Letters from an American January 10, 2026
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Jan 11, 2026 The podcast delves into the controversial shooting of Renee Good and the political narrative shaped by Vice President J.D. Vance's actions. It highlights how a leaked video contradicts the administration’s claims about the incident. The discussion draws parallels to the Ahmaud Arbery case, emphasizing the implications of federal agents' presence on public perception. The recruitment push for ICE and the targeting of Minnesota's Somali community are also explored, along with public backlash against ICE’s actions and the declining approval ratings following these events.
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Leaked Video Backfires Politically
- Heather Cox Richardson shows the video of Jonathan Ross shooting Renee Good undermined the administration's claim it proved his innocence.
- The footage instead highlighted the disparity between Good's calm words and Ross's lethal response, shifting public perception against the agents.
Arbery Comparison Reveals Repeating Mistake
- Richardson compares this to the Ahmaud Arbery video release that intended to show self-defense but provoked public outrage.
- In both cases, videos meant to exonerate perpetrators instead triggered accountability and criminal prosecutions.
Power Message Beyond Individual Incidents
- Richardson argues a common thread is the expectation that Americans submit to armed white men without question.
- She links that mindset to the broader role of ICE and CBP agents enforcing authoritarian power in cities.