CHICAGO - Local chapters of the League of Women Voters of Illinois will host community protests and rallies in five cities across Illinois tomorrow, March 4. The goal is to bring people together in solidarity during the president's address to Congress on Tuesday.
Donald Trump will deliver the first joint congressional address of his second presidency on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST. While not a State of the Union address, the president is expected to announce his goals for the year and accomplishments as he starts his second term before a packed House chamber.
LWVIL says the events around the state are being held to "offer a peaceful and unified space to come together for the health of our democracy, the future of our nation, and the well-being of all its people."
Gatherings will be held in Batavia, downtown Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and at the Courthouse Plaza in Peoria.
"Defending democracy is our mission," Becky Simon, president of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, said in a release today, stressing an "urgent" need for peaceful protest during this administration. "The League’s spirit to act and fight for our democracy is exactly the courage we need to defend our constitutional republic."
Kathy Cortez, LWVIL vice president for issues and advocacy, noted that "The League has been defending democracy for 105 years, and we are just getting started."
League of Women Voters of Illinois protests will take place on Tuesday, March 4, at the following locations:
Batavia: 7:30 pm, Calvary Episcopal Church, 222 S Batavia Ave, Batavia, IL 60510
Chicago: 7:30 pm, Federal Plaza, 50 S. Adams St, Chicago, IL 60604
Rockford: 7:00 pm, Rockford City Hall, 425 East State Street, Rockford, 61104
Naperville: 4:30 pm, Washington Street Overpass by 5th Avenue Train Station, 105 E 4th Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540
Peoria: 7:30 pm, Peoria County Courthouse Plaza, 324 Main Street, Peoria IL 61602
The shocking events of Jan. 6, 2021, signaled a major break from the nonviolent rallies that categorized most major protests over the past few decades.
My co-authors and I, a media and disinformation scholar, call this networked incitement: influential figures inciting large-scale political violence via social media. Networked incitement involves insurgents communicating across multiple platforms to command and coordinate mobilized social movements in the moment of action.
The reason there was not more bloodshed on Jan. 6 emerged through investigation into the Oath Keepers, a vigilante organization composed mostly of former military and police. During their trials for seditious conspiracy, members of the Oath Keepers testified about weapons caches in hotels and vans, stashed near Washington, D.C. As one member described it, “I had not seen that many weapons in one location since I was in the military.”
The Oath Keepers were following Washington law by not carrying the weapons in the district, while waiting for Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, which gives the president the authority to deploy the military domestically for law enforcement.
The militia was waiting for orders from Trump. That was all that kept U.S. democracy safe from armed warfare that day.
Social media as command and control
What happened in D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021, does not easily fit into typical social movement frameworks for describing mobilization. The insurrectionists behaved akin to a networked social movement, with online platforms forming the infrastructure to organize action, but its leaders were politicians and political operatives as opposed to charismatic community leaders. On that day in particular, the insurrectionists, who are closely aligned withMAGA Republicans more broadly, functioned like Trump’s volunteer army rather than a populist movement.
Even with the availability of social media, networked social movements still need mainstream media coverage to legitimize their cause. Typically, community organizers push a particular issue – for example Black Lives Matter and #MeToo – into the media spotlight to get the public to care about their issue. Social movements tend to struggle for exposure and to frame favorable narratives.
Illustration: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay
The insurrectionists had the advantage of betting on mainstream media coverage for Jan. 6, so they focused on gathering resources and coordinating attendance. As a result, Trump’s supporters did not need to expend much effort to bring attention to the event and, instead, concentrated on organizing ride-shares and splitting hotel costs. As in prior social movements, the networking capacity of social media proved to be an important conduit to bring strangers together for the occasion. What the insurrectionists failed to do was convince key stakeholders, such as mainstream media, Vice President Mike Pence and the U.S. Capitol Police, to join their fight.
Networked incitement is different from the legalistic understanding of incitement, where an inflammatory statement immediately precedes unlawful acts or creates a dangerous situation. The call to action for Jan. 6 came from the president himself in a series of social media posts enticing supporters to come to D.C. for a “wild” time.
Tweets like these from a prominent figure became social media’s equivalent of shouting fire in a crowded theater.
Mobilizing for violence
My colleagues and I sought data to better understand what motivated everyday folks to storm the Capitol that day under great personal risk. Using the method of qualitative content analysis, we assembled 469 charging and sentencing documents for 417 defendants and coded them for the stated reasons for attending the event. We chose these court documents because they represented the fullest narrative accounts available. The purpose of these documents was to explain the rationales and mental states of the accused, while also offering a defense or explanation for their actions.
We analyzed the documents, looking at the multiple motivations for the insurrectionist mobilization. Overwhelmingly, insurrectionists said they were motivated by a desire to support Trump, which was equally split with a rationale to stop a rigged election. In sum, we concluded that disinformation mobilizes and incites political violence under specific conditions, such as a popular public figure calling for help.
No sitting president before Trump had exploited the capacity of social media to directly reach citizens to command specific actions.
For example, the court documents also directly reference social media posts of the accused. On Dec. 22, 2020, Kelly Meggs, an Oath Keeper who was later convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 12 years in prison, wrote on Facebook:
“Trump said It’s gonna be wild!!!!!!! It’s gonna be wild!!!!!!! He wants us to make it WILD that’s what he’s saying. He called us all to the Capitol and wants us to make it wild!!! Sir Yes Sir!!! Gentlemen we are heading to DC pack your sh*t!!”
The reference to “it’s gonna be wild” was a rejoinder to the now infamous tweet Trump sent after a reportedly difficult six-hour meeting the president had with staff about how to proceed with the fraud inquiry and undo the election results. Oath Keeper Meggs’ tweet illustrates that even before Jan. 6, militia groups were looking for signs from Trump about how to proceed. An investigation by NPR also illustrated how Trump’s messages emboldened participants and ignited the events of that day.
A dark future
No sitting president before Trump had exploited the capacity of social media to directly reach citizens to command specific actions.
The use of social media for networked incitement foreshadows a dark future for democracies. Rulers could well come to power by manipulating mass social movements via social media, directing a movement’s members to serve as the leaders’ shock troops, online and off.
Clear regulations preventing the malicious weaponization of social media by politicians who use disinformation to incite violence is one way to keep that future at bay.
Joan Donovan, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media Studies at Boston University, is on the board of Free Press and the founder of the Critical Internet Studies Institute.
Reproductive-rights advocates took to the streets across Illinois and the U.S. over the weekend to protest the new Texas law banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, the nation's most restrictive abortion law. It is one of 90 anti-abortion bills that have been passed by state legislatures.
Brigid Leahy, senior director of public policy for Planned Parenthood Illinois, said they already are seeing Texas patients fleeing the ban and traveling long distances to get care.
"It's over 1,000 miles to get to Illinois, but people are doing that," Leahy reported. "And there are people who cannot travel. The barriers are just too much, and they are being forced to continue pregnancies that they do not want to continue."
The events -- 600 total nationwide -- came days before today's start of the U.S. Supreme Court session, during which judges plan to hear a case concerning a 15-week Mississippi abortion law, which, if upheld, could overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
Leahy noted when former President Donald Trump took office and promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who would be amenable to overturning Roe v. Wade, Illinois lawmakers began working on bills to protect the right to abortion at the state level, such as the Reproductive Health Act of 2019.
She pointed out many states are taking similar steps, but many others are now going the other way, including many Midwestern states.
"It was really important to recognize the full range of those rights and put them in our state law so that when Roe v Wade falls, we are protected in Illinois, not just for the people in Illinois, but the people in the states surrounding us," Leahy contended.
Polls show nearly 7 in 10 Americans support the decision establishing a woman's right to an abortion, and more than 900 state lawmakers from 45 states recently signed a letter urging the Supreme Court to uphold Roe v. Wade in their decision on the Mississippi law.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Acts of violence against a marriage partner have never saved a marriage. Violent acts toward family members have never made a family happier. Typically, they create emotional and sometimes physical wounds that are never forgotten. Too many families have suffered because someone in the family became violent.
Violence in our communities and towns always results in pain, division and sometimes even loss of life. Violence typically brings the wrong people together to do bad things. No community, city or state needs this.
The destruction of buildings and businesses are acts of violence and are criminal.
In times of war or enemy aggression against our United States, violence has been necessary. Acts of war have never been pleasant. They result in the loss of life and horrific debilitation of so many people physically and mentally. Most Americans do not want to be at war with anyone.
In years past, we have had to protect our country against those who sought to harm us. The Second Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms and protect ourselves. We are grateful for our military but we pray for peace. None of us want our family members actively involved in combat if it can be avoided.
Violence like we saw last week at the United States Capitol was criminal. It helped no one. It solved nothing. Everyone who traveled to hear President Trump speak should have bought a nice dinner in D.C. and then traveled back to their families. Unlawfully entering the Capitol was wrong and was carried out in a violent criminal way. People were killed. Offices were torn apart and doors broken down. Staffers were terrified for their lives. This should never have happened. Many of these criminals will eventually be arrested and spend time in jail.
This act of criminal stupidity did nothing to advance or help President Trump. If they had stopped in front of the Capitol and given speeches, yelled, screamed, waved their signs throughout the day and then gone home the results would have been better. Terrorism never produces positive results. Destruction of the property of others and the terrorism of people are savage and criminal.
This same kind of unnecessary violence was seen in many of our cities last summer. I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio after a march had taken place and saw the results of acts of violence. I saw almost all of downtown Cleveland boarded up. Businesses were closed. Hotels were closed. Very few restaurants were open. For weeks my family was afraid to stop in downtown Louisville because of the protests and disruption occurring in the city.
In the United States of America, individuals, groups and organizations have the absolute right to march, protest and exercise their free speech. However, the destruction of buildings and businesses are acts of violence and are criminal. The people who shut down sections of cities throughout our country should be arrested for their behavior. An acquaintance, who lived outside Seattle for many years, was terrified to travel back to that city last year.
Violence against Democrats or Republicans will not bring this country back together. Invasion and violence against the Capitol solved nothing but ruined some lives. Violence will not change the results of the election. Joe Biden will be the President of the United States for the next four years.
March, protest, yell, scream and financially support organizations who promote your point of view. But please, put your guns, pipe bombs and hatred away.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
The
death of George Floyd at the hands of police should never have
happened. It was murder and a dark moment in America. The looting,
terrorism and burning of American cities by so called protesters is
criminal and a dark moment in America.
The
Minneapolis police officers involved in Floyd's death must be held
accountable. The criminals involved in wrecking American cities, robbing
and burning businesses must be held accountable.
Americans
have the right to free speech. Free speech does not mean destroying
property, hurting police officers and criminal activities.
The
question many Americans are asking today is who is funding these
criminal, terrorist riots that have happened across America? People
are showing up from other cities and states to wreak havoc and chaos in
American cities. Who is paying their travel? Who is providing their
lodging? Who is paying them money? Are there really this many evil, bad
people in America? Obviously, there are because the acts of violence
displayed on national television are not coming from peaceful
protesters. We have seen and heard about many peaceful protesters.
Thousands of people have made their protests in a peaceful, honorable
way.
No
one blames anyone for being upset and angry about what happened to
George Floyd. It made me angry. I would be willing to march with anyone
to cry out against such an act and event. Actually, I cried out against
Floyd's murder in last week's column stating my feelings about his
murder by the hands of the Minneapolis police officers. This column goes
to thousands of media outlets. It was horrific and wrong and the
officers must be punished. The looters and criminals who have vandalized
and saw Floyd's death as an opportunity to pursue criminal activity
also must be put in jail and punished.
America
is in deep trouble. We are still in the middle of Covid-19 with the
prospects of a Fall resurgence. Unemployment soars. Businesses have
closed and many are struggling to hold on. Economically our nation is
buried. The future of our older generation is at great risk and the
younger generation has not grasped yet what is really in store for them
financially. The economic plight of this nation has put the realization
of the American Dream at great risk for America's children.
We desperately need a revival of "rightness" in America. There was a day
when people believed in strong morals, decency, respect and the Golden
Rule. This "rightness or rule" must happen from all the politicians, to
the police officers, to the protesters and to every person in America.
The preachers in America must get this message out. The politicians must
get this message out. We must put this message into our daily living.
Or, it's over for America.
Here's the rule again, "Treat others the way you want to be treated."
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
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CHICAGO - Local chapters of the League of Women Voters of Illinois will host community protests and rallies in five cities across Illinois tomorrow, March 4. The goal is to bring people together in solidarity during the president's address to Congress on Tuesday.
Donald Trump will deliver the first joint congressional address of his second presidency on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST. While not a State of the Union address, the president is expected to announce his goals for the year and accomplishments as he starts his second term before a packed House chamber.
LWVIL says the events around the state are being held to "offer a peaceful and unified space to come together for the health of our democracy, the future of our nation, and the well-being of all its people."
Gatherings will be held in Batavia, downtown Chicago, Naperville, Rockford, and at the Courthouse Plaza in Peoria.
"Defending democracy is our mission," Becky Simon, president of the League of Women Voters of Illinois, said in a release today, stressing an "urgent" need for peaceful protest during this administration. "The League’s spirit to act and fight for our democracy is exactly the courage we need to defend our constitutional republic."
Kathy Cortez, LWVIL vice president for issues and advocacy, noted that "The League has been defending democracy for 105 years, and we are just getting started."
League of Women Voters of Illinois protests will take place on Tuesday, March 4, at the following locations:
Acts of violence against a marriage partner have never saved a marriage. Violent acts toward family members have never made a family happier. Typically, they create emotional and sometimes physical wounds that are never forgotten. Too many families have suffered because someone in the family became violent.
Violence in our communities and towns always results in pain, division and sometimes even loss of life. Violence typically brings the wrong people together to do bad things. No community, city or state needs this.
My boyfriend, aged 32, embodies the quintessential extrovert—gregarious, enamored with nightlife, and perpetually surrounded by a coterie of approximately twenty friends who reside in close proximity and convene incessantly. Initially, I admired his vivacity and character.
