The approach of spring – Peace at the Capitol – Escalation of violence in Myanmar – The investigation of the election in Georgia – Evening statistics
Spring is coming early this year. I went along the Burke Lake/Lake Mercer route, where I saw numerous crocuses and hellebore in full bloom. Buds are beginning to form on the cherry trees. I passed by several vernal ponds, where frogs were continually peeping. The trees on Vesper Island in the center of Burke Lake were adorned with heron’s nests and in the thick of the woods starlings were flocking by the thousands, chattering at a volume that made the term “murmuration” something of an understatement.
Sometimes the absence of news is a good deal better than the alternative. The attempt on the Capitol anticipated today failed to materialize, either because it was called off or because the rumors about it were overblown. The House of Representatives had already canceled their session today in advance, not wishing to undergo a repetition of the experience of January 6th. But the deployment of National Guard troops does not appear to overstep the bounds of common prudence. It is just as well to err on the side of caution, especially after such a proof that QAnon members have given of their disdain for the law.
The death toll in Myanmar is rising. At least 54 protesters have been shot by the militia. The Commerce Department has imposed trade sanctions against the military government and the Federal Reserve of New York blocked an attempt by the country’s rulers to move $1 billion in funds. The U.N. has condemned the violence as “unacceptable,” and their rebuke has been met with all of the success that U.N. resolutions against oppressive regimes generally have.
The criminal investigation about Trump’s attempted interference with the election in Georgia has entered a new phase. Two grand juries have convened today, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis already notified Georgia state officials in February, requesting them to preserve relevant documents. Trump could potentially be charged with the solicitation of election fraud, conspiracy, and racketeering, all of which are felonies that incur significant amounts of time in prison. This brings up an interesting question: if she is able to obtain a verdict of “Guilty” from a grand jury, will any judge have the firmness to impose a jail sentence upon a former President of the United States?
Today’s statistics as of 8:00 PM – # of cases worldwide: 116,206,172; # of deaths worldwide: 2,580,784; # of cases U.S.: 29,525,224; # of deaths; U.S.: 531,652.