I missed the hearings today.

When I tracked down a video* later, I thought I'd just hit the highlights and read** about it, but once I started watching, it was impossible to turn away from any of it. All four officers, as well as the videos of their experiences, had me in tears more than once. Their quiet, firm dignity when talking about that awful day was a thing to behold.

I was struck most of all by the quiet spaces in between. There was no Elise Stefanik smarmily asking gotcha questions of the chair or interrupting with tattling insinuations that rules weren't being followed, no Jim Jordan loudly bloviating about nothing, wasting time without getting around to asking an actual question, no Louie Gohmert banging his ring on the table to disrupt and drown out the proceedings. There was none of that. Just respectful silence until the next question, respectful silence as one officer or another looked into space while gathering their thoughts about the awful things they went through before answering the questions that needed to be asked and answered. Raskin ran out of time, but yielded back, and the chairman immediately offered him the time. The question was asked without anyone yelling that it was out of order, without anyone missing a beat or raising an eyebrow.

It was all so polite, so respectful, and civilized. This is what was missing from both impeachment proceedings, and what has been missing from the day to day governance for years now. Among many other things, I want these hearings to reset the tone and timbre of our politics. I want these hearings to bring back civility for good. I know, I know. It's a pie in the sky thing, but I wish for it anyway.

The only off note for me was the almost complete absence of masks. Only the press and a few aides seemed to have the sense to wear them when not speaking, and the unmasked hugging at the end made me gasp. People, what are you thinking? Please, please, we need all of you to stay safe and stay well. Wear your masks!

Thanks to all involved, this commission is off to a strong start. Keep it going. We all need the truth so badly.

*

**https://www.wonkette.com/live-real-capitol-terrorist-attack-investigation-begins-no-jim-jordans-allowed