August 30, 2021

Capitol Police Lt Mike Byrd, little help

I am stealing this from a late night thread from letmyoeoplevote but I think it needs to see the Light of day. Congressman Kildee wrote a letter to Lt Byrd thanking him for taking action to save his life on 1/6. He was in the House Chamber when Ashli Babbitt came through the window into the Speakers Lobby. On the letter is the address that we can send letters supporting Lt Byrd.

We should follow his lead and DU what we do best
We too should write letters to Lt Byrd thanking him.

I know there is a lot of raw emotion here about 1/6, but we should keep the letters positive, watching his interview you can see that he is still coming to grips with the shooting. By positive, I mean no comments like " you should have shot more" or "she bought the ticket she took the ride" He needs to hear positive messages of thanks.

The Lt has had his life turned upside down, He and his family have been threatened. He has spent the last 6 months being investigated by his own department, the Justice Department and Metropolitan Police. He was cleared by all, but that is a lot of stress to get out from under.

His brave actions protected Members of Congress, Congressional staff, the Officers under his command. his actions also ensured that the electoral votes were counted and the "peaceful" transfer of power occurred on 1/20/21.

I have already sent Lt Byrd a note.


https://twitter.com/RepDanKildee/status/1431061795259797504/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1431061795259797504%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.democraticunderground.com%2F%3Fcom%3Dview_postforum%3D1002pid%3D15798093

August 27, 2021

Award to the Non-Partisan Floor Staff of the US House and Senate

The attack on the Capitol on January 6 has left a scar on the congressional community which will last forever. Many Members of Congress, law enforcement officers and congressional staff have talked openly about the impact the attacks had on their mental well-being. Yet there is one group rarely heard from who played a crucial role on that fateful day: the nonpartisan floor staff of the US House and Senate. This is a group of public servants who are rarely recognized for their contributions, and yet without whom the engine of democracy would fail to function. On January 6 they were put in harm's way, asked to go above and beyond expectations, and worked with others to protect the peaceful transition of power which is the hallmark of our democracy. These public servants were the stewards of democracy when we needed them most and continue to perform admirably as silent patriots serving under the dome. We owe them our gratitude for their outstanding work before, during, and after January 6, 2021.

It is for these reasons that the Congressional Management Foundation has chosen an unusual tribute this year: bestowing a Special Democracy Award to the nonpartisan floor staff of the US House and Senate. We hope this recognition will for a brief moment shine a light on the work of these silent patriots, and demonstrate to the broader congressional community - and indeed all Americans - that democracy doesn't simply function by itself. Democracy needs dedicated public servants, willing to make sacrifices, to perform their jobs irrespective of ideology and political party. We congratulate these staffers for their continued service to the Congress and the American people.

August 12, 2021

I usually don't watch Chuck Todd

But when I walked back in my office and he was on the screen…. He has changed none, it is the kick the shit out of the Biden Administration hour. Where was this guy the last 4 years. My god, he sucks.