“It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their Whiteness over democracy,” Pelosi later said in a meeting with her San Francisco constituents.

In the “60 Minutes” interview, Stahl asks if lawmakers have taken the 25th Amendment of the Constitution “off the table” in their discussions about how to approach the president after the Capitol riot.

“No, it isn’t,” Pelosi answered. “Nothing is off the table.”

Pelosi would go on the describe her experience inside the Capitol as protesters breached security and forced their way into the building.

“I was pulled from the podium,” she recalled, “just literally pulled from the podium.”

Presumably referring to security, Pelosi said, “They were vocally saying, ‘Where’s the speaker? We know she has staff. They’re here someplace. We’re going to find them.”

Two photos of the siege that have since been widely distributed are linked to Pelosi: One is a shot of a man carrying a podium that is suspected to have been taken from Pelosi’s office, and another shot is of a different man seated behind Pelosi’s desk in her office.

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund suddenly announced his resignation one day after protesters pushed through his officers and breached the Capitol. Many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, called for him to step down.

Sund wrote, “It has been a pleasure and true honor to serve the United States Capitol Police Board and the Congressional community alongside the women and men of the United States Capitol Police.”

His resignation is set to take effect Sunday, January 16.

Here’s Sund’s resignation letter: pic.twitter.com/H2l7i0txy9

— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) January 7, 2021

While addressing charges against identified rioters during a news conference earlier the same day, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Michael Sherwin said the way Capitol Police handled the situation has “made our job more difficult.”

Sherwin said, “Why they (those who broke in) weren’t zip-tied as they left the building, I don’t know.”

The D.C. Police Union, representing the city’s Metropolitan Police Department, not to be confused with its counterparts on Capitol Hill, issued a statement saying its officers responded after Capitol Police called for backup.

“When we arrived, it was obvious that our fellow officers of the U.S. Capitol Police were trying valiantly to stop the onslaught of rioters,” the union stated. “While it is unclear at this preliminary stage exactly how the building was breached so quickly, it appears likely that U.S. Capitol Police leadership was ill-prepared for this attack, both in manpower and in resources.”

According to authorities, at least four people lost their lives during the attack.

Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi finally made it to the end of a joint session of Congress that was interrupted by protesters busting into the Capitol building forcing members of the House and Senate into a lockdown. So to celebrate a job well done the two lawmakers bumped elbows.

Apparently, Pelosi initiated the friendly gesture after the House and Senate were able to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory, bringing an end to a long, difficult process.

The two also appeared to thank each other after the certification during a brief conversation.

The certification was already expected to be delayed by several Republicans objecting to the results in key battleground states including Pennsylvania and Georgia.

What Congress didn’t expect was a hoard of Trump supporters to push past security and breach the Capitol building, forcing some of them to evacuate and others to barricade themselves on the Senate floor.

When Capitol police finally cleared the rioters, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other lawmakers said they would not be “intimidated” by the rioters and Congress went back to work to continue the certification process.

After some objections to results in Arizona and Pennsylvania were brought up for debate and ultimately defeated, Congress certified Joe Biden’s win at around 3:40 a.m. Thursday morning.

https://twitter.com/TristanAx0/status/1347109930663292929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1347109930663292929%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fpolitics%2Fpence-pelosi-share-elbow-bump-following-biden-certification-vote

Throughout Trump’s presidency, the House Speaker and Vice President have not always seen eye to eye so the small gesture was a surprising exchange was between the Democrat and Republican.

President Trump made a statement on Thursday officially condemning protestors’ “heinous attack” on the Capitol and called for healing.

“Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem,” said the president noting that he had “immediately” deployed the National Guard.

The president tweeted out the video after his account was unlocked by Twitter. The day before Twitter and Facebook suspended the president’s accounts claiming that his comments and “likely their intent — would be to provoke further violence.”

pic.twitter.com/csX07ZVWGe

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021

 

“Emotions are high now, but tempers must be cooled and calm restored,” said the president. “We must get on with the business of America. My campaign rigorously pursued every legal avenue to contest the election results. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote.”

“My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition,” Trump continued, confirming that “a new administration” would be inaugurated on January 20.

He emphasized that “this moment now calls for healing and reconciliation.”

President Trump acknowledged that there would be struggles ahead mitigating the coronavirus and repairing the economy.

“It will require all of us working together,” he declared. “It will require a renewed emphasis on the civic values of patriotism, faith, charity, community and family.”

He then addressed the citizens of America saying that “serving as your president has been the honor of a lifetime.” Then to his supporters, he added, “I know you are disappointed… our incredible journey is only just beginning.”

After again vowing at the “Save America” rally on Wednesday that he would “never concede” the president promised that he would cooperate with an orderly transition.

After vowing at the “Save America” rally in Washington Wednesday he would “never concede,” Trump promised on Thursday to offer an orderly transition, despite his grievances, after Congress certified the Electoral College results in favor of President-elect Joe Biden.

The man seen sitting at what he believed to be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s desk during the attack on Capitol Hill has been identified as Richard Barnett from Gravette, Arkansas. The man is being accused of stealing a letter addressed by Pelosi but he is insisting he is “not a thief.”

After the chaos, Barnett told an Arkansas news station, “If you are a wicked attorney get in touch with me – I’m going to need one or two.”

According to the 60-year-old, he was looking for the bathroom when he walked past an open office.

“I looked in and saw it was Nancy Pelosi’s office,” he said. “I sat down here in my desk. I’m a taxpayer. I’m a patriot. That ain’t her desk – we loaned her that desk. And she ain’t appreciating the desk, so I thought I would sit down and appreciate the desk.”

Barnett explained he then realized he had a cut on his hand and had “bled on her envelope.”

“So I picked up the envelope and I put it in my pocket and I put a quarter on the desk. Cause I’m not a thief,” claimed Barnett.

He later posted a video to his Twitter account saying, “I didn’t steal it. I bled on it because they were f—–g macing me and I couldn’t f—–g see. And so I figured well I’m in her office, I got blood in her office. I put a quarter on her desk even though she ain’t f—–g working.”

Barnett also shared an image of himself holding the envelope addressed by Nancy Pelosi.

The FBI is seeking to identify individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C. We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you have information, visit https://t.co/buMd8vYXzH.

— FBI (@FBI) January 7, 2021

At a “Stop the Steal” rally in Bentonville, Arkansas back in November, a local news station broadcasted a video of Barnett holding a “Banana Republic USA” sign.

“Hey if you don’t like it, send somebody out to me but I ain’t going down easy,” he said.

So far Barnett does not appear to be facing any charges related to the breach of the Capitol building which resulted in four deaths and over 70 arrests.

Debates in the House and Senate over electoral votes were put on hold after both chambers went to recess when protesters breached security and stormed the Capitol building.

Senator James Lankford was in the middle of explaining his objection to the electoral votes from Arizona when Senate proceedings were put on pause.

After recess was announced an aide could be heard telling Lankford, “Protesters are in the building.”

The House then called a recess soon after and the House chamber was barricaded with furniture and House members, staffers, and journalists were ushered from the chamber to a safer location. At one point, police officers in the chamber were seen with their weapons drawn and aimed at the barricaded doors, looking to keep protesters from gaining access.

Meanwhile, the situation became violent between protesters and Capitol Police as the mob continued to make their way into the building. One protester told reporters that his reason for doing this was because he is “fed up with our politicians.” The man would not identify himself and said police fired rubber bullets at the crowd “before we did anything.”

One reporter asked the man if breaking into the Capitol was a violent act, he responded, “Was 1776 violent?” He was then asked if the protests that day were equal to the American Revolution, he replied that it “might be the first stepping stones.”

The Cannon House Office Building and Madison Library of Congress Building also had to be briefly evacuated due to a bomb threat after several suspicious packages were reported in the area.

President Trump took to Twitter to offer his support for Capitol Police and discouraged any violence.

“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful,” he wrote. “No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!”

As the sun began to set, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. citywide curfew that applies to everyone with the exception of designated essential workers including the media, as well as special “persons designated by the Mayor.”

Senator Ted Cruz also denounced violent protests saying, “Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW. The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence—from Left or Right— is ALWAYS wrong. And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.”

President Trump is putting pressure on Vice President Mike Pence to step up before Congress convenes to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory.

Even though Pence, as vice president, will preside over the joint session his role is mostly a ceremonial one.

But Trump sees this as a way to possibly reverse his presidential election defeat and is insisting that Pence has the power to overturn the election results.

The president declared in a tweet Tuesday morning, “The Vice President has the power to reject fraudulently chosen electors.”

The Vice President has the power to reject fraudulently chosen electors.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2021

Just before that, Trump told a crowd of supporters at an election-eve rally in Georgia, “I hope Mike Pence comes through for us, I have to tell you.”

“I hope that our great vice president – our great vice president,” Trump emphasized, “comes through for us. He’s a great guy. Of course, if he doesn’t come through, I won’t like him as much.”

Despite all the heat Pence is taking from the president he says he intends to “follow the law” on Wednesday.

According to White House officials the vice president “is taking a very diligent and studious approach to his job tomorrow. He has consulted at length with staff. He has gone through the Electoral Count Act several times. He has read legal opinions, met with the Senate parliamentarian, and consulted with outside experts on the subject matter.”

Those officials assured that “the vice president will follow the law. He will act tomorrow with fidelity to the law and the Constitution.”

A CNN panel of so-called “Never Trump” Republicans degenerated into what seemed more like a teen drama reality show with Don Lemon playing the part of the instigating host than one of the top 3 news stations in the United States.

Things got heated when Ana Navarro laid into Anthony Scaramucci for pointing out that millions of Americans are displeased with “identity politics,” Amanda Carpenter jumped in and mocked Scaramucci’s temporary occupation as President Trump’s White House communications director, while Scaramucci called out Carpenter for working for Senator Ted Cruz who he referred to as a “full-on traitor.”

Scaramucci pointed out that over 74 million Americans voted for Trump, a fact he said was a flaw in the “system.”

“It’s identity politics and it’s economics,” he said.

This caused Navarro to go on a rage-fueled rant.

“Anthony, I’ve got to tell you, there is no phrase I hate more than identity politics,” Navarro snapped back. “When Republicans talk about identity politics, they’re talking about people like me and people like Don. They’re talking about our gender. They’re talking about sexuality. They’re talking about our skin color and our ethnicity.”

https://twitter.com/ShelbyTalcott/status/1346516514510426112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1346516514510426112%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fmedia%2Fcnn-never-trump-republicans-rip-each-other-former-bosses

 

 

Lemon attempted to end the segment, but Navarro continued to rage, calling it a “stupid phrase meant to trigger.”

“You’re too smart for that,” Navarro said to Scaramucci.

Carpenter chimed in, “Well, he worked for Trump, so I don’t know,” and Lemon could not hold back his laughter.

“You worked for Ted Cruz, a full-on traitor,” Scaramucci fired back. “I mean, what are you talking about? You don’t have any standing to say that.”

Carpenter responded, “I remember you going to the cameras and praising Donald Trump to the hilt. When I worked for Ted Cruz — you want to go there? — he took principled, constitutional stands.”

She then told Scaramucci to “get lost” and he accused Carpenter of being a “hypocrite on national TV.”

Lemon was finally able to reel it in but the damage had already been done.

It was an embarrassing couple of minutes for everyone involved.

 

 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just ordered a nationwide lockdown through February in an effort to slow the spread of a variant of the coronavirus.

As of Monday, England reported over 26,600 patients in hospitals from COVID-19, which is a 30% increase from the previous week.

Under the rules, which will be put into effect as soon as possible, all schools will be closed for face-to-face learning with the exception of children of key workers. Students attending university will not be allowed to return until at least mid-February.

Hair salons, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses will be closed, but eateries still have the option to deliver.

Scotland also announced it is implementing a coronavirus lockdown which will start on Tuesday and last until the end of the month. Residents will be asked to only leave their homes for essential purposes and to limit the size of outdoor gatherings. Schools will also remain closed for in-person learning.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in a statement,” It is no exaggeration to say that I am more concerned about the situation we face now than I have been at any time since March last year. It is essential that we further limit interaction between different households to stem the spread and bring the situation back under control, while we vaccinate more people.”

Scotland has its own devolved government and has often imposed tighter coronavirus restrictions than those in England over the course of the pandemic.

To date, the United Kingdom has 2.65 million recorded cases of coronavirus infections and on Monday became the first country in the world to administer AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford’s coronavirus vaccine after its emergency authorization last week.

The first vaccine went to Brian Pinker, an 82-year-old dialysis patient at Oxford Univerity Hospital. Pinker says he was given peace of mind from the vaccine and he looks forward to celebrating his 48th wedding anniversary next month.

Democratic Missouri Representative Emanuel Cleaver shocked everyone when he delivered the opening prayer for the 117th Congress on Sunday by changing the ending. Instead of the traditional ending of “amen” Cleaver said “amen and awoman.”

Video of the altered prayer was posted online and he received harsh criticism from other lawmakers who said he was wrong for assigning a gender to the word “amen.”

Representative Guy Reschenthaler took to Twitter to clarify that the word amen is actually “Latin fro ‘so be it.’”

“It’s not a gendered word,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, facts are irrelevant to progressives. Unbelievable.”

Former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich slammed the alteration as clear evidence of Democrats moving further to the left: “the radical madness has begun.”

Amen and awoman."perfect House Democrat prayer ending as House Dems focus on gender security by abolishing virtually every normal gender term like “father. Mother “-the radical madness has begun-Kevin McCarthy for Speaker!

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) January 4, 2021

Cleaver’s office did not respond to reporters’ questions.

Astonishingly, Cleaver is an ordained United Methodist pastor and was asked to lead the opening prayer to start the new session on Sunday. Congress swore in new lawmakers and Nancy Pelosi was re-elected as House speaker.

Recently, Pelosi introduced new House rules she said will help in guiding the body to become more inclusive. A 45-page package rejects all mention of gender-specific pronouns and terms such as “man,” “woman,” “mother” and “son.”