Supporters of the mob prefer to call the action the "Brooks Brothers Riot." So claimed Brad Blakeman, who coordinated the action that broke up the Florida vote recount after the 2000 Presidential election.
At the time, I referred to that action as closely resembling something performed by Hitler's Brownshirts in the 1930s. In other words, it was pretty scary., especially when one understands what it represented. I also feel that way today. Also, it displayed, in spite of Blakeman's denial, lots of intimidation and threats of violence. Blakeman might have sworn that any resemblance of the mob's actions to those by Hitler's Brownshirts was strictly one's imagination. To that, I would say, "Bullshit!" These creeps weren't selling Girl Scout cookies; they were stealing your right to vote.
Because apparently no one went to prison for the Nov. 22, 2000, fascist action, I confidently state that that lack of treating terrorists as terrorists, played at least some part in the gruesome attack in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2021. In the January 6, 2021 incident, my choice would be long prison terms for the rioters, and even longer for Trump, and whomever else egged on those "fine people," who were out for blood.. But, that will happen only if enough people have any sense of justice.
No one else has brought up this possible connection, but I do, being a devout believer in history repeating itself, especially when no one wants to be the adult in the room. My life includes enough study of Kenpo Karate to believe that when someone is punching you, you have two choices You can do nothing, and your face will be re-arranged to whatever tune your attacker sings, OR, you can fight back. You might not triumph, but you won't be the only one hurting. Unfortunately, on many counts, America chose cowardice and inaction for the Florida mob.
Too bad no one fought back literally or legally over the Florida recount breakup, but if someone had, at least those ringleaders, like that creep Blakeman, would have paid for their folly, and possibly, Trump would have egged on fewer twits on January 6.
To those who wield any power, I say, you (or someone else) screwed up once. Don't let it happen again, or you'll see more of the same.
Be like Hank Aaron, and keep swinging; and be like Hank Aaron, and make it count.
