Here’s some thoughts on why it’s important to call the forcible seizure of the Capitol by a white supremacist mob (and the broader movement to overturn the election results) a COUP attempt and not a riot, sedition, insurrection, or anything else. 1/

The first three terms largely obscure the extent of organization behind these events and thus, the active involvement of elites — including, but not limited to figures like Trump and Hawley.

This was not a spontaneous violent expression of a disorganized rabble. 2/

It was actively inspired and promoted by the national political elites of a major party, including the sitting President.

Not to mention the logistics involved: someone organized and/or paid for buses, flights, lodging to enable the assembly of this white supremacist mob. 3/

Calling this a coup attempt focuses responsibility on those who inspired it and those who organized and/or funded it. 4/

At the very least, the former group can never be allowed to return to public life (including highly-paid positions at public companies, media organizations, foundations, think tanks, or universities).

5/

The latter group needs to rot in cells in a Federal Supermax. Because they are the leaders of a traitorous conspiracy. 6/6