Since he serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world, it is probably safe to say Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. (About – AlbertMohler.com) is smarter and wiser than I am. So, I listened quietly and respectfully when Mohler offered his opinion on the storming of the Capitol Building (see Thursday, January 7, 2021 – AlbertMohler.com for both the text and audio).
Did I agree with Mohler had to say? No. Did Mohler actually lie or say anything that is not true? No. He just began with some assumptions I think false.
- The election was conducted fairly.
- Trump’s followers, the people who showed up, are following a cult of personality.
One of the things that frustrates me is the honesty of Conservatives. With the best of intentions, we frequently stab the people we are allied with in the back, and that is what Dr. Mohler did.
Was the election conducted fairly? We can argue about whether the fraud was sufficient to change the outcome, but there is no question as to whether state and local officials ignored the Constitution. That is a huge problem.
Cult of personality? Based on what? Consider this excerpt.
Political parties exist to extend political principles and arguments over time, not a cult of personality. The American experiment in ordered liberty is inherently threatened by a cult of personality. And we saw the results of that yesterday. One of the things that I simply want for us to note again is the fact that so many of those who were there as protestors explicitly said that they were there in the name of Donald Trump. It was Trump that was the name on the banners. They were not making the argument about trying to perpetuate certain political principles or even policies or platforms. No, it was about continuing a person in office and in power. Now throughout human history, even recent human history, we have seen political cults of personality on the right and on the left. But we have to recognize they are equally disastrous either on the left or the right. And again, it comes down to that definitional question. For what does this movement exists? What does it stand for? If there is a name at the center of that answer, then that’s where you have the big problem.
Thursday, January 7, 2021 – AlbertMohler.com
When I attended the rally I had a hat with Trump’s name on it. Why? Do I worship Donald Trump? No. Did I go to the rally to “perpetuate certain political principles or even policies or platforms”? Yes.
Dr. Mohler needs to actually listen to the speech President Donald Trump made at the rally. Trump laid out the case for a stolen election, not worshipping him. If we cannot run fair elections that our people believe are fair elections, then we will not be able to “perpetuate certain political principles or even policies or platforms”.
So, why did I wear a hat with Trump’s name on it? Why did people carry banners with Trump’s name on it? That has to do with how and why we elect people. When we elect our president, we put that man at the tip of the spear. We expect him to lead the charge in support of our political principles and policies, and we expect him to work the hardest and bear the brunt of brutal assaults upon his character. Therefore, when we rallied for Trump, I honored the man, knowing that he had persevered and remained strong where I would have faltered and fallen.
This is why we build monuments to our heroes, to honor their willingness to suffer on our behalf, not to deify them. And that is why so many are so horrified to see monuments and statues torn down by those ignorant of history and human fragility. Our heroes are human like us. If we cannot even honor the best among us, not even our dead, then none of us are worthy of love and respect.
Therefore, I think Dr. Mohler meant well, but I adamantly believe he judged those who attended the rally unfairly. Even though Dr. Mohler admitted that he voted for Donald Trump and would do so again, he was too ready to blame the people who attended the rally for events beyond their ability to control. When Dr. Mohler put together his briefing, we knew what had happened at the Capitol, but we did not know who was responsible, why they had done it, or how the rioters had gotten into the Capitol. We also did not know why the Capitol Police had failed to keep out the demonstrators. Even now, several day later, authorities are still putting together what happened.
To get an idea of the complexity of the issues involved consider this CNN story, Opinion: Whether unprepared or unwilling, police failed at the US Capitol – CNN. Consider this excerpt.
Look at the images of the day, and you will see some officers passively stand aside as the insurrectionists stroll into the halls of the Capitol, walking calmly between the burgundy velvet ropes. You will see some of the invaders pausing to take selfies with officers. You will see a certain chummy quality in the interaction between some Capitol Police officers and the rioters. This makes me wonder if, within the ranks of the Capitol Police, some were sympathetic or agreed with the rioters.
Impossible?
Recall how some officers this past summer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, responded to armed “militia” members during the unrest in the aftermath of the police shooting of Jacob Blake. They unabashedly welcomed their outlaw presence, even passing out water bottles to them. “We appreciate you guys, we really do,” one officer was heard on video saying.
Opinion: Whether unprepared or unwilling, police failed at the US Capitol – CNN
Even CNN acknowledges that the Capital Police felt comfortable with Trump’s supporters. Why? Well, supposedly both Trump’s supporters and the police are on the same side. CNN would have you believe both the police and Trump’s supporters are racists. In actual fact, if you don’t support the police, it is ridiculous to call yourself one of Trump’s supporters. Ironically, considering how much CNN hates Trump, what that CNN editorial does is make the notion that Trump’s supporters attacked the police look ridiculously absurd.
Anyway, do you want to know the difference between honoring a man and a cult of personality? Remember this?
Democrats actually voted for a man who ran on a platform of change and hope. President Barack Obama promised to transform America and stop the rise of the oceans. All the people who voted for Trump did is hold their noses and vote for a guy who promised to make America great again by setting aside a bunch of ridiculous Utopian notions and putting our needs first. And Trump, because his promises were doable — something a man actually could do — was able to keep his promises. Surprisingly, he did, and for that I was happy to honor him with his name on my hat.
Citizen Tom
Citizen Tom 
Good post on a difficult current event
Thanks.
Tom,
Did you know that while you were cheering Trump as he incited his Insurrection, domestic terrorists were planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters, most likely in an effort to draw police away from the capital takeover? This is what is called an asymmetric terrorist attack, and it is the preferred coordinated terrorist MO of Jihadist terrorists, only in this case it was some of the White Nationalists in your crowd who with you wanted to, despite the will of the states’ certified electors and the people’s vote, simply force legislators to have Trump unconstitutionally installed by Congress.
What did you have, something like seven posts, pushing this unconstitutional nonsense? What else were you expecting bro? When you spread the lie that their democratic republic is being stolen, whether you wished it or not, this kind of violence was predictable you know? Words matter, especially our leaders’ words, don’t they? They have consequences, don’t they?
@tsalmon
I didn’t expect you to keep repeating the same lie over and over again, but that is happened.
Frankly, I don’t pretend to understand how you can watch what happened in America’s cities this summer and then blame Trump for what happened at the Capitol, but it is what it is, one standard for Democrats and another for Republicans.
You are beyond my power or right to change.
https://citizentom.com/2021/01/12/do-you-want-to-be-fixed-or-do-want-everyones-rights-protected/
You do realize that Speaker Pelosi is in charge of the Capitol Police? When Trump supporters are such horrid people, why didn’t Pelosi make absolutely certain her police force was ready?
Of course, you will ignore that issue too. Press on with the attacks as you will. Your problem.
Tom,
Talk about blame the victims of your Trump insurrectionist mob’s murder and treason. Inspired by fascist White Nationalists like yourself and your Dear
Leader, Trump’s insurrectionist mob was hunting Pelosi and Mike Pence to kill them. Unlike the 9/11 terrorism, this wasn’t a failure of intelligence, this was a failure to simply act on intelligence that was clearly available. Instead of protecting our nation’s government from your domestic terrorists, Trump called them to the capital, fired up his insurrectionist mob and launched it right at our seat of government. And yes Pelosi and Moscow Mitch did ask about security and were assured by the recently fired Capital security leaders that it taken care of. You need to get your head out of the arse of your own White Nationalist media hole, and learn the actual facts of the insurrection that you with your promulgation of lies here have helped promote. Either have the courage to admit that you’ve been a liar and a fool, or along with the other White Nationalists, openly join your own rebellion. At least the Proud Boys have the courage to act on the fascist lies they claim to believe. Shame on you brother. Shame. I don’t think this is over yet and it may get more bloody before it’s done. Pick a side – your constitutional government or your white nationalists who are actively trying to overthrow that government. I know that you are better than this.
@tsalmon
Pretty soon you and Doug will have Trump attacking Democrats’ inauguration of Biden presidency with a flight of stealth bombers.
Actually that would be done by drones.. I saw the movie.
@Doug
@tsalmon
The bombs manned aircraft can carry are still bigger.
I suppose when talking bombs size does make a difference.
@Doug
If the object is to demonize a political enemy, why think small?
From Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the number three House Republican:
“On January 6, 2021 a violent mob attacked the United States Capitol to obstruct the process of our democracy and stop the counting of presidential electoral votes. This insurrection caused injury, death and destruction in the most sacred space in our Republic,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Much more will become clear in coming days and weeks, but what we know now is enough. The President of the United States summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack. Everything that followed was his doing. None of this would have happened without the President. The President could have immediately and forcefully intervened to stop the violence. He did not. There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution.”
She says she will vote to impeach Donald J. Trump. Nice to see at least a few Republicans have the balls to stand up for their convictions.
@tsalmon
So, the lynch mob is getting bigger.
I heard the president’s speech. I have paid close attention since Trump began to run for president. The Democrats behavior has been an abomination. Yet here you are joining a lynch mob claiming Trump incited a riot. The amazing thing is that anyone would take you seriously.
I do. Does that make me amazing?
@Doug
Amazingly foolish? Think you ought to pray for wisdom.
The Almighty already graced me with that trait, though apparently he failed to endow others with the ability to perceive it of me.
@Doug
It is called kindness.
The Joint Chief’s apparently are taking your Trump insurrection seriously. This is a warning that I never thought I would live to see. To your endless shame, this is what yours and Trump’s promulgation of lies has wrought. But ya, two police officers are dead, but it’s all just a big, stupid joke, that only a fool or a cynic would laugh about
MEMORANDUM FOR THE JOINT FORCE
SUBJECT: MESSAGE TO THE JOINT FORCE
The American people have trusted the Armed Forces of the United States to protect them and our Constitution for almost 250 years. As we have done throughout our history, the U.S. military will obey lawful orders from civilian leadership, support civil authorities to protect lives and property, ensure public safety in accordance with the law, and remain fully committed to protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
The violent riot in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 was a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process. We mourn the deaths of the two Capitol policemen and others connected to these unprecedented events.
We witnessed actions inside the Capitol building that were inconsistent with the rule of law. The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection.
As Service Members, we must embody the values and ideals of the Nation. We support and defend the Constitution. Any act to disrupt the Constitutional process is not only against our traditions, values, and oath; it is against the law.
On January 20, 2021, in accordance with the Constitution, confirmed by the states and the courts, and certified by Congress, President-elect Biden will be inaugurated and will become our 46th Commander in Chief.
To our men and women deployed and at home, safeguarding our country-stay ready, keep your eyes on the horizon, and remain focused on the mission. We honor your continued service in defense of every American.
@tsalmon
Over? No. Been going on ever since Adam and Eve. Nothing new about lynch mobs. Well, I supposed the invention of rope did make some difference.
Not a good idea to join the lynch mob. It may seems safer to be part of the lynch mob, but God frowns upon stringing up innocent people. Firmly stating and repeatedly stating someone’s guilt doesn’t much impress God.
Tom,
Interesting that a White Nationalist fascist would bring up lynching, especially since your Trump insurrection lynch mob literally set up a gallows outside the capital building. It’s especially interesting also since it was so many black and brown votes that you lied about to foment your White Nationalist insurrection. Nope, it’s you fascists that use lawlessness and execution to carry out your goals.
@tsalmon
Can’t you ever look something up?
https://www.britannica.com/topic/lynching
I started using the term after watching wild west movies. With Liberal Democrats, however, everything is about race.
So you White Nationalist Fascists call the execution of the Vice President and the other political opponents of your lWASP male mob dominance ideology by lawless hanging innocently as just “the Wild West”? Sure . . .
@tsalmon
Kind of the counterpart to tree falling in the forest. Since no one saw it, it made no sound.
If you have bigger mouth and make more noise than anyone else, whatever you say must be true.