
Source: SAUL LOEB / Getty
For years President Trump’s fascist, dictator-like rhetoric has been normalized by the media and what was once a ridiculous joke has become almost acceptable in our political discourse. And once Trump lost the election, it was only a matter of time before we saw the effects of Trump’s words, his delusion, and his inability to graciously accept a loss.
While we might have suspected that we would have to wait until the inauguration to see the protests, the action came much sooner. Today, Trump supporters, contesting the results of November’s presidential election have stormed the Capitol building, in an attempt to prevent the Senate from declaring Joe Biden President-elect of this country.
For Black folk who have watched our brothers and sisters be attacked by law enforcement and average vigilantes for far less, the images of white people threatening armed officers, destroying government property and yelling in the chambers of Congress is infuriating.
Just this summer, we watched as armed national guards were deployed in response to Black Lives Matter protesters who were tear-gassed, shot with rubber bullets, arrested, detained and even injured.
Today, the Defense Department denied a request by DC officials to deploy the National Guard.
BREAKING: A source tells me The Defense Department has just denied a request by DC officials to deploy the National Guard to the US Capitol.
— Aaron C. Davis (@byaaroncdavis) January 6, 2021
So today’s events beg the question what if they were Black.
In a word: Dead.
More than a few people have pondered the question and discussed it on Twitter. See what they had to say on the following pages.
Black ppl watching white people wilding in front of the Capitol with no tear gas, no physical restraint, no rubber bullets, no… pic.twitter.com/6sPNwfON8g
— Naima Cochrane (@naima) January 6, 2021
Today is proof that there are certain people who will always be safe to protest and it will be perceived as their right. Their violence will be branded as passion. Their outrage will be painted as patriotism.
And yet, our human rights will remain a debate.
— Nabela Noor (@Nabela) January 6, 2021
The wild thing is… that *this* is all about us. Black people, women, immigrants… they hate us this much, that they’re willing to coup over it. And they are letting them.
— Nai, the Internet’s Esthetician (@LaBeautyologist) January 6, 2021
There are two Americas. pic.twitter.com/CptXMNRLYw
— Julia Carter (@thejuliacarter) January 6, 2021
Watching white men assault police in the Capitol, I suppose blue lives only matter when they are taking Black lives.
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) January 6, 2021
I'm just having a really hard time reconciling what is currently going down in the Capitol with the many times I have personally witnessed disabled protesters demanding Congress not strip their health care be dragged out of hearing rooms, office building hallways etc.
— Tara Golshan (@taragolshan) January 6, 2021
Y’all cared more about the Target on Atlantic Avenue than the Capitol building.
— Treana L. Allen (@TreanaLAllen) January 6, 2021
They don’t do active shooter drills at the US capitol? Or is that only for middle & high schoolers?
— Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) January 6, 2021
No police presence, just vibes. https://t.co/JhFeSM6IRh
— Wanna (@WannasWorld) January 6, 2021
The way they would have dropped a whole bomb on the capitol if this was us.
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) January 6, 2021