Yesterday, four members of the Proud Boys, including their leader, Enrique Tarrio, were found guilty of seditious conspiracy arising from their actions before and related to the riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, joining members of the Oath Keepers, including their founder, Stewart Rhodes, who have previously been found guilty of seditious conspiracy related to the insurrection.
I understand that a number of these defendants claimed as part of their defense that they were not guilty of sedition because they were called to action by former President Donald Trump. Put aside the patent culpability of Mr. Trump; such obviously provides these traitors no excuse. They are responsible for their own actions. They forgot their English literature:
“Treason doth never prosper.” English poet John Harrington; Alcilia.
“Men at times are masters of their own fates; the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” Cassius to Marcus Brutus; William Shakespeare; Julius Caesar.
Those who cherish American democracy can draw some reassurance from these convictions. Even so, while Mr. Trump and other MAGAs continue in their endeavors, we cannot let our guard down; but for the actions of former Vice President Mike Pence and a few others, the insurrection incited by Mr. Trump on January 6th might well have succeeded. The threat to our way of life has not gone away. When the thought of this note occurred to me, I was pretty sure of my Shakespeare, but looked up Mr. Harrington’s declaration to check my memory. I found that I had actually only recalled part of it. The rest constitutes a caution:
“Treason doth never prosper, what’s the reason? For if it prosper, none dare call it Treason [Emphasis Added]”.
That said, today Joe Biden remains president and it’s a warm and sunny Friday in the Midwest. While we need to remain cognizant of Mr. Harrington’s vital warning, one might be excused from also embracing a more pleasant perspective for this early spring weekend. If so, in addition to outdoor pursuits, one can contemplate the potpourri of television viewing available tomorrow: commencing with an early champagne cocktail, toasting the coronation of King Charles III; then enjoying several Cherry Cokes with Warren Buffett throughout the day as CNBC – seemingly inordinately proudly, considering the promotion it has offered this week — broadcasts the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting; and watching the sun start to set with a Mint Julep as one witnesses the Kentucky Derby.
If the weather holds, we ourselves plan to stain a retaining wall. We will celebrate any successful conclusion with the appropriate refresher – perhaps even a Schlitz 😉 .
Stay well.
McCoy's Noise 