January 6, 2021, had a predicate.
So too, recent verbal and physical confrontations at school board meetings, led by right-wing parents and organizations.
Although that predicate is far less known — occurring as it did in an era before social media — it was a critical precursor to our current political moment.
To appreciate how America got to the point where thuggish mobs would decide that threatening policymakers and storming capitol buildings were acceptable behaviors, you have to start in Nashville, a little over 20 years ago.
Specifically, you should begin with the July 2001 Tennessee “tax revolt,” in which right-wing talk radio hosts incited a mini-riot at the state capitol over the prospects of a state income tax.
To appreciate how America got to the point where thuggish mobs would decide that threatening policymakers and storming capitol buildings were acceptable behaviors, you have to start in Nashville, a little over 20 years ago.
