You're Not Voting To Acquit Anyone --- You're Voting To Convict Yourself
You're convicting yourself of opposing democracy, of supporting mob rule, of endorsing violence as a legitimate tool of politics, of refusing to accept the verdict of the ballot box.
No one will remember your quibbles and pettifogging.
Not even your abject cowardice will be recalled in your favor. No one will care you feared the violent mob, but people will remember you whipped that mob up.
All that will be remembered is that you voted to convict yourself of opposing democracy, of supporting mob rule, of endorsing violence as a legitimate tool of politics, of refusing to accept the verdict of the ballot box.
That is not just what you are, it is who you are.
That is what your vote for acquittal means.
As you cast that vote, you know this is true --- you are not voting to acquit anyone, you are voting to convict yourself.
These words need to be uttered on the Senate floor. Republican Senators need to hear them spoken aloud. Not because they do not know their truth, for they know exactly what they are doing. Just to make it plain that everybody knows.
I was a little surprised to find myself moved to post this, but it seemed the thing to do. I doubt I will be doing so often for a while. Whether it came across or not, I always felt a certain lightheartedness consistently informed my commentary here. I am not lighthearted now, and doubt I ever will be again. This is not a lighthearted comment. This is an expression of towering rage.
I am often lurking, for I find the place a distraction when one is needed, as well as a quick source for whatever might be current regarding news. I appreciate, in fact all our family appreciate the kind thoughts and support expressed here. It would be a bold man, in such times as these, who expressed confidence things were going well with him and his, but today was alright, and it doesn't hurt to expect tomorrow won't be as well. It hardly can stretch any farther than that.
Thank you all.
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Yes, I always felt your lightheartedness behind the screen of what I thought of as your Confucian Sage persona. You lightened my heart many a time.
You are often in my thoughts. 
I wouldn’t expect a light hearted comment at this time...regardless, please know you have been missed. Thank you for being here...now.
I am glad to know that you are still with us, and I am with you in feeling a towering rage. Thank you, sir, for your wise words. I will have to send hugs because I have given all of my DU hearts away. 
Your words carry weight from which I gain knowledge. I appreciate finding such a being as you in this place, a welcome perspective with food for thought.
I hope that time brings you comfort that you can't imagine at present. It is good to see you for a brief visit, much better than no visit at all.
You are in a class by yourself, and your posts are always worth reading to get your perspective on a variety of issues. Many of us join you in your "towering rage". I have been unable to calm myself since January 6th. We can only hope that the issues will resolve. Until then we will persevere!
Seldom as they are, your words are always thoughtful and thought-provoking and usually worth at least one re-read.
"These words need to be uttered on the Senate floor. Republican Senators need to hear them spoken aloud. Not because they do not know their truth, for they know exactly what they are doing. Just to make it plain that everybody knows."
