Mountain Times - Vol. 50, Number 2, Jan. 13-19, 2021

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14 • The Mountain Times • Jan. 13-19, 2021 Domestic terrorism: President's fiction about widespread fraud has emboldened a new breed of domestic threat > from page 10 At one point during the invasion of the Capitol, it was announced by the TV commentators that the invaders were beginning to leave the area. Careful examination of the TV footage at the time shows that the people leaving the area were old, often female – a less fit, less bellicose group. In fact, they were the Capitol invaders who had no intention of getting involved in what clearly was becoming a potentially violent situation. They simply were not up to it politically, mentally or physically. On the other hand, who stayed behind? Those who were actively interested in becoming involved in violence. Did you notice how many of them wore helmets? The only reason you wear a helmet is to protect yourself from violent attacks on your head and that is clearly what they were doing. They anticipated participating in violence. In addition, the stay-behinds were a major cut in age below those who were leaving. They were the sort who could climb vertical walls, break through windows and throw projectiles at the protecting police force. The fact that five people died, over 80 were arrested, and 50 police officers were injured bears eloquent testimony to the fact that this was a terrorist invasion encouraged by the sitting president of the United States, his family members and Republican colleagues. Ever since the results of the November election became known, the president has created and maintained the fiction that widespread fraud was involved in the Biden win. Whether Trump knows that his major premise is all lies (which would make him a calculating criminal) or doesn’t know that his positions are all lies (making him deranged) is almost irrelevant. In either case, calculating or deranged, he is a strangely questionable choice for leader of this country. Terrorism is the use of fear (terror) and acts of violence to intimidate societies, governments or ideologies. Domestic terrorism is a form of terrorism in which victims within a country are targeted by a perpetrator with the same citizenship as the victims. It is worth noting that in the middle of the Jan. 6 invasion, the FBI became involved, presumably on the basis of a logical conclusion that they were looking at an act of domestic terrorism. The FBI’s definition of domestic terrorism is “violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial or environmental nature.” It is clear that the invasion of the Capitol building involved criminal activity. It is equally clear that if the criminals are to be identified and tried for their crimes, as has been clearly stated by all the government elements involved, it will be the FBI that will lead the way. It is, after all, the premier law enforcement organization in the United States. As such, it is most likely to be the only organization capable of resolving the many complicated issues involved in this crime, most emphatically including the issue of domestic terrorism, its initiators, motivators and perpetrators. Pardon: > from page 10 construction. Why take him out of it, energize him with the opportunity to once again rally his base, and subject the nation to more of the echo chamber solicitations of rage that pass for journalism on social media today in both parties? The media circus that has blared nonstop for Another impeachment will not change the minds of either tribe. > WW III: There are many to blame for this digital war being fought on social media and in the annals of cyberspace from page 10 shouldn’t be punished, operatives from Russian and the Ukraine are being identified as part of the mob one by one. They were here at our capital, and they may have left with Nancy Pelosi’s laptop... In China, the government is using the capitol riots as an excuse to crack down on protesters in Hong Kong. Last week was certainly a stain on our national reputation, but it has much broader, more global implications for democracy, too. Indeed, giving Trump the credit for what happened in Washington, D.C., is too simple. Foreign powers took advantage of social media to do this. Twitter and Facebook’s bans of Trump do very little to solve the problems they have created, both with providing a platform for hate groups to proliferate, and allowing easy access for foreign adversaries to the majority of our citizens. The social media companies must also bear History will show that we are in the throws of World War III. This one won’t be fought with nuclear bombs and armed attacks, but ... with keystrokes and data breaches. some of the blame. In a recent article titled, “Platforms must pay for their role in the insurrection,” published on Wired: “Facebook’s own research revealed that 64% of the time a person joins an extremist Facebook Group, they do so because the platform recommended it. Facebook has also acknowledged that pages and groups associated with QAnon extremism had at least 3 million members, meaning Facebook helped radicalize 2 million people. Over the past six months.” It’s scary because it’s true. And before you cry “First Amendment” you need to remember, having a social media account is a privilege, not a right. And individual freedoms end when they infringe upon the safety and security of others and/or our constitutional democracy. History will show that we are in the throes of World War III. This one won’t be fought with nuclear bombs and armed attacks, but rather is already happening digitally, with keystrokes and data breaches. the last four years has exhausted our country. Another impeachment will not change the minds of either tribe. There are so many critical issues that must be considered, debated, and resolved. A president must be able to rise above the clamor and do what is right for all citizens. Pardon President Trump, and get on with what should be the primary concern of all politicians today: uniting our terribly divided nation. Dan Pipes Fairfield Stockton: Private security firm founder is the new leader of the ProjectVISION coalition, which aims to reform neighborhoods and lower crime in Rutland > from page 2 VTD: How were you introduced to Project VISION? MS: We patrol in the plaza in downtown Rutland, seven days a week. The plaza is the heart of downtown. We brought a new, different way because our company, we were patrolling to the point where elderly people could walk in and not feel so nervous, just trying to clean it up to make it enjoyable for everybody. Lt. Kevin Geno, who retired from the police department — I think he saw that. He invited me to a meeting, and then one thing led to the other. Now, Stockton Security and the Rutland Police Department, we have a very good collaboration, and a good working rapport. We’re like another set of eyeballs for them so they can take care of other things that are more important. We take care of exchanging minor paperwork, if there’s just a little fender bender. We handle parking, we handle trespassing. So I came in, and I got to know what Project VISION was like. I sat in a lot of meetings and didn’t say one word. VTD: How would you describe Project VISION’s mission? MS: It’s getting all the government, community businesses, and people all together to make the community better as a whole. You have everybody in the same room. You take all the expertise of all the people around you. All "Anywhere you go, you’re going to have some people who are being misled by the misled," Stockton said. these agencies are like an orchestra. They play the music. I’m just out there conducting. I’ll be saying, ‘OK, that sounds good,’ or ‘Why don’t you try a B-flat now, and see how that works?’ I’ve only been in this position two weeks, so I’m trying to get my feet wet. I’m changing a hat. Now I have to start to think, and I have to see, and I have to go out and look and talk. Do I have the answers? No. But the only way you’re going to find out is to go out in the community and see. VTD: After Tabitha Moore announced she’d leave Rutland County because of racial harassment, Project VISION decided to create a racial justice committee. What steps can VISION take to make Rutland a more welcoming place to live for people of color? MS: As a person of color, I’d say it’s a work in progress. Anywhere you go, you’re going to have some people who are being misled by the misled. But at the same time, I’ve seen so many changes from when our kids graduated from Rutland High School. During the Black Lives Matter protest that they had this year, I saw every nationality there at the park, up and down the street. One of my supervisors and myself drove; I saw some officers kneeling with them. But you still have people who, I think, are afraid of the unknown. I try to instill in some of my acquaintances out there: Don’t see me as a Black man. Just see me as a man. My kids have interracial backgrounds, and I will say that I am glad that we raised them and they went to school here in Rutland. They’re all college grads — one of my daughters works for Microsoft; another works for Homeland Security. My son is a physician’s assistant. All of them are married, and they’re doing well. Nothing’s going to happen overnight. I don’t know all the answers yet; all I can say is that when I see new people in the community, I like to try and say hello. VTD: What plans do you have planned for the first few months as the organization’s leader? MS: Everybody is in their igloo, because of the pandemic. We have to wait until we get our shot, but I think that’s going to be a big thing, to get out and start seeing people. I’m not going to come in with a bullhorn. My wife is a big “Rocky” fan, and she says, ‘one step, one punch, one round.’ That’s what I’m going to try to do: I’ll step back, and I’m going to listen, and I’m going to ask. If I don’t know something, to this day, I will ask. And I’m not going to pretend I’m someone that I’m not, and like I said, if I don’t know the answers, I’ll communicate. My life works around three things: My name (‘cause that’s all I’ve got), family and integrity. Take one away and I don’t work too well.
The Mountain Times • Jan. 13-19, 2021 • 15 Vermonters in D.C.: Attendees of D.C. riot share a different picture of the conflict > from page 1 brought a ukulele. There was singing at times, prayers, and conversation that often touched on professions of faith.” Lawrence’s account also sought to dispel worries about the Covid-19 crisis that has Vermonters under strict orders to quarantine if they leave the state and return. The bus, with a capacity of 55, had 51 passengers — defying state rules that buses travel at half-capacity to minimize the risk of Covid-19 infection. Lawrence said he himself is quarantining and plans to be tested — though he added that his wife is a teacher. But Lawrence said he doesn’t think everyone must do the same. “First of all, there is no indication that anyone is sick,” he said. “And, I’m sure that participants will be taking appropriate steps to care for their loved ones back at home.” The Vermonters’ trip to the Capitol has spurred condemnation and conversation in the state, where Democrats in the Legislature have called for President Donald Trump’s removal from office and Republican Gov. Phil Scott has been one of just a few top officials in his party to immediately urge the ouster of the president. Many Vermonters who traveled to the U.S. Capitol posted video from their trips on Facebook, although some also took the video down as criticism of the riot mounted late Wednesday and through the day Thursday. Five people at the Capitol died after a mob of pro- Trump demonstrators broke barriers and windows to stream into the Capitol building, ransacking lawmakers’ offices and clashing with police. The protest had been organized to disrupt Congress’ ceremony that day to certify the election of incoming President Joe Biden. A man who identifies himself on Facebook as John Lyddy, an unsuccessful candidate for the state Senate this year from southern Vermont, said he saw the young woman who had been shot. She later died. “Guns are next,” Lyddy posted Friday, Jan. 8. “Maybe the week after the inauguration.” Lyddy, who posted his phone number in one of his > Ettori: Joins Allaire and Seager in running for mayor of Rutland City on March 2, 2021 from page 3 subsides. Ensuring that we have projects and programs created from the needs and input of our local businesses will be crucial to ensuring a strong recovery. I will be a mayor who invites people in to help create the plans and then take action.” Economic Development has been a focus for Ettori for over a decade. From co-chairing the Creative Economy group that started Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in 2011 to serving on the board for the Downtown Rutland Partnership from 2012-2015 to attending or serving on the Rutland Redevelopment Authority Board since 2012, Ettori has seen the strategies that have worked and those that have not. “As mayor, I will be an active leader in the collaborative approach that marks Rutland’s current regional economic development efforts. I will continue to engage with our partners like the new CEDRR and the Regional Planning Commission to help bring things to fruition for the city, and I will passionately attend to every step along the way to create a vibrant local and regional economy.” After twelve years of administrative and operational management positions at CCV, Ettori is currently returning to his roots as a professional mediator. He has a Masters in Mediation and Applied Conflict Studies and has participated in, planned, or led hundreds of mediations and community conversations. “Rutland is an amazing, welcoming place where people are willing to give of themselves to help their “Guns are next,” Lyddy posted Friday, Jan. 8. “Maybe the week after the inauguration.” Facebook messages, did not return calls. The FBI is now circulating photos of intruders on social media and asking for the public’s help in identifying them. Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling said law enforcement officials in all states are working with the FBI to find people who were inside the Capitol. Tips are pouring in, law enforcement officials said. U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan issued a press release Friday explaining that if a citizen of Vermont traveled to Washington D.C. for the sole purpose of participating in a peaceful protest, but during that protest spontaneously committed a crime, such as assault or destruction of federal property, it “would be prosecutable in courts in the District of Columbia, not in Vermont.” “If a citizen conducted part of the illegal activity in Vermont or conspired in Vermont to commit a federal crime in Washington D.C. and then traveled there to commit that crime, the individual would be prosecuted in Vermont,” she wrote. Vermont residents have sent a torrent of information to media outlets and the FBI, including a list of the people who were on the bus and screenshots showing protesters very close to the Capitol whom they had identified as Vermonters. Lawrence said that, to his knowledge, nobody from his party invaded the Capitol building. “Storming the building or creating a threatening situation was NOT at all characteristic of the gathering, or the people who participated in it,” Lawrence said. “Frustration levels are very high. I hope that our representatives can see that. But we are also a law-abiding people.” When the Vermont bus arrived in Washington, the passengers formed subgroups and quickly found themselves separated from each other in the crowds of Trump supporters. “While we were all maneuvering and bumping into one another, EVERYONE was incredibly understanding and friendly!” Lawrence wrote. “There were many exchanges as we worked our way around. It was fun to ask where people were from. Lots of advice and well wishes were exchanged.” neighbors. We have seen it time and time again when we have been challenged by natural disasters or when we have come together to create projects like Wonderfeet. We are living in a time where controversial issues arise in every town in America. Rutland can be a leader of how we work through these issues because of our demonstrated commitment to each other. I will be a mayor with the experience to help our community tackle controversial issues directly and collaboratively as a way of strengthening our already existent bonds and bridging the divisiveness.” Ettori has identified a number of specific initiatives he would like to bring forward in his role as mayor and he also understands that having community partners and a strong Board of Aldermen to review and provide input and guidance will be essential to creating great outcomes. Additionally, his demonstrated focus on maintaining a conservative approach to the city’s budget and financial picture will also ensure that the initiatives lead to a strong and vibrant economy. “We have a lot we can do in our community because we have a great base of people and community pride to work from. Whether you want to help work on our housing challenges, invest in our youth and neighborhoods, or help revitalize downtown, my work as mayor will be to align our resources so we are all pulling in the same direction and we all can benefit. Now is the time to do more. Together.” > FBI: Capitols brace for armed protesters from page 1 “Vermonters are being duped into participating in this rally for the wrong reasons… I’m advocating for them to be aware of why they’re doing this. What’s the reason? I want them to go in with their eyes wide open… if they do gather, I hope it will be a peaceful rally.” At a news briefing Monday afternoon and Tuesday, Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Michael Shirling said they are prepared though there is “not at this stage a specific set of threats or threat” related to Vermont. Schirling said his department is working with other law enforcement agencies, including the Capitol Police and Montpelier Police Department, in planning to deal with a possible armed rally at the State House. Schirling said at this point there are no “active” calls for a curfew or a Vermont National Guard presence at the State House. “That hasn’t been part of an ongoing conversation at this stage,” he said. “But we do prepare for a variety of possibilities.” As a precaution, Montpelier and Roxbury public schools have announced that all instruction on Jan. 20 will be virtual, with no in-person classes. The calls for nationwide armed rallies at state capitals follows the insurrection last Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. They stormed the building as lawmakers inside were certifying the presidential election results. Fifty-one people from Vermont traveled by bus last Wednesday to take part of the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C. Romei said police could take action if a person brandished a firearm or used one to menace or intimidate others. The Vermont Capitol Police, the Montpelier Police Dept., Vermont State Police and other agencies are working to “ensure the safety” of the capitol complex and the city of Montpelier, according to a statement. Montpelier Police Chief Brian Peete, speaking at the news briefing Monday, said his department is adopting an all-hands-on deck approach, and is canceling any leave requests from members of the force. “We have taken those steps,” he said. “We’ve gone to an elevated posture regarding our time off, because these occurrences would be happening in your jurisdiction.” Capitol Police Chief Matthew Romei said preparations are complicated by the fact that Vermont is considered an “open carry” state. People can legally bear firearms in public. “It’s permitted, but it’s discouraged,” he said. Romei said police could take action if a person brandished a firearm or used one to menace or intimidate others. Given the “totality of the circumstances,” Schirling “At no other time has it been as important to see something, say something,” Schirling said. urged people to “think twice” before bringing firearms to a State House rally. Asked if he knew what groups may be participating in the rally at the Vermont State House, Schirling said, “Not specifically, beyond folks that affiliated themselves with the groups that were present at the [U.S.] Capitol.” Schirling called on Vermonters to report to authorities any information they might find concerning, such as a possible threat. “At no other time has it been as important to see something, say something,” he said. “Even if they seem small,” he said it’s important to report them, “so that we can weave information together so that we can try to weave together a picture out of puzzle pieces.”
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