Do you view the capitol hill protesters as typical Americans?

[Ozanne]

I'm not American, but have traveled there hundreds of times and I know from meeting many Americans that there are all walks of life - but typically - Americans tend to talk too much. Both sides: Democrats and Republicans. I mean that quite literally - they can't afford a little bit of silence in a room, and need to fill it with either talking or mouth sounds. I'm not sure why many feel such a need, or feel uncomfortable with just enjoying quiet even in a room with others, but that's my observation. :)

With that said, I do not find this small group of crazies to be the representation of all of America, and I find them ignorant to think *they* are what America stands for, while millions [more] are actually not feeling the same vibe they do.

When one side says "we're patriots, WE are the people", and the other side claims the same thing - then you can't possibly be that stupid to think there is an actual side. But each side does it. "This is not who we are" one side will say. Yes, it is. Collectively, you all are one side as Americans, and those of us on the outside feel like we're parents trying to control a couple of misbehaving kids in the backseat of a car who won't stop pestering each other, exasperatedly asking, "Can't you just get along?"

[Lliam]

What's interesting is, there were well over a million (as many as three million by some estimates) of people crowding the capital area to show support for President Trump. That fact isn't even being mentioned. They were entirely peaceful.

Police opened barriers and waived "protestors" inside the Senate building. THAT is what is getting the headlines. Was there any looting or vandalism or arson? No. But we're hearing hyperbolic comments about attempted coup, desecration of our sacred institution, etc, etc, etc.
If the millions outside had been Biden supporters the media would have reported it loudly. If those Democrats had acted like BLM/antifa terrorists and wrecked the place, they would have been portrayed as justified.

I don't know if the millions who showed up are "typical" Americans. But typical Americans should do such things. It's a shame that they don't exercise their first amendment rights to peacefully petition the government redress of grievances just as over a million showed up to MLK's million man march. I'm for shutting down the entire country with mass strikes and millions upon millions people hitting the streets in peaceful protest.

It's up to citizens to take back their government from the oligarchs and corrupt politicians. They have a right to do so peacefully. But know that people in power will use every means possible, including agent provoceurs, media lies, or what have you, to justify state brutality and further infringements on people's rights. Despite that, the people's true power is in numbers.

[Anonymous]

The problem here is the lack of distinction between "typical" and "real American".
Typical American's are unplugged and ignorant. But they idea of being American, like being a part of any culture, is holding particular values. Now, I would say these protestors simply care about those values more than most other people in the culture. So in a sense they are more American. But I hate the whole patriotic angle, the values are good and you can embrace them and that your culture holds them without getting excessively tribal.

"Anyone who disagrees with the flagbearer is a traitor."
I disagree that it's what that means. I think that's just what it looks like from the opposing tribe. Traitor is an obviously extreme position, more realistically it is a decent recognition of pride in the values the culture was built on. So again, they are "more" in that particular culture in the sense that they hold a higher concentration of the values typical of that culture and probably also represent them more intensely. They may be a minority, but for better or for worst they are the concentrated version, of the diluted and weaken values regular people hold.

[Smoke-n-Growls]

They're the "stereotypical" American in that there's the negative stereotype of Americans in the international community that illustrates them as entitled, loud, uneducated, uncivilized, rude, and violent.

That much is true of this particular crowd.

However most Americans are not like this. A good portion are responsible and nice people - perhaps rude and direct for the average international taste, but not intentionally. The average American is nice, enthusiastic, and mildly over-excitable.

It is worth noting that there is a non-insignificant population in America that would not publicly stand with this group of terrorists, but who do privately stand with them.

I think it's worthwhile for the good American people to ferret out, educate, and "reclaim" this population. Save them from themselves before the radical alt-right makes more domstic terrorists.

Fortunately, I think that good side of America has a strong chance of making lasting change with this all-Democratic majority government.

[razelove]

As shocked and outraged as everyone would like to act, the left wanted to storm the white house, and tried to, trump was just much more free to deploy military assets and police than the left is. This entire year has been defined by protests, rioting, one group attempting to kidnap the governor of... michigan was it? Fake news, the left is spewing fake news, no the right is, no, your mom is! Milk is really beautifully orange!

It's ridiculous, but it's America, and it has been for a while now. The only argument between some or most would be age as young people would be the ones to march and get all physical. Though honestly I never cared about politics when I was young either. Politics don't get you laid (they can only cockblock), and if they're going to make or lose you money you just press a button...

My theory is football is boring now, so more people are getting involved with politics with all the enthusiasm they would bring to a fantasy football team.

[David_Bolin]

I will say this as an American. Yes, we believe very strongly in the 1st amendment (For those who don't know, Freedom of speech). So we are taught from the moment we begin school that we have the right to express our opinions no matter what they are. I can also see that would come across as loud and opinionated to those who were not raised with that mindset. And yes our pride in our countries history may be overly patriotic at times. But other than pride how else could we feel but ashamed?
Which that is exactly how the actions that Trump has shown throughout his career and especially the last few weeks has me feeling. Because I believe that the POTUS should represent the best of us and be a leader, not just nationally but on the world stage as well. And sadly I personally feel he only took office to enact policy changes and use his power to further his already incredible wealth. I also feel sorry for those that stormed the capitol because they have been misled by misinformation or "fake news". Information I feel Trump personally is responsible for spreading to gain support. I feel one's man greed and lust for power has divided this nation and helped to cause the preventable deaths of nearly 400,000 Americans as of this point; and before it is over I believe will be well over 500,000 maybe even nearing 750,000. I hope that gives you a clearer picture of how Americans, at least those in the poverty range feel about what has happened.

[Anonymous]

I believe it was another American false flag, created to push an idea to the sheep of people who only believe what the corrupt media tells them.

Trumps tweets were:
"I know your pain, I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us”

He added that his followers need to go home.
"It's a very tough period of time," Trump said. "We love you, you're very special."

“These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!"

At no point did he “incite”...
He sympathized with people for being angry, but he told people to go home.
Then he told people it was a tough time and told them he loved them.

Then he simply pointed out how what was happening was an obvious result of people feeling jilted by their country and repeated for them to GO HOME and IN PEACE!

There are videos showing police removing barricades and waving to the mob to approach the Capitol building.

I believe this was orchestrated by stupid americans but like most claims about trump... weren’t actually true.
He never said he grabbed women by the junk... he was using conjecture, when he said as a powerful man he COULD do something like that.
The opposition viciously twist any and all things trump says to create their own plot... most of which is bullshit.

Trump is an idiot, but not for the shit most people believe he is.

[Curiousnesshmmm]

I’ve lived in Washington DC for over 10 years and at least in DC not 1 person wanted those protesters in our town. I was riding my bike through the city that day to go to a friends house and they all looked like the most ignorant uneducated people I have ever seen. Heard many people from DC telling the protesters to gtfo of our city. We at least here have the mindset that we wa t that virus that is trump and all his negative, racist, sexiest BS out of here. The last 4 years have been the worst in my life and I’ve never seen so many people so depressed in my life. Trump & his supporters do not represent the majority of Americans. They are not the future they are stuck in the past. It’s time to move forward. Stop destroying this planet for money, everything revolves around money and before you know it we will have used up every resource, the fresh and salt water will be too polluted to go swimming in and they’re won’t be any sea life left. There are sooo many animals becoming extinct everyday it’s crazy all because of money and greed. We’re taught history in school but yet the leaders of most nations don’t look back at history and realize that most of the great empires and kingdoms all fell because of lack of resources, food & disease. Nations just worry about power. Look what the US did to the native people of bikini islands in the pacific. We dropped an N bomb on there beautiful islands where they lived for 1000’s of years peacefully and now they all have cancer & America has documents stating we were using them as test dummies to see how radiation affects humans. I’m done my rant, I’m scared for the future of the world if we don’t make a drastic change immediately

[Imcmullan]

Please do not look at those people n say thats what an American is like! I'm an immigrant to america but I've been here for a long time.. Im also very patriotic, a proud American... those people for the most part were low life , hillbilly, racist, trash... they aren't what really represents the country.. most Americans have class and respect for our nation's capitol.. that was a gross display of people being little cry babies and thugs. Why do all of that when they know very well it won't change the election? They treat Trump like he's their messiah! Its ridiculous!

[hellionthesagereborn]

You won't understand so whats the point? You've already made up your mind.

What we have is two factions, one group that is saying we should not throw away our constitution, that we should actually adhere to the law and the constitution, that its okay to be proud of being an American.

The other side says we need to throw away the constition (or radically alter it beyond recognition), that the constitution is outdated and at least as far as this election has gone, that we don't need to adhere to the law (as the law was violated by multiple states multiple times (uncontested fact), and that being American should be seen as a mark of shame.

The ones who stormed the capitol were the former. Are they typical americans? well, they are typical of half of america, the other half is more typical to antifa/blm so look to those riots to see what kind of people they are.

[markml]

There is no such thing as a "typical American".

This is the main reason I voted "No".

They ARE Americans, though. Being rebellious is American. And you can trace that rebel spirit all the way back to the American Revolution. But today, not all Americans are rebels.

It's a diverse country with many different kinds of people. If you are asking if the majority of Americans would break into the U. S. Capitol if given the opportunity, I would say "No". That majority are law abiding citizens. The majority also do not have time to go to protests.

But there is a significant minority that do protest. And a minority of that minority like to smash things and cause havoc.

Then depending on your political preferences, you will either call these rebels terrorists, while excusing the BLM rebels who destroyed and looted a Target, or vice-versa.

Because most Americans are hypocrites. That is probably the most common trait.

[Tamera952]

Yes and no, ... but mainly no. TrumpTard himself even said they were "aesthetically unpleasant and low class (looking)" -- So yes, they display some attributes of middle-Americana sensibilities, but they are for sure the dregs of society, steeped in conspiracy theories and ignorance -- & and easily manipulated.
To say they're not so bright would be charitable, but these idiots are too stupid to see that they're being used like tools, by a sociopath that literally has told 30,000 documented mendacious lies and untruths -- TrumpTard has nothing in common with these bottom feeders and cannot relate to them as people.

[RoxyFoxx]

There's no such thing as 'true Americans'. It is a country of over 300 million people. Needless to say, in such a huge population, you can find people of every political persuasion, who hold every conceivable opinion on every topic. They all believe that they have the best beliefs and opinions. The problem is that far too many Americans and believe that they're the only ones who have the Truth (with a capital T) and it's their job to bring the Truth to other people using whatever means necessary. What happens when two rival Truths clash? There is death and destruction.

[Mehzmeh]

The funny thing is, that this is not the first time in United States history. That this has happened. But, it all has to do with hate. And 75% of trumprepublicans are racist. They liked him because, he allowed them to be idiots and not have a filter. And not be scared of the repercussions. (A few of them felt my raft his first year in office lol). And because constantly did care what he said out of his mouth. They took it for gold. And that's why they did what he told them to do. So we shouldn't be surprised.

But that is not what the real United States is about. I was born in Jamaica. And raised in the United States. And i have hit some bumps with some people. But, I have been shown more love. I have people from all races that I call family. And that is what United States is all about. Love and supp for your fellow man. Not, hate and destruction.

[JoshMacDonald]

Though I’m not American, I’ve been there often and have many friends and family that are American. I would say that it’s an exaggerated depiction of the American mind. What I mean by that, as a Canadian I’ve had so many of my friends and family tell me how sad it is that I’m unfortunately in Canada and not the US. Here I am thinking I’m so lucky I’m here instead of there. I’m fine with a sense of pride in ones country but I would never put someone down simply because they weren’t living here. Now this was a while ago and I can see how that mentality could lead to this mentality very easily.

[Dargil]

A.5 Many Americans. Most of us have been suppressing our impulses. Now that the Left has pulled off a Hat Trick. Don't look for Patriots to surrender. They will be quiet for a while while plans and strategies are developed. When the revolution starts, it will be very subtle and precise. At first it will seem random until patterns are recognized.

"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical." Thos. Jefferson

Slight edit. "Let (all) know, whether they wish us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty." John F Kennedy.

Even the most brainwashed leftist knows that what is coming is NOT liberty.

[JackSmy]

Once again, from your distance, and lack of knowledge, or maybe just trying to be "NICE"? But NO!! Those are TERRORIST, SEDITIONIST BASTARDS!!!
There was NO GOOD REASON, or JUSTIFICATION for that EMBARRASSING display by IGNORANT FOOLS AND ASSHOLES!!
THESE ARE NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL OF AMERICANS!!
Please, do not even, for a second, think that ALL OF US are like these RADICAL TERRIORIST ASSHOLES!!!
I cannot apologize enough to the world, and those that were once allies, before Trump, and his NONSENSE!!
I pray that Biden can right the ship, and rebuild the confidence in the alliances, and restore the treaties that Trump destroyed, being a total ASS!!

[supercutebutt]

Yes and no. Because it depends where you live in America. If you live in cities or suburbs, most people hate this Trumptarded ideology. Even people who voted Republican have now grown tired of Trump where I live. But in the rural parts, the vast majority of people love the shit out of him. But OVERALL, the Trumptarded are outnumbered. Trump lost by 7 million in the popular vote. And it seems clear that among people who don't vote, he isn't liked.

[jshm2]

They were domestic terrorists, not "protestors" (protestors don't carry guns) nor "rioters" as they actually have police and security services fight them, not help them through and take selfies with them.

You've noticed a lot of meaningless things, kiddo.

[Anonymous]

these people are in no way, shape or form "the minority" here. But they are under attack and largely forced to remain silent. Need proof? Check out all of them being banned on social media over the last few days-- just as they claimed big tech was trying to do all along in tandem with the Democrat party. The attack on free speech is real and happening now.
I'm glad you mentioned about the flags, because you can watch thousands of hours all year long from the "other protestors" BURNING the flag, while these people proudly fly it in support of their country while trying to be heard.

[Red_Arrow]

You can call them protesters if you like. I will be a bit more accurate and call them terrorists and traitors. The truth is out there for all to see, yet some idiots make up conspiracy theories, and a huge amount of Americans believe the ridiculous tales and refuse to accept the truth, even when given tons of audio and visual proof. And apparently they represent close to half the voters. I know some of them personally, and there is no getting them to accept truth.

[Stoner710]

This is a small percentage of the republican party known as the Alt right and the Q anon conspiracy theorist, They don’t represent the majority of the Republican Party. About 99% of Republicans disagree with what they did so much trying to make excuses for it which I don’t like but most people disagree with this action

[Hans222]

For me, definetely D. They're extremists who took the words of Trump literally and tried to stop parliament from doing its job. They're the sort of people who love Trump because he confirms their extremist ideas.
They're absolutely not representative for the average American. The average American was shocked by seeing this happen.

[Anonymous]

I don't think they represent all Americans but the United States has a much bigger racism and domestic terrorism issue than most other countries, especially most other western countries. You couldn't pay me to become an American citizen at this point.