Guests: Steve Baker (Political analyst), Steve Friend (Political commentator), Garret O'Boyle (Independent researcher). Topics: J6 videos and trials, Blaze Media's announcement, Capitol breach, impact of COVID lockdowns, FBI's lack of intelligence, licensing videos for documentaries, lack of consequences, Bowie tribute acts, smoking on stage, accountability in Capitol Police letter, resignation of Harry Dunne.
COVID-19 lockdowns and perceived government overreach fueled frustration and anger among Americans.
Multiple factors contributed to the events on January 6, including provocateurs, overwhelmed Capitol police, and diverse motivations within the crowd.
Eyewitness accounts from the Capitol on January 6 highlight breaches of barricades, unpreparedness of Capitol police, and fear among officers.
Authorities are pushing the envelope in charging individuals involved in January 6 with exaggerated crimes, stretching the boundaries of the law.
There are concerns about erosion of due process rights, abuse of prosecutorial power, and chilling effect on free speech and assembly in the aftermath of January 6.
Deep dives
The Buildup of Frustration and Anger
The podcast episode explores the buildup of frustration and anger among Americans due to the COVID-19 lockdowns and the perceived government overreach during that time. Many people were out of work and felt their livelihoods were taken away, leading to a sense of frustration. This frustration was further fueled by alleged election irregularities and a lack of transparency. The combination of these factors created a highly charged atmosphere where people were seeking an outlet to voice their grievances.
Multiple Factors Contributing to the January 6 Event
The summary provides an overview of the multiple factors that contributed to the events on January 6. It highlights the presence of provocateurs, understaffed and overwhelmed Capitol police, and the diverse motivations of the crowd. Some individuals were there to peacefully demonstrate and express their concerns about the election and COVID lockdowns. Others were more agitated and sought confrontations. The summary acknowledges the mixture of different groups and their various actions on that day.
The Experience of Being at the Capitol
The summary includes a firsthand account of being present at the Capitol on January 6. It describes hearing sirens, witnessing breaches of barricades, and seeing individuals getting first aid on both sides of the police line. The summary also mentions the collapse of the police line and the subsequent entry of individuals into the Capitol building. It highlights the fear and unpreparedness of the Capitol police officers and provides insights into the general atmosphere and events that unfolded.
Agents pushing envelope with novel applications of the law
During the podcast episode, the guest speaker discusses how the Department of Justice and FBI are pushing the envelope with novel applications of the law in the context of the January 6 incident. The guest recounts his experience with the agents during his interview and highlights the confusion and disbelief generated by the mention of charging him under the property destruction statute for standing on a park bench and the interstate racketeering statute. These examples demonstrate the unreasonable and excessive approach taken by the authorities in charging individuals involved in the January 6 event.
The trend of charging individuals with exaggerated crimes
The podcast episode examines the emerging trend of charging individuals involved in the January 6 event with exaggerated crimes. The guest speaker shares how prosecutors are stretching the boundaries of the law, such as invoking the property destruction statute for standing on a park bench and potentially using the interstate racketeering statute against a journalist. This trend demonstrates a willingness to push the legal limits and exploit potential ambiguities in order to prosecute individuals associated with January 6.
The impact of this approach on the legal system
The podcast episode explores the impact of this approach on the legal system. The guest speaker raises concerns about the erosion of due process rights and the potential abuse of prosecutorial power. By leveraging novel applications of the law and pursuing inflated charges, the authorities risk undermining the integrity of the justice system and creating a chilling effect on free speech and assembly. This approach also raises questions about the motivations and tactics of law enforcement agencies in handling the aftermath of the January 6 incident.
The Attack on Speech and the Narrative Capture
The podcast episode discusses how the attack on speech, including COVID messaging, the Russia hoax, and the events of January 6th, is connected and part of a larger narrative capture. The government's involvement in censorship and the suppression of First Amendment rights are highlighted, along with the complicity of the media. The normalization of these tactics and the lack of a unified voice from the American people to challenge these actions is also mentioned.
Government Corruption and Self-Interest
The podcast explores the issue of government corruption and the prioritization of self-interest over justice, focusing on the FBI and DOJ. The agents' incentives to notch wins and advance their careers, even at the expense of truth and innocent individuals, are discussed. The lack of accountability, the misuse of power to create weak cases, and the manipulation of laws to suit their agenda are highlighted. The importance of integrity and servant leadership, as well as the need for vigilance and resistance against such abuses of power, is emphasized.
The Letter Controversy
The podcast episode discusses a letter sent anonymously on Capitol Police letterhead back in May of 2021. The letter expressed disappointment with recent comments made by Republicans and highlighted the physical trauma and mental anguish experienced by Capitol Police officers during the events of January 6th. The letter's author, Harry Dunn, recruited female representatives from the press pool and used Capitol Police resources to distribute it. Despite multiple infractions, Dunn only faced a mild reprimand and was not held accountable.
Disciplinary Review and Cover-up
The podcast highlights the subsequent disciplinary review of Harry Dunn and its questionable outcome. Despite a sustained ruling by the disciplinary review panel, the Capitol Police board, which included influential figures such as the chief council and acting chief of police at the time, overruled the decision. The podcast speculates that Jamie Raskin may have intervened on Dunn's behalf. This incident sheds light on the cover-ups and favoritism surrounding January 6th investigations, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability within the Capitol Police.
For the first time ever, we are going to have a full-house Suspendables Roundtable with Steve Baker (@TPC4USA), Steve Friend (@realSteveFriend), and Garret O'Boyle (@GOBactual) in a totally non-formal breakdown of 2023. Prepare to get a full download of the important take aways after Baker spent hundreds of hours watching J6 videos, trials, and interviewing the critical players.
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