U.S. Riots

Opinion: Mobs of white citizens rioting have been commonplace in the United States for centuries: The Hechinger Report – Jan. 8

Among the more common initial reactions to the disgraceful mob assault on the United States Capitol on Jan. 6 has been the notion that it was unprecedented and out of keeping with American values and the American experience. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy claimed that what he saw was “un-American.” One of his Republican colleagues, Tom Cole of Oklahoma, asserted that the behavior of the assailants was “not the American way,” while another, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, said that it was “not who we are.” On CNN, commentator Van Jones said he thought events looked “more like Syria than the United States of America.”

Fallen Monuments

Who owns America’s history? The answer will define what replaces fallen monuments: National Geographic – Jan. 11

“Nothing about the current moment is happening in a vacuum or out of context,” says Hilary Green, associate professor of history in the Department of Gender and Race Studies at The University of Alabama. “The death of George Floyd was the trigger that led to the current intense introspection and demands for change that we now hear, but the momentum that got us to this point has been steadily building for five years.”

Mo Brooks

Mo Brooks censure: Never seen before in Alabama and a first since the Civil War: Al.com – Jan. 11

Allen Linken, an assistant professor of political sciences at The University of Alabama, said Powell’s case illustrates the “finite” considerations of being seated as a member of the House of Representatives – The Constitution requires its members to be at least 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen for seven years and live in the same state they represent. “It doesn’t matter what the ethical considerations are or the issues you are facing outside the (legislative) body,” said Linken. “You have been seated.”

Second Impeachment

President Trump impeached for second time (Live Interview): Fox 6 – Jan. 14

And now for more analysis of what the Senate trial could look like, and the ramifications of an impeachment conviction after a President is out of office, we turn to political science professor at The University of Alabama and frequent contributor to Good Day Alabama, Dr. Allen Linken. Dr. Linken it’s good to see you this morning.

Attack on the U.S. Capitol

Some in the GOP parrot far-right talk of a coming civil war: PBS – Jan. 16

War-like imagery has begun spreading in Republican circles after the attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters, with some elected officials and party leaders rejecting pleas to tone down rhetoric calling for a second civil war… Just as happened generations ago, partisans are using strident words and images to define the other side — not just for policies with which they disagree but as evil, said George Rable, a retired historian at The University of Alabama.
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Washington Times
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The Sacramento Bee
… and many more