Everything you've written has been and will continue to be worth it. You've helped so many people learn and understand and perhaps be just a little more mentally prepared for this. What's happening is still fucked but that helps. You're reliable and generous with your research and work and that can be a huge comfort for those who need it. Your work has value and I feel grateful for all that you've written so thank you, for all of it.
Came here to say the same thing! Your writing has provided comfort throughout the past few months and although everything that’s happening is shocking, I also felt slightly more prepared by reading this newsletter (since it almost felt inevitable at this point unfortunately). Thanks again for doing what you do and just wanted to double down on the comment that your work DEFINITELY matters and has given me the confidence to approach tough discussions I may have previously shied away from.
Thanks Sarah. This means a lot. I put more time into this than I imagined when I started it - and I love the process and meeting everyone, and exploring topics - but on days like this I just feel a little bummed about it all. Not saying Webworm would stop America's idiocy, but I dunno - just that feeling of "what's this all for?" And I think you answered that. Thank you.
When I attended NYC protests, I could not shake the feeling of constant surveillance police in every direction with drones, and cameras, ready to take action. The images of empty press rooms and offices filled with protesters without any authority present looks almost fiction. We all know that the capital has the resources and ability to curb the mobs in the way they did at the BLM protests, yet they allow this to continue. A very clear and disheartening message.
I imagine NZ is pretty hard to get into right now, but I like to think we'd gladly let you in. Those NYC protests must seem like a lifetime ago, right?!
Please don't lose hope David. Webworm has been a welcome respite from the conspiracy chaos and misinformation swirling through social media and every article chips away at the madness. I know I'm not alone in saying I appreciate you and the work you do.
we'll allow police to murder a Black man for using a phony 20 dollar bill, but when there is a violent attack on American Democracy, we just let treasonous people take over the capital with minimal recourse. This is the worst day for the core values of this country that we have ever seen.
It's so bizarre watching the clips of them storming in there and then just sort of...bumbling around? Like, as a tactic wtaf are they hoping to achieve by this apart from creating a spectacle? I am equal parts horrified and intrigued.
It kinda felt like watching kids breaking into the principal's office and then having no idea what they'd actually do when they got in. Like, "oh this is where the grownups work" and pacing around with their super-hero capes and security blankies until they get bored.
I was just talking with Dax and Monica about this as we recorded a new Armchaired and Dangerous today... it's like they just did not know what to do. Take a selfie. Stand around. Look bored. Idiotic. No purpose.
And now negative partisanship (of which Trumpism is the end result) has now cost the GOP the House, the Presidency and the Senate. Thank you Georgia! And it was African American voters who carried that. Black Lives Matter!
This is terrifying, every day the world gets worse and I lose hope! I don’t know about you but it’s a really hard time to be dealing with mental illness at the moment, no amount of tablets or therapy can block out all of the darkness because we’re surrounded by it (that was very dramatic I apologise 😂)
I think it’ll take years to undo what has been caused by the Trump administration, the lasting damage across the nation is going to last for a full generation which is incredibly sad, I only hope the platforms these people use keep on blocking them and stopping them in their tracks!
Ps. Louis Theroux is doing a virtual podcast at the minute and I’d LOVE to hear you on an episode talking about all things conspiracy, I can’t get enough of armchaired and dangerous
Surrounding states and counties, mine included, are sending military and police backup. I don't see this ending without blood, honestly. I dunno I can't really think very clearly atm and maybe will add to this later but one thing I keep thinking is that I'm grateful for the photojournalists who are catching these people red-handed while the police literally stand to the side.
For those outside the US, they've pushed back the terrorists from the front of the building and police and military seem to be gaining control steadily. They're using flash bang grenades and tear gas now.
I live an hour away from DC in Baltimore. This spring, it'll be 6 years since our BLM protests occurred following the death by cops of innocent black man Freddie Gray. We had one night of uprising that resulted in widespread property damage. The worst thing that happened was the burning of a CVS Pharmacy.
By the next morning, calm had returned and people were literally dancing in the streets in an effort to heal their communities following the violence. Despite this, a curfew was implemented (crushing local bars and restaurants), the National Guard was activated all over town, and peaceful protests were flanked by cops. I participated in one march wherein I felt entirely safe *except* when passing the police. The presence of the National Guard was frankly disturbing. Many citizens felt we were under occupation. Essentially because a CVS burned down, and despite order being self-restored by morning. So to see clumps of police literally standing off to the side as domestic terrorists attack a federal building is sickening. We are a white supremacist nation by default.
I think your last sentence is bang on. An awful reality in the USA. At least the wound is open for all to see, and we have a chance to fix it, somehow. Or reassess. Maybe.
That's the thing, right? I feel like NONE of this is a surprise, once you vote the orange mess of a reality TV star into the presidency. And yet, every day - a new awful surprise you never saw coming. This, for four years. And it should be over now, but it's still going.
It's almost as if the police as an institution has a right wing and white supremacist bias and that's why QAnon believers trying to overthrow democracy are treated so much better than Black Americans asking not to be killed
at least georgia told mitch mcconnell to esssentially go fuck himself. praying that a dem majority leader will actually make sure that things get done this term.
I have just finished reading Brian Deer's 'The doctor who fooled the world' about Andrew Wakefield and the development of the shockingly unethical but lethally effective anti-vax movement. The idea that 'they' were concealing dangerous information from 'us' and that there was some huge conspiracy behind vaccinations, really took off in the US. That started over 20 years ago, but the same lack of touch with reality is reflected in Trump supporters. No surprise that Wakefield was personally invited to Trump's inauguration.
Seeing the image of police taking selfies with these terrorists is a whole new level of horrifying .. and to think that trash pile Trump has 2 weeks left in office
I moved to New Zealand 6 years ago and people would always ask why I moved here when I lived in such a great place such as the US. I have not been asked that question for quite some time and I reckon I won't be asked that for quite some time in the future.
Trump will soon no longer be the problem. It’s the 60(plus) million people that voted for him. They are self righteous, bigoted, spoiled rotten ignorant ass clowns. We have a huge issue and it’s not walking out the door with Trump. Being worried is an understatement, especially when I see this poison creeping into people I love(d) and respect(ed). In my best Rick James voice.....” Q is a powerful drug”.
Yeah, the voters are a concern. Still, without someone giving them such a voice and inspiration, I do hope thing settle. But yes - America is broken. It's had it's time in the sun. It's at its end.
Everything you've written has been and will continue to be worth it. You've helped so many people learn and understand and perhaps be just a little more mentally prepared for this. What's happening is still fucked but that helps. You're reliable and generous with your research and work and that can be a huge comfort for those who need it. Your work has value and I feel grateful for all that you've written so thank you, for all of it.
Came here to say the same thing! Your writing has provided comfort throughout the past few months and although everything that’s happening is shocking, I also felt slightly more prepared by reading this newsletter (since it almost felt inevitable at this point unfortunately). Thanks again for doing what you do and just wanted to double down on the comment that your work DEFINITELY matters and has given me the confidence to approach tough discussions I may have previously shied away from.
DEFINITELY! 💪
Thanks Sarah. This means a lot. I put more time into this than I imagined when I started it - and I love the process and meeting everyone, and exploring topics - but on days like this I just feel a little bummed about it all. Not saying Webworm would stop America's idiocy, but I dunno - just that feeling of "what's this all for?" And I think you answered that. Thank you.
When I attended NYC protests, I could not shake the feeling of constant surveillance police in every direction with drones, and cameras, ready to take action. The images of empty press rooms and offices filled with protesters without any authority present looks almost fiction. We all know that the capital has the resources and ability to curb the mobs in the way they did at the BLM protests, yet they allow this to continue. A very clear and disheartening message.
Is New Zealand taking citizen applications....
I imagine NZ is pretty hard to get into right now, but I like to think we'd gladly let you in. Those NYC protests must seem like a lifetime ago, right?!
Please don't lose hope David. Webworm has been a welcome respite from the conspiracy chaos and misinformation swirling through social media and every article chips away at the madness. I know I'm not alone in saying I appreciate you and the work you do.
Thanks Alistair. It's been a bad day. Appreciate this.
we'll allow police to murder a Black man for using a phony 20 dollar bill, but when there is a violent attack on American Democracy, we just let treasonous people take over the capital with minimal recourse. This is the worst day for the core values of this country that we have ever seen.
It's so bizarre watching the clips of them storming in there and then just sort of...bumbling around? Like, as a tactic wtaf are they hoping to achieve by this apart from creating a spectacle? I am equal parts horrified and intrigued.
It kinda felt like watching kids breaking into the principal's office and then having no idea what they'd actually do when they got in. Like, "oh this is where the grownups work" and pacing around with their super-hero capes and security blankies until they get bored.
I was just talking with Dax and Monica about this as we recorded a new Armchaired and Dangerous today... it's like they just did not know what to do. Take a selfie. Stand around. Look bored. Idiotic. No purpose.
Yep - It's like a dog which catches the car. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPBAbmFnmOM
Oh my god 😂
This is how the Handmaids Tale started isn't it
The scenes out the front of Congress certainly echoed that. Watching that cross go up in Michigan wasn't a great look, either. Ugh.
And now negative partisanship (of which Trumpism is the end result) has now cost the GOP the House, the Presidency and the Senate. Thank you Georgia! And it was African American voters who carried that. Black Lives Matter!
Well said!
Hells yes.
This is terrifying, every day the world gets worse and I lose hope! I don’t know about you but it’s a really hard time to be dealing with mental illness at the moment, no amount of tablets or therapy can block out all of the darkness because we’re surrounded by it (that was very dramatic I apologise 😂)
I think it’ll take years to undo what has been caused by the Trump administration, the lasting damage across the nation is going to last for a full generation which is incredibly sad, I only hope the platforms these people use keep on blocking them and stopping them in their tracks!
Ps. Louis Theroux is doing a virtual podcast at the minute and I’d LOVE to hear you on an episode talking about all things conspiracy, I can’t get enough of armchaired and dangerous
I'm really, really enjoying Louis' podcast, after lots of people recommended it to me. It's a little shining light, at times. Hang in there, Lauren.
*hugs* Hang in there Lauren. You're far from alone.
Surrounding states and counties, mine included, are sending military and police backup. I don't see this ending without blood, honestly. I dunno I can't really think very clearly atm and maybe will add to this later but one thing I keep thinking is that I'm grateful for the photojournalists who are catching these people red-handed while the police literally stand to the side.
For those outside the US, they've pushed back the terrorists from the front of the building and police and military seem to be gaining control steadily. They're using flash bang grenades and tear gas now.
I live an hour away from DC in Baltimore. This spring, it'll be 6 years since our BLM protests occurred following the death by cops of innocent black man Freddie Gray. We had one night of uprising that resulted in widespread property damage. The worst thing that happened was the burning of a CVS Pharmacy.
By the next morning, calm had returned and people were literally dancing in the streets in an effort to heal their communities following the violence. Despite this, a curfew was implemented (crushing local bars and restaurants), the National Guard was activated all over town, and peaceful protests were flanked by cops. I participated in one march wherein I felt entirely safe *except* when passing the police. The presence of the National Guard was frankly disturbing. Many citizens felt we were under occupation. Essentially because a CVS burned down, and despite order being self-restored by morning. So to see clumps of police literally standing off to the side as domestic terrorists attack a federal building is sickening. We are a white supremacist nation by default.
I think your last sentence is bang on. An awful reality in the USA. At least the wound is open for all to see, and we have a chance to fix it, somehow. Or reassess. Maybe.
Watching from the UK, just speechless at what is going on - but not necessarily surprised either
That's the thing, right? I feel like NONE of this is a surprise, once you vote the orange mess of a reality TV star into the presidency. And yet, every day - a new awful surprise you never saw coming. This, for four years. And it should be over now, but it's still going.
It’s making me happy to be in the UK, and I can safely say that’s the first time I’ve said that in a LONG time
Ha, for once I don’t mind being on Plague Island!
Right?? Like its astonishing but also kind of the logical conclusion to this whole thing
It's almost as if the police as an institution has a right wing and white supremacist bias and that's why QAnon believers trying to overthrow democracy are treated so much better than Black Americans asking not to be killed
at least georgia told mitch mcconnell to esssentially go fuck himself. praying that a dem majority leader will actually make sure that things get done this term.
Really glad that strangely awful skin-suit of a man is goneburgers.
proof that if you’re just a genuinely terrible human being you decay from the inside out
Right? He looks weirdly like a corpse.
I’m so glad I don’t have to look at his face anymore.
I have just finished reading Brian Deer's 'The doctor who fooled the world' about Andrew Wakefield and the development of the shockingly unethical but lethally effective anti-vax movement. The idea that 'they' were concealing dangerous information from 'us' and that there was some huge conspiracy behind vaccinations, really took off in the US. That started over 20 years ago, but the same lack of touch with reality is reflected in Trump supporters. No surprise that Wakefield was personally invited to Trump's inauguration.
I need to read this. Thank you. Ordered.
Seeing the image of police taking selfies with these terrorists is a whole new level of horrifying .. and to think that trash pile Trump has 2 weeks left in office
Hated seeing that, too. And on a twitch stream. Ugh.
I moved to New Zealand 6 years ago and people would always ask why I moved here when I lived in such a great place such as the US. I have not been asked that question for quite some time and I reckon I won't be asked that for quite some time in the future.
Nice to have you hear, Annie.
Trump will soon no longer be the problem. It’s the 60(plus) million people that voted for him. They are self righteous, bigoted, spoiled rotten ignorant ass clowns. We have a huge issue and it’s not walking out the door with Trump. Being worried is an understatement, especially when I see this poison creeping into people I love(d) and respect(ed). In my best Rick James voice.....” Q is a powerful drug”.
Yeah, the voters are a concern. Still, without someone giving them such a voice and inspiration, I do hope thing settle. But yes - America is broken. It's had it's time in the sun. It's at its end.