A Personal Response: Domestic Terrorists Riot at the Capitol

January 9, 2021January 9, 2021 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

January 6th, 2021, a day that will go down in history.

I expected there to be Pro-Trump protests. I expected there to be violence and, at worst, shootings. But, domestic terrorists planting pipe bombs? Rioting at the Capitol, halting the certification progress? A woman shot by police dies, plus four others dead after the violence. Our country is disgraced.

No, I wasn’t expecting this. But I shouldn’t be surprised, and neither should others.

The signs were all there. We were approaching a climax of violence centered around insurrection and a desired coup by the dictator wannabe Donald Trump.

Even before we began voting in 2020, Trump said if he lost, the election was rigged. He set the stage for this violence, brought this disgrace, and the politicians who stood with him and continue to are not American Patriots. They are accomplices in an attempt to destroy our democracy and our country.

I’m not surprised this is where we are. I figured Trump would continue to throw a fit and incite even more violence. Especially after the events in Charlottesville, when he made it clear what side he stands on.

His strongest weapon: dangerous rhetoric hidden in plainspeech. He used his weapon on Wednesday at his rally when he told his cult of followers to go to the Capitol. Then, as they overwhelmed Captiol police, who were questionably few in numbers, he waited and waited to call for peace.

When he did, he tells these terrorists, these rioters “I love you.” When last year his tweets threatened prison sentences for BLM protesters he called “thugs”.

Is it not clear where he stands?

Check out this article for break down on How a Pro-Trump Mob Stormed the U.S. Capitol

I seriously question the motives behind the Capitol police. The Chief has already resigned. But I’ll say this; if Trump had won the 2020 election, and BLM protesters were at a rally nearby and then began to walk to the Capitol to protest there, the National Guard would have been deployed ASAP, there would have been swat, there would have been a wall of police in riot gear to meet them. The stark difference in response AND response time shows what most of us already know: there is a double standard and white supremacy reigns in this country. Check out this article comparing the police response.

That disgraceful day is cemented into the history of the U.S., and I will never forget it.

Now in the final countdown to January 20th, I am hoping no one else will die. I am hoping for a peaceful transition of power. I hope that Trump, the domestic terrorist/rioters, and his allies will be prosecuted for their crimes against this nation.

A call for the 25th, Impeachment? It’s a little late for that. Trump should have been removed from office permanently within the first year of his term.

Revisiting The Past

Four years ago, I found myself dazed and unable to grasp the fact that Donald Trump was going to be President.

Looking back, I combed through my blog to see if I had written about that year, and I did. I forgot about this blog post until the summer of 2020, and today I want to include a few excerpts (below) in my response. Reading my words now, my heart breaks. It’s almost over, but the journey we had to take to get here was a bloody one.

The night the election results came in, I was working, people started crying in the restaurant. An angry couple stormed out, the man said, “We are so fucked.” His words have echoed in my head since then over and over again.

The excerpts below are dated December 19th, 2017.

“The results of the election last year were devastating. Not only had Trump won but suddenly the surreal feeling of living in a twilight zone-like reality began. Watching Trump’s inaugural speech on January 20th on TV, the strange and gloomy streets as he paraded in Washington D.C. Suddenly, it felt like something had dramatically changed. I couldn’t exactly put my finger on it but now I think I’ve realized what it was that I felt. This was the beginning of a new time, a new block of time that would have to be sectioned off, highlighted, and analytically picked apart day by day in the future. It has been termed an Era: The Era of Trump. I think this term is correct because now it is apparent 2017 is the start of another chapter in U.S. history.”
“There is little room to breathe when his ego is threatened when his words are analyzed and questioned when his behavior is criticized as being inappropriate and extremely insensitive. But the division between pro and anti-Trump supporters is creating unsafe spaces full of animosity and possibly dangerous eruptions.”

“Charlottesville was a turning point. The protest turned violent and deadly, the POTUS fumbled and went back and forth on his own response to the events. The ‘Unite the Right’ rally featured white supremacists, who try to camouflage their hate and identity with terms such as ‘white nationalist’, protesting the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue. Counter protestors were present and violence quickly ensued. Finally, counter-protestor Heather D. Heyer was killed when a white nationalist plowed his car into the crowd…
“Trump’s response was inappropriate and strange. I think his words will be highlighted and remembered forever as he said there was blame “…on many sides.” This did not make sense, it still doesn’t. Suddenly people who do not believe in hate, racism, and bigotry were equated with white supremacists? Both parties were somehow guilty? This is when I think America finally began to understand where the POTUS stood in terms of hate, racism, and bigotry if they hadn’t already clued in with his behavior before the presidency. It was so apparent when his quick on the draw tweets and responses were delayed…possibly for once a response was being thought over by Trump himself before coming out of his mouth.”
“I have been conducting research since then on white supremacist groups. My findings are horrifying and I am now more aware than ever that America may have to again fight against racism (a never-ending fight) on a publically large-scale level similar to that of the civil rights movements of the 1960’s. (Oftentimes I found that white supremacist groups say they are not racists but just have certain beliefs regarding who should be a recognized citizen, including who should have rights, which for them means only specific people of white European-descent. Their definition of what an ‘American’ is, rests solely on their beliefs of race)…”
Excerpts from my blog post, “Personal Response: Surviving 2017 in the Trump Era“

It didn’t take long for this new era to take hold. The shock of dealing with blasphemous tweets, misinformation, and straight out lies.

A little boy, a bully, who turned the cabinet into a revolving door. Who spouted rhetoric reinforcing the structural racism that continues to rot this country out from the inside.

This man, this crook, spent four years dividing the country, mastering manipulation and putting to question facts, truth, and justice, spinning his followers a new reality where they could choose to believe facts if they wanted to.

Now we suffer the consequences of anti-maskers in a pandemic. People are purposely putting the lives of others in danger. And over 350,000 Americans are DEAD.

What happens now?

We are in year two of the Pandemic. Thousands of Americans are dying every day from COVID-19. The country is in turmoil, divided, and sick from the Era of Trump.

Can Biden and Harris bring justice and order to the chaos? Can they help the nation unite and defeat COVID? Can they help us heal the festering wounds Trump has made.

I hope so.

I’ll end this with one last quote because now more than ever I still believe:

“…If having Trump as POTUS is what it takes for the U.S. to wake up and realize we need to address specific issues that have continued to be swept under the rug or falsely believed to be ‘solved’ then so be it. This is the time for change to happen. This is not a time to be silent and pretend that something isn’t already happening in our country. The political turmoil, the continual protests on “both sides”, the issue of sexual harassment, these events are crucial in understanding that right now is not the time to stick our heads in the sand. We must be vocal and supportive and uphold the rights that we have worked so long and so hard to gain as Americans. If a diverse society cannot be, or cannot function, if a belief in rights and equality for all people in this country is not possible then our country would be exactly the same as it was in previous centuries. If it is not possible then why did change happen in the past?”
Excerpts from my blog post, “Personal Response: Surviving 2017 in the Trump Era“

If you are reading this, Thank You. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my words. Stay safe out there.

Best,

Alina

Revising My Novel, Currently Reading and Just Tired

September 27, 2020September 27, 2020 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

I’ve put my blog in the backseat for the past few weeks because I’m just exhausted. I’m tired of juggling everything, and really, I needed a break. Now we’re in the homestretch, the election is so close, and I am trying to stay positive, but damn, is it hard.

This month I have been revising my novel, really trying to tighten it up and bring it to life. I think I’ll have one of my best drafts completed by October 1st, and I’m excited.

Poetry? I’m trying to write more, but I have less energy to work on poems lately. Between revising my novel full-time and my new remote job, I don’t have a lot of energy left to work on poetry, but hopefully, that will change next month.

I’m focusing on reading these two books right now:

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

by Alfred Lansing

Great Demon Kings: A Memoir of Poetry, Sex, Art, Death, and Enlightenment

by John Giorno

I’m looking for a contemporary poetry book or collection. If anyone has any recommendations, I’d be very interested to know what they are.

When it comes to world events, or I guess, in the U.S. The decision for the Breonna Taylor case is devastating and a complete disappointment. Another soul-crushing failure, and I can’t believe the response the Louisville police had, arresting protestors before the curfew on the day they announced the outcome of the case. Just total bullshit. Another blow.

I am so tired.

Stay positive, my friends, and reach out if you’d like to talk about books, writing, or anything else on your mind. I am here and happy to chat.

Have a wonderful weekend, and stay safe.

Life during Coronavirus: March 16th, 2020 Personal Update

Life during COVID-19 Personal Update: March 23rd, 2020

“Too Much and Never Enough” and Peaceful Protests in SLC

August 4, 2020August 4, 2020 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

DISCLAIMER: This is an Opinion piece.

Yesterday, I finally decided that I was going to read Mary L. Trump’s book Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man. For the last month, I had been reading numerous articles anticipating the release of Mary’s book. Curious about what she had to say, I finally bought the kindle version yesterday. Of course, I’m not surprised that Trump tried to stop her from publishing this book in the final countdown before the election.

What to expect?

Well, I am going to read and review Mary’s book. I plan to have my review done by the end of this month or sooner. I am going to pick the book apart like I would any other piece of written content. Concept/theme, structure, and clarity. I’m curious about Mary’s angle and how the book’s subject matter will be plotted out. I am also eager to go over her references and sources.

54114950. sy475 — photo credit: goodreads.com

What else have I been up to?

Trying to balance out life, staying-at-home, and how much time I spend on social media. Being home all the time has its side effects.
My beer gut is growing. I have unlimited access to the news and social media if left unchecked. And without a routine, I will surely spiral into chaos. But I’ve stuck to my routine and continue to read and write all the time.

I allow myself about one to two hours a day of ingesting news. I read The New York Times and The Salt Lake Tribune. Tapering down on social media has also helped bring my stress levels down.

How long is this going to last?

We’re heading into the FIFTH MONTH of COVID-19. In the U.S. there is still chaos, misinformation, and poor leadership. But I have hope, and with the Black Lives Matter movement still going strong, my fingers are crossed that this year’s election is not a repeat of 2016.

Peaceful Protests Escalated by Cottonwood Heights PD

In Salt Lake City, local news continues to smear peaceful protesters, casting them as rioters causing trouble. This weekend a peaceful protest in Cottonwood Heights was escalated when police showed up outnumbering protesters. They herded protesters, had their cars towed, and then assaulted and pepper-sprayed them. I watched so many live videos on Instagram from protesters that showed the police attacking and brutalizing them. Horrible.

It’s like the police just don’t get it. Their actions are why peaceful protesters are on the streets. The Salt Lake Tribune published an article that, in my opinion, aimed to cheer for the Cottonwood Heights Police Department while smearing the peaceful protesters. Yesterday there was another protest where Trump and Blue Lives Matter supporters showed up but more concerning is that Utah Citizens’ Alarm group was there and armed with guns, a “deterrent to violence,” said Casey Roberston, founder of the group in the Salt Lake Tribune’s article.

The Utah Citizens’ Alarm showing up with guns is not to deter violence. It’s to intimidate protesters, visually threatening them by carrying guns, implying that they will shoot them if protesters become “violent”. Of course, the police do nothing about this group, and I’ve read articles that many in this group know the police. They are working in tandem with them. The group says on their Facebook page that they support peaceful protests. There is something unsettling about the way they talk about themselves and their mission.

Want to see something interesting? Check out Black Lives Matter Utah Chapter on Facebook, the profile is PUBLIC and there are about 4.4k members.

Black Lives Matter Utah works in cooperation with CAG, The Coalition for Police Reform, The United Front Civil Rights Organization, Brown Berets, Cop Watch Salt Lake City, SURJ, United Front White Allies, Utah Against Police Brutality, and many other activist groups. We encourage you to join every group and support them all. We are in no competition with any other group. All active civil rights groups which fight against oppression should be supported.

This group is what you make of it. If you have an idea then suggest it and run with it. Lead. Do not be afraid to lead and to help the movement.

385-743-0298

They provide a phone number and a list of other organizations they work with.

Check out Utah Citizen’s Alarm Facebook Group page, there are 18.3k members and their profile is set to private? Why private?

This is their about page. To me it is concerning. Look at the parts I’ve bolded. It’s like they’re spinning that they support peaceful protests, solidarity, but the wording is vague and general. I don’t trust this group and it concerns me that this group has 18.3k members. If they have nothing to hide and they are working with law enforcement why is the group set to PRIVATE?

About This Group

MISSION STATEMENT

Utah Citizens’ Alarm works to maintain peace in the state of Utah by educating its communities in areas of preparedness and self-defense; fostering unity between citizens of all backgrounds and races as a show of solidarity in times of disaster and civil unrest; and building strong relationships with law enforcement through cooperative community efforts.

VISION STATEMENT

Utah Citizens’ Alarm creates an environment of safety, preparedness, and peace in communities and neighborhoods across our state through strong, organized citizen alliances.

OUR START

In June of 2020, concerned Utah citizen Casey Robertson made a life-changing decision to invite friends to take a stand against violence that had been accompanying protests over issues of racial inequality and police brutality. The result of his simple call to action on social media was a flood of local patriots ready and willing to join and support his cause of supporting peaceful protest while denouncing and deterring violence. The group grew quickly – by the thousands in a matter of days – and immediately became known as Utah Citizens’ Alarm.

It was Casey’s love for his country and his home town that prompted him to stand against violence after a Provo protest turned ugly, ending in the shooting of a driver trying to make his way through the crowd blocking an intersection. Now, along with inviting Utah residents to stand against violence at protests, Casey also aims to help people form alliances in their own small communities that will create neighborhoods that are safe, protected, and prepared for all situations.

So Casey is helping small communities set up alliances, groups, of armed citizens to defend themselves? To protect peaceful protesters? To protect their neighborhoods from “violence”?

There is a difference between peaceful protesters gathering and ARMED CIVILIANS showing up to protests to “deter violence”.

I will be looking for more information about this group to prove my point wrong that Utah Citizens’ Alarm is not just a gun-toting group that shows up to intimidate protesters.

Here’s a Instagram post from the Cottonwood Heights Police Department

How obvious does it have to be? Do people not see what is happening here?

For months now, this specific group of protesters gathered every Sunday and danced in the streets. Dancing in the street is punishable by being pepper-sprayed, beaten, and threatened with felony charges?

I’m deeply disappointed in Utah. The response here to the protests is unacceptable and continues to sour. Watching Live Videos from KSL news on Facebook covering the protests is difficult; people comment that unemployed kids have nothing better to do than protest for criminals.

I see more and more “Trump 2020!” and “BlueLivesMatter” on Facebook and other social media platforms. Disgusting. I have been coming across comments that say the Black Lives Matter movement has been hijacked, used as an excuse to protest just about anything. Amazing, the ignorance is incredible.

How can Trump supporters blindly follow him when he tweets, floating the idea, about delaying the election this year? A blatant authoritarian idea. Or how about when he deploys feds to intimidate protesters? What about not taking COVID seriously until it’s too late and over 150,000 people have died in the U.S.?

How do these people supporting cops, not see the injustice, the brutality? Even when it happens right in front of them when police assault peaceful protesters? Is it possible that many of the same people that cheer “Trump 2020!” are also the ones spouting “Blue Lives Matter”? Hmmm.

I could go on and on but I’m going to wrap up my little opinion-rant.

Resources and Donations

Support Protests Brutalized by Utah Cops

Know Your Rights – Protesters’ Rights

Liked this post? Check out these:

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Life During COVID-19: Reflecting on the Murder of Robert Fuller, Trump and a Personal Update

Lack of Motivation, R.I.P. John Lewis and BLM

July 22, 2020August 15, 2020 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

Life During COVID-19 Series July 22nd, 2020

DISCLAIMER: This blog post is a reflection of personal experiences and opinions. My blog is personal, so is my writing, my poetry, all of it. I’ll cut to the chase to save you some time. I support BLM, and I wear a mask. I’ll state that now, since it seems like everyone only cares about knowing what side you’re on?

Motivation? Where?

I feel like a train slowing down on the tracks, out of steam, out of energy. Tired. For the past week, I’ve been asking myself, “Where’s my motivation?”

R.I.P. John Lewis

Reading about John Lewis has been inspiring. His death has reverberated through the country, and he will be sorely missed. Losing Lewis now during the movement is a blow, but his work, his life continues to influence many. Myself included. Rest in peace John Lewis.

I wrote a poem inspired by John Lewis It is Time to Get in Good Trouble

How can John Lewis be an inspiration for me? A white woman?

The fight for racial justice lasts a life-time and every day I must make progress by setting an example for others through my speech and actions.

grayscale photo of persons fist — Photo by Jumana Dakkur on Pexels.com

What I’m watching

Watchmen (TV Mini-Series 2019)

I just started watching this a couple of days ago. Amazing. I’m a huge fan of the Watchmen comic, it played an important part of my teen years, and the movie that came out (over a decade ago now?!) was pretty cool. I highly recommend this series if you’re in the mood for something serious and dark. It’s relevant to present times.

Sick of being inside, but I’m staying indoors.

Four months I’ve been inside, staying home, rarely going out. And when I leave the apartment, I’m only going to places I have to go to: the store, post office, and gas station. And the occasional social distancing visit with a family member. In total, I’ve probably been out maybe fifteen times.

Whenever I go to a public place, I wear my mask. It’s just common courtesy, but I guess it’s too much of an inconvenience to save lives for some people?

Guess what there’s a great little group of anti-maskers in Utah calling themselves “Defending Utah” that have been flash mobbing retail stores—protesting by swarming places, putting Utahns at risk, and putting their own lives at risk.

I did a bit of research, and it turns out that there were also anti-maskers during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic. Big surprise.

health workers wearing face mask — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Back to my loss of motivation

I’m worn out. It seems to me that every single thing is being politicized. Every action taken is scrutinized with social media as the tool. I’m not saying I’m innocent, and I haven’t been doing this, I have, but even I’m tired of it.

I’m tired of people starting up arguments. It’s a waste of time because they’re not interested in having a conversation; they only want to yell their opinions. I am not interested in seeking out people that I disagree with and attacking them with belittling comments and derogatory remarks that are not my style.

I love to have conversations with people. I don’t care if you believe in god or not. I don’t care if you call yourself a republican or democrat, I am open to talking with anyone. The country is divided (always has been) it’s disheartening to see the division grow.

white smartphone — Photo by Cristian Dina on Pexels.com

Of course, there will probably be some troll out there that will take that as an invitation to start attacking via “let’s have a conversation.”

What I’m not open to is opening up a conversation with someone only interested in tooting their own horn and proceeding to attack me and my beliefs.

Everyone is so busy fighting with each other, we’re getting distracted. People are questioning everyone’s motives; people are questioning scientific studies and facts. People are skewing the truth to fit their narrative (they’re not protestors, they are anarchists).

This will go on for the rest of the year, possibly next year too, but that’s just my opinion. I think it’s very likely things are not going to “die down.” The tension is only going to get worse the closer we get to the Election.

What I’ve been up to

I’m focusing on remote work, freelancing, and writing. But lately, I feel burnt out, exhausted, and struggling to keep my motivation up. I want to help, do my part, and show my support for Black Lives Matter.

Does that mean being a full-time social media BLM protestor? Sharing news and events, signing petitions, and making donations with whatever extra money I have? Yes.

To combat feeling burned out, I have been cutting down how many hours I work each day (usually around nine or ten). I also take micro-breaks from social media, turning off my notifications for twenty-four to forty-eight hours and focus on something else.

woman standing beside window looking out — Photo by Rafael Serafim on Pexels.com

What perplexes me

Why are people questioning science? Doctors? Health officials with background and experience in their respective fields? Why are people ready to fight against wearing a mask?

Where the hell did the rumor that masks are harmful to wear come from?

The first I heard of it was last Monday when I watched Governor Herbert’s COVID Briefing LIVE on K.S.L.

Bizarre.

What’s even crazier to me, reading in The Salt Lake Tribune that Cache County has asked it’s residents to have a “day of prayer“? This state is bizarre. I’ve said it before for years and years now, and I’ll repeat it IN UTAH THERE IS NO SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. Don’t get me started on Utah County, and I don’t want to get into that today.

Staying Positive

The movement is still going.

But I admit it’s hard to stay positive when…

…I read about Portland protestors being assaulted and detained by unidentifiable (no badge, no I.D. number) Feds.

…I read Trump’s Remarks on Phase Four Negotiations, and he equates protestors with anarchists and says he’s going to deploy Feds to cities “run by liberal Democrats.“

…My Property Manager tells me I have to take down my BLM sign in my window because one of their properties had a window smashed displaying a sign. Interpret that however you like.

people protesting and holding signs — Photo by Life Matters on Pexels.com

What keeps me going?

Despite my lack of motivation, I am inspired now more than ever to take action and donate more, sign more petitions, and do my tiny part in keeping the movement going.

Last week I made two donations. The first to @localpropagandists, a group run by Taylar Jackson that makes signs for protestors the old school way, screenprinting. $50 equates to 500 signs.

I also made a donation to Justice for Bernardo. The outcome of the trial regarding Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal’s death is another blow and to some a perfect example of police in Utah getting away with murder.

I’ve made more donations besides these including Black Lives Matter organizations, George Floyd’s family, and others, but I can do more. I can be better and do better.

I’ll end with this; I hope you are doing well. I hope you are safe and healthy.

Stay strong,

Alina

Liked this post? Check out these:

Post-Independence Day Blues

Post-Independence Day Blues

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Life During COVID-19 Personal Update: March 28th, 2020

Post-Independence Day Blues

July 14, 2020August 15, 2020 Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

July sucks. Everything sucks. Maybe not always, but why is this month so hard?

Since July 4th, Independence Day, I’ve lost a lot of motivation.

Juggling two internships, revising my novel, looking for freelance opportunities, and applying to jobs. And oh yeah, that’s right, keeping up with the Black Lives Matter protests. Add a thick layer of COVID-19 cases spiking across the nation, and in Utah, we are now ranking in the Top 30 places with COVID cases per day, lack of testing, and lose restrictions.

Bring it on.

I’ve focused on cutting back on social media and scheduling a lot of my Twitter, Facebook Page, and LinkedIn posts instead. Re-sharing, sharing again and sharing petitions, links to donations, and news supporting the BLM movement plus everything else I’m doing.

Now I’m stuck.

Stuck feeling like every day is a new struggle. A brand new day to see if I can keep it all together, keep hope, and truck along.

Now more than ever, I feel like change is possible. It can happen, but the tension, the debates, and the absolute absurdity in politicizing every issue this country is facing right now are hindering progress.

Why is wearing a masked political when there are data and facts, scientists and doctors, that give us real reasons to wear a mask?

Why is it increasingly us versus them?

Why is a fight for equality, BLM, perceived by some as anti-American?

That seems to me to go against what it means to be an American. Isn’t the whole point of America justice, liberty, and freedom for ALL? I’m sorry, am I wrong? I guess maybe not “ALL” just a select few, such as those who are NOT POC, who are NOT POOR, who are NOT RICH WHITE MALES.

I guess if we reduce people to numbers, “1% will die? Ok, that’s fine with me,” suddenly we don’t care?

1% of people dying in the U.S. from COVID is A LOT OF PEOPLE. Approximately a little over 3 Million.

We thought 9/11 was bad, what about COVID?

But maybe 3 Million people dead is not enough for some to care?

Oh, well, I guess if most of that 1% are minorities and poor, it doesn’t matter at all?

This is what I’m seeing; this is what I’m hearing.

We are in a war, a war against COVID, poverty, inequality, and corruption. A fight to the death, for our lives.

I don’t understand the tension, the divide.

We are falling apart when we should be united, fighting to protect our neighbors, our families, our friends, everyone.

-Alina

On a lighter note, if you’re still with me, here’s a link to a few of my latest Medium stories:

Poetry is a waste of time? I don’t think so

Poem “Infinity in my blood”

Yes, I support BLM and this is Why

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

Great Demon Kings: A Memoir of Poetry, Sex, Art, Death, and Enlightenment

What to expect?

What else have I been up to?

How long is this going to last?

Peaceful Protests Escalated by Cottonwood Heights PD

Resources and Donations

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