What happened in Washington DC on Wednesday, January 6, 2021? I was there. Here are my impressions.
What Happened First?
Crowds began arriving early at the Ellipse. This is the area in from of the White House and beside the Washington Monument. It was a cold, grey day. We were there to show our protest of the electoral college biased and illegal votes. Speakers exhorted participants to have the courage to do the right thing. Patriotism was a highlight. Chants of Trump and the USA were cheered while flags of every state flew in the wind. After five hours of standing in the cold mud, patriots marched down to the Capitol. We marched along Independence Avenue. Alongside us, marchers continued on Pennsylvania Avenue, too.
Over 3 million people attended the rally at the ellipse, peacefully waving flags and listening to patriotic speeches. Phone service was eliminated right after we arrived, around 9:00 a.m., and wasn’t returned until we left DC around 5:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the local Holiday Inn was barricading their windows.
Toilets?
So few toilets. Waiting in line for an hour to find it overflowing was inconceivable. Museums and other outlets were closed for the crowds. It was rather difficult to continue all day with no toilet facilities.
News Media?
Where was the news media when over 3 million people stood for hours at the Ellipse? I didn’t see any. Nor were any seen as we walked down Constitution Avenue to the Capitol. Individual citizens like me filmed and took pictures with personal cameras. To me, this was like a Fourth Of July parade, very patriotic. We gathered to peaceably encourage our government to do the right thing in regards to the outcome of the elections. When I finally reached the Capitol- the NW side- it was already packed with people. Happy, flag-waving people, all ages, all colors. Did I see any mainstream news? No. But I did see families with small children in strollers. Where millions of flag-waving peaceful protesters were, no reporters. Obviously, no destruction was expected there.
Tear Gas?
By the time we reached the Capitol, a majority of people were on the NW side. People had already crossed the “do not pass” signs. ( Notwithstanding, the public benches also said we were not to use them. It’s hard to tell which laws to obey and which not to obey.)
Many people were around the building waving flags. A family of three met us and told us not to continue to the other side as Antifa was there and so was teargas. I got busy talking on this side of the building, wondering why people were not circling the building. I did hear loud booms and saw small smoke.
However, I peaceably spoke with missionaries to Africa and others. I was not harassed; police did not arrest me or attempt to move me away. Then I watched as the gigantic flag was hoisted up on the Capitol and hung there.
Mobs?
Mainstream media claims protesting mobs controlled the Capitol. As you can see from the images, I didn’t see any mobs. From the time I entered Washington DC, until I went to the Capitol and mingled, until I walked down the parkway, past the alleged bomb site, I left the rally in the car without incidence. It wasn’t until I left the city that I found out about the curfew and all of the trouble inside of the Capitol. Additionally, most cell use was off the majority of the day due to overwhelming use.
Other than the terrible review by the media, I had a fun time at the Capitol and enjoyed the sights. With over 3 million attendees, I’m sure there are many different stories, all depending on where a person was at any given time. But where I was throughout that day was peaceful.
