When then-candidate tRump threw his hat in the ring in 2015, it seemed like a joke. There was no way he could get the nomination, right?... and that became "there's no way he can win in the General, right?"... which - sadly - became "there's no way he'll last 4 years, right?". We'll see about that last one, but a few days off the total would - at this point - be merely symbolic.

Ah yes - we were all so young and innocent in those days. We had not yet experienced the horror show that was to be unleashed upon the USA and the world. It should not have been a surprise. Gingrich and his list of words to demonize the Democrats set the tone shift from policy differences to character assassination. This continued on up through the Bush administration and McConnell as Senate Majority Leader.

It seems we are finally seeing the horrific logical conclusion of this tactic, and hopefully we can move forward and leave it behind. The attempted coup by seditionists that resulted in the melee at the Capitol has long arms and is pulling down a lot of people who tethered themselves to tRump's twisted vision. The Great Unwashed among his cult following are finally feeling the sting, as are people in government who should know better.

Among the crowd (besides those already arrested, such as the guy who put his feet up on Speaker Pelosi's desk, the antler cosplay guy, and the podium stealer) were some people that are seeing their lives damaged or destroyed. These include an Olympic gold medalist, and a NY Judge's son. Mayor Ghouliani, who has milked his 9/11 goodwill until it ran dry will likely get disbarred for urging the suggestable mob attack the Capitol.

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) are going to be persona non grata, if they don't get outright censured or expelled.

Three Democratic House reps have tested positive for COVID-19 after having to shelter in place with Republican lawmakers who refused to wear masks while doing so.

tRump himself has seen his political capital plummet. His job approval rating is going down the toilet. He is getting impeached today, with the approval of Moscow Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and leading Republicans in the House. All of the major media platforms have banned tRump, making it very difficult to get his message out (and planning-central for the attack - Parler - is shut down, with all of its data hacked and provided to the FBI). His banking buddies (most notably Deutsche Bank) are abandoning him.

There's still a week left, and plenty of ugliness remaining. Despite the attack a week ago, Republicans are doing their best to circumvent metal detectors. There are still plots being made to attack the Capitol again (by ironically self-proclaimed "patriots"). Will they be aided and abetted my members of Congress again? What price will they pay?

Our country needs to step back from the division fomented by tRump, most vividly on display at the Capitol last week. We need to return to being the "United" States. There must be reconciliation.

Before that, though, there needs to be consequences. There can be no healing without that. That's the truth.