21 Comments
User's avatar
Virginia Traxler's avatar

Inspirational in that it ISN’t Rah Rah—yes? It seems honest and raw. A doable call to action.

Thanks, Laura. I need to tell you, and others who write to report on what is happening, how much it is appreciated. It is hard for me to read on many days because it is so disturbing. I can only imagine being present and doing the writing. What you do is a great service. Thank you.

Laura Belin's avatar

Thank you for reading and sharing!

Matt Russell's avatar

Laura, your one thing is downright amazing. Keep telling these powerful stories and doing your incredible research. Proud to be a paid supporter of Bleeding Heartland.

Laura Belin's avatar

Thanks, Matt. It means a lot to me.

Dianne Prichard's avatar

Stay angry!

Laura Belin's avatar

Like the old bumper sticker said, if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.

Ron Hartnett's avatar

Fantastic. Right on!

Liz Flaherty's avatar

Powerful.

Michael Teferi's avatar

Wow; What a brutally beneficial and honestly inspiring experience by former Capital Police Officer, Mr. Dunn! I deeply respect, not only is he from the DC area, yet he has written and talked about epic details of action, from his fifteen years of service, to the horrible events of January 6, to the aftermath of the 2024 election cycle and results, therein. This country has major issues revolving around multiple crises, yet it will take us Democrats and Independents to help and support the opportunity for us to move forward in the direction we care about. Thank you ever so much Ms. Belin and Mr. Dunn, for your wonderful work and for appreciating who we are, what we stand for, and why we are meant to accomplish these feats that connect us to something higher than ourselves. ☺️😊😀🥰

Joy Ann Bonham's avatar

“ November the fifth, America showed us who we really are.”

I have not recovered from the betrayal of our core American values. I do not recognize this country anymore. And like Dunn, I am NOT over it. Don’t know if I will EVER be able to forgive my neighbors who voted for him. Our Neighborhood Watch is dead, over. We are no longer a community. Donnie has not made American great. He’s made the US a shitty place to live.

thomas scherer's avatar

Stay the anger. Pursue the passion. Endure until victorious. Embrace the 'suck'. Sounds grand, does it not? I agree Laura, I wish he would have parsed the reasons that he felt caused the voters to choose hate rather than hope. Come November of 2026, there will be another opportunity. I hope the resolve will still be in our collective souls

Sandra Nicht's avatar

Rah Rah is Blah Blah BS. We must learn to handle the truth and deal with that.

Marianne Fons's avatar

Thank you, Laura, for your voice, your writing skills, your determination to accurately report.

Susan Van Zile's avatar

Thank you for this. Keep up the great work so you can turn Iowa blue 💙

Ed's avatar

I'm an old boomer -- 2026 is our final exit! If American's don't get out to vote for freedom -- it will be the end of the road!

The Democrats, Independents, and hopefully a number of sane Republicans (RINO's) will get out to vote and save our democracy in 2026.

Jeff's avatar

Thank you for this. I'm glad the dems reached beyond conventional speakers to let Officer Dunn share his experiences and thoughts. I agree with him that "America showed us what it is" in 2024, ignoring so much objective reality. The big question is will the con continue, or will people wise up to the destruction being wrought thanks to their votes.

D C's avatar

Wow! Incredible man and hero and great article!

Dean Weitenhagen's avatar

Sicknick had a stroke at his home the next day. Of course the Capitol police would try to tie his medical condition to the protest.

Dean Weitenhagen's avatar

The only one that truly got hurt on January 6th was a young woman - a wife and mother - who was murdered by a Capitol policeman.

As Seen From This Side's avatar

None of the people terrorizing the Capitol police, Congress men and women, and/or their aides should have been in the Capitol on J6 with their intents and in their frames of mind. As was plainly heard, some were yelling “hang Mike Pence.” People died that day, and thereafter some remain traumatized. The woman who was shot was trying to enter a legislative chamber, by force. Sadly, she was shot. She is no martyr. She was a victim—of Trump’s influence. I don’t know you, Dean, but you do seem caught up in the disinformation indoctrination that affects the MAGA crowd. Seek counsel.

RE Herron's avatar

Not to dilute or argue your point, but not a proud day for “most” Americans. Remembering Officer Sicknick as well. https://www.uscp.gov/about/honoring-our-fallen/officer-brian-sicknick