Michael Fanone worked for the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia for twenty years. He was attacked while fighting to protect our Capitol and our democracy on January 6th. He has spoken openly to the public and during the January 6th hearings about the brutality of the experience, and spoke with Jen Rubin about the betrayal he feels regarding Trump’s pardons. Today, he is an American law enforcement analyst, author, and retired policeman.
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It is a great honor to welcome to The Contrarian an American hero.
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SPEAKER 2
Hi, this is Jennifer Rubin, and this is The Contrarian. It is a great honor to welcome to The Contrarian an American hero. I don't say that very often, but Michael Fanon in 2021 saved the Capitol and largely preserved our not so peaceful transfer of power from America. the first Trump administration, to Biden.
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And let me start with this, Michael. We saw, because the ceremony was moved into the rotunda, this contrast, because in our mind's eye, we still remember what we saw in the rotunda on January 6th. What was your impression just looking at that scene today?
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SPEAKER 1
I'll be honest with you, I didn't watch it.
Jen Rubin interviews Michael Fanone, former DC police officer
Jan 21, 2025
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Thank you so much for this interview Jen.
Michael Fanone ~ thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. My heart goes out to you and your family and your colleagues who also put their lives on the line that horrific day. Your integrity and honesty shines brightly. You’re the best of us.
Thank you Michael Fanone for everything you have done and what you stand for. FOTUS 34 should be in jail, along with the 1500 January 6 criminals he's pardoning.
Thank you, Michael Fanone. I am so deeply sorry that you and your family continue to be threatened. And very sorry for all you have been through. The truth of how divided we have become is tragic. That Americans would treat each other with such disrespect is mind numbing. Please keep speaking the truth. Hopefully the truth and those who speak it, will prevail. ❤️
I am not diminishing your comment because I agree, but our nasty treatment of others in this country goes back to the Natives and Black Slaves. How do we stop this?
A sitting Supreme Court Justice stood in front of a convicted felon and witnessed him taking the oath to uphold the constitution. That very same Justice aided in his ascent to that seat of power. The career con man held up his right hand while his left hand dangled by his side never touching the bible that he has used to grift off from. Every word he spoke in that oath was a lie the moment they left his lips and yet, we, the citizens of the United States are supposed to have faith in our government. While officer Fanone struggles to keep his family safe from attack, the person who assaulted him was set free last night by the very system we are supposed to "have faith" in. I agree with Officer Fanone. I have faith in SOME people. His non answer of faith in America is telling. Evil and money is winning.
Sidebar comment; I intentionally did not watch the inauguration; Debra’s above mention of this career con man not even touching the Bible as he was swearing to uphold the office of President reminds me:
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During the barrage of requests for political donations, one day I had the urge to google the phone number the message came from.
Keep in mind - this was a request from the Democratic Party. The Google information led to:
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“MAGA - for your donation, receive a Bible for $59.99”.
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I could understand this only as the republicans were intercepting funds intended for the Democrats.
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In other words, it damn sure looked to me like the REPUBLICANS WERE STEALING DEMOCRATS MONEY.
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I left several messages for the FBI and FTC but no reply.
I have zero faith that your concern will be taken seriously by your reporting it. I mean, credible accusations of abuse by J Kavanaugh were ignored. Collins, my own Senator is waffling with her answers right now on Hegseth. I have zero confidence.
From what I've seen over the years with Senator Collins she is ALWAYS voicing her "concern" as she clutches her pearls which I have noted in previous postings are probably now nothing more than mere nubs on a thin string of dental floss. To be certain she would definitely win the gold medal should "waffling" ever be declared an Olympic sporting event!
I agree on Susan Collins. She's my senator as well and any confidence I had in her was shattered when she voted to confirm Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court. She couldn't see through his lies. And the FBI investigation into him when the sexual assault was revealed was less than useless. And the kicker was not voting for impeachment first time around by saying Trump 'had learned a pretty big lesson...' Her integrity is going to be put to the test with all the whacko appointments made by Trump. I don't have faith that she'll be wise in her decision. I've written her office so many times but she has yet to convince me she's doing due diligence and weighing pros and cons.
I know. I’ve already contacted her about Hegseth. I’ll keep trying even though I have zero faith it will matter.
Thank you, Jennifer Rubin and Michael Fanone, for this heart-breaking interview.
What can we do for this man? Surely there is a way to have a GOFUNDME for him?
Yes!
Yes — thoughts, praise, thanks feel inadequate. Yes — this man should feel more than just gestures. Yes — I would give.
There is a gofundme for him. As he's stated in other interviews, it's been extremely difficult for anyone to agree to hire him (cowards).
Here's the gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-hero-michael-fanone-and-his-family
There's one for Aquilino Gonell as well. I heard him speak at Principles First this past weekend. I believe many of his 1/6 health issues remain, certainly PTSD:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sgt-gonell
Can The Contrarian organize a march in Washington DC to protest the pardons of the January 6th criminals? We cannot let Trump and MAGA diminish the significance of this horrendous attack on our democracy
The Supreme Ruler would order us to be shot. It’s too early to rise up. But in time we will.
Poppycock. Please don’t spread defeatist fearmongering
Yes, he would.
This was both moving and infuriating to read. A world upside down, indeed. I am in my 80s, and I seriously hope I can live long enough to see it righted, but I am beginning to doubt it.
Thanks for creating The Contrarian. This resistance is vital to our enduring what's coming.
My mother passed away in February 2019 at five weeks short of 100 and wanted nothing more than to live long enough to see the orange one in jail. Sadly here we are again. Not only is he not in jail, he's back in the White House. She must be spinning in her grave!
Had my mother lived to vote in the past election, she would have voted Republican - not because she understood what was happening, but because she had always voted Republican. She died in 2023 at 102. I was glad not to help with her absentee ballot this time.
He is proof the fascist takeover has happened.
It's happening. It's not over.
Thank you Michael and Jen.
What you are doing is truly important.
I can't believe FOTUS 34 is in office, much less pardons 1500 January 6th criminals.
We are all indebted to Michael Fanone. I hope this interview brings awareness to the injustices that he and his family have endured, and that this awareness results in some excellent job opportunities. The MAGA world is so sick. But close to half of us in this country did NOT vote for Trump. Those of us who still strive for truth and justice must support our people. If a GoFundMe is created for the Fanones, and for other families that have been upended due to MAGA insanity, I would contribute to it.
Agreed except I'd correct you and others who say "almost half the country" voted for 47.
It wasn't even more than half of registered voters. It was less than half of those who bothered to vote, saddling us for 4 years of "governance" by a vicious revenge-seeking person and his power-seeking minions.
Me too.
I think we posted at the same time. My thoughts exactly.
Don’t forget that 93 million didn’t vote or were prevented from voting!
I cannot bring myself to watch this. I know it will be too heartbreaking. Thank you, Mr. Fanone. Your family must be so proud of you. And your grandkids and great-grandkids will proudly tell your story years from now. Trump's descendants, on the other hand, and Mitch McConnell's and those of all the other MAGA cowards who are enabling the would-be dictator will be changing their names so as not to bear the shame of what their forebears have done to our democracy.
I am an Australian born in New Zealand who has travelled in the United States. I feel a closeness and sympathy with Americans who feel helpless in this frightening situation.
This interview illustrates the outrageous overturning of decency which now preys on good citizens. There are many friends around the world who grieve with you.
My heart is aching over all of this. Somehow I hoped this day would never really come. But what good would a march serve? We knew the pardons would happen. This evil person and his followers have already DESTROYED the significance of our democracy, our constitution and American law and justice. We should believe he will do everything he has said he will do. I don’t know how his takeover can be stopped.
Agree. All a March would cause is for trump to sick Tarreo and his henchmen on us and cause harm. Why were they released? All authoritarians release their supporters from jail so they can be the henchman who carry out the violence for their principal. Write your congressional reps today and demand they grow spines.
I agree Em. It seems everyone is falling under the bully. How is it possible EVERYONE is so afraid of him? I can easily see how some are being blackmailed by trump because he was heavily involved with Epstein, more involved than prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, Alan Derschewitz, etc. Just how many 'politicians' were invited to the parties with the young girls?. It wasnt only men. Melania attended parties with trump and young girls. Other women were present at Parties . It wouldnt take a genious to wonder why there were verry obviously young looking girls, as young as 14 hanging out with these people. Knowledge is complicity. Remember, trump said Epstein liked his girls 'very young'. Read trump's book where he mentioned he and Epstein argued about a girl, both wanted to "be the first to get her.")
Have members of congress partied along with Andrew, Alan and Bill?. Is this the hold trump has on some - BLACKMAIL?. Do the others need to follow out of fear?
Normal people do not idolize lying cheating 34 count convicted criminals.
From Heather Cox Richardson this am:
Back at the White House, retaliation continued. Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of all of the January 6 rioters who had been convicted of crimes related to the attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 presidential election, including Enrico Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys who was serving 22 years for seditious conspiracy to overthrow the government of the United States.
His pardon also included Daniel Rodriguez, who was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to tasing Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, who suffered cardiac arrest and a traumatic brain injury. “Omg I did so much f---ing s--- r[ight] n[ow] and got away,” he texted to his gang. “Tazzed the f--- out of the blue[.]”
I cannot like this. I am so furious. Meanwhile, Justice Roberts lives is a damn GATED COMMUNITY so he is pretty safe from people throwing excrement on his family. He seemed perfectly fine standing in front of a felon holding a bible for that con to lie over.
Maybe the like button should be replaced with a button that says 'agree'. We can agree with the content even though we detest the subject matter...
Thank you Mr. Fanone for being a truth teller. I was appalled to hear of the vile acts against you and your family and appreciate you sharing them with us. It helps to remind us just how dangerous the MAGA followers have been empowered to be by the current felon sitting in the People's House.
I truly hope Michael and his family will be safe. His stating truth to power has cost him nearly everything and continues to do so. I have nothing but admiration and gratitude to extend to him, and it seems rather paltry considering his sacrifice for doing the right thing, the noble thing in these dark times. "Thoughts and prayers" are woefully insufficient.
Thanks to The Contrarian for continuing to bring bits of light and inspiration to us.
In this same vein, it might be very informative and helpful to have individuals from the ACLU and SPLC on to discuss their roles in legally fighting and advocating for victims of these injustices. I am hearing that they are being flooded with issues. And Trump will wear them down by stalling, appealing, and thus depleting their resources. I am a member of both and get very informative information via their email notices.
I just received notice from the ACLU that they are taking Trump to court over his order to end birthright citizenship.
People are looking for concrete, positive things to do to preserve our democracy. It’s not enough just to moan, wring hands, or joke.
Joining the ACLU helps to stop some of this by using our legal system.
Please. Interview them.
Michael Fanone you are and always be a hero to me. I can’t imagine the level of pain you feel today both physical and emotionally. Know there are millions who support you and are disgusted by the traitor trump’s actions. You have more patriotism in your fingernail than he has in his whole body. I am sorry my friend you have to endure the pathetic actions of that horrible man child.
Well said, I am definitely one of those millions. I hope Michael Fanone reads your beautiful comment.
Well said! I wish someone would see his intelligence, integrity and guts and offer him a good job. The GOFUNDME is a great idea - how does one do that?
Meanwhile thank you, Michael, for your service!
Apparently there already was a GOFUNDME page, which raised over $400,000, but new donations have been disabled by the one who began it.
Too many videos. I’m a reader. I wish you well but I miss columns and commentary.
You can click on the transcript link
Yes, I've done that but it's very different and less satisfying than reading a written article, especially a transcript of a lengthy video.
That said, I'm glad to have viewed Jennifer's podcast with Mr. Fanone. Short videos are more to my taste.
This is about the survival of democracy.
I totally agree about the lack of written matter and the preponderance of videos.
He is proof the fascist takeover has happened.
It is so sad and pathetic that certain Americans no longer recognize or acknowledge our true heroes and instead follow a demigod. The rest of us thank you, Mr. Fanone, for all you’ve sacrificed for our country.
Michael Fanone is intelligent and extremely well spoken, way better than his new DC neighbor.
Not a demigod but a despot.
Yes, yes of course, a despot. Thank you.
Does Michael Fanone have a Go Fund Me account? He needs to have, as all those policemen who protected our Capitol and were harmed, money to get out of debt.
Hi - am going to have to stay off news sights for a while to maintain my sanity. From Musks nazi salute to Trump yesterday and Melania's fascist garb at the inauguration, it is too much. The last straw is the pardon of those insurrectionist that our Justice Department worked so hard to convict. It is so galling to me. Not sure what is going to happen in the next four years but none of it will be good and I will be pretty surprised to expect our democracy to endure the Trumps tenure. He is bent on destroying any separation of power that Congress and our Justice Department and the Supreme court has left. Does not seem to be getting much push back from the Democratic Party either. They should have been holding a press conference about the pardons and they did not. This is how Hitler dismantled Germanys freedom and it is all too familiar to those who have pointed out the parallels to our current situation. A passive approach is the wrong way to go here. We need to at least use our voice while we still can.
I remember January 6, 2021 so vividly. I watched as the rioters broke the windows of the Capitol, beat police officers with flags and other heavy instruments, spread FECES on the walls of the Rotunda, slammed police officers between doors, tried to HANG our Vice President, continued to beat police officers whose job was to protect ALL the Senators and Congressmen and women and staff, not one party over another, but ALL of them. It was disgraceful. It was horrific. It was unbelievable. And now they are pardoned for what they did by the party of “law and order?” What a joke. They don’t care about the rule of law. They don’t care about democracy. I knew this was coming, but the reality is too hard. I am so sorry for the police officers who fought so hard to protect our Capitol and our elected officials. I am so sorry for the families of those who died or were seriously injured. I am sorry for those who feared for their lives. I am sorry for our ancestors who fought and died to protect our freedoms. I am devastated by the reality of what is to come.
I have lots of respect for Michael on so many levels. He is a straight shooter if I ever saw one. The overused ritual you see at sporting events about having veterans and first responders stand and the crowd applauds has gotten to the point, years ago actually, where it does not mean much to anyone. But to Michael I will say thank you, with conviction, for your service (and great sacrifice) on that horrible day and afterwards.
While tough to hear what a hero like Michael Fanone has to endure, thank you for doing this interview. Glad to be a subscriber.
Please allow old fogies like me the opportunity to read these offerings on my computer in larger print, rather than fussing with a phone or listening to them. Too important to miss.
Thank you -
There is a transcript button directly underneath the "screen". After clicking on transcript you should be able to enlarge the transcript by putting two fingers on your keypad and pulling them apart slowly. (I have no idea what to do if you are on anything other than a computer such as a smartphone.) Hope this helps.
Michael Fanone embodies what I call the American persona. He is courageous, stands by his ideals and has shown extraordinary resolve in the face of constant harassment and menace by Trump supporters. I wish him the best and hope for nothing but good things in his future. My prayers are with him.
Thank you for your courage and integrity. I agree- you are the best of us.
I am grateful for Michael Fanone for his honesty, bravery, and perseverance. When we talk about heroes, it is people like Fanone and others who stood for the truth that we should be celebrating.
Please include the text of your interviews. It's not convenient fro me to listen to them, and I have no luck getting the phone app.
Click on "transcript" directly beneath the visual screen. I believe that will be helpful. I, too, am a "reader" rather than a viewer.
My regards to Michael Fanone and his family. I watched the horror in real time that infamous day and pay tribute to you and your fellow officers. It is beyond disgraceful how you and your families are treated by some very un-American people. May you stay strong and purposeful and may life bring you peace and freedom from fear.
I would love to see The Contrarian start a Go Fund Me account, or something similar, to help us help Michael Fanone with family expenses
Sadly, the harassment won't be limited to Mr. Fanone. I don't know the specifics of his health, but I would hazard a guess that he would prefer meaningful employment rather than (well-deserved) charity.
Thank you for introducing us to Michael Fanone. And thank you, Michael, for taking the time to share your experience.
Now what?
We are asked to keep the faith and continue to fight for Justice, yet Michael is bleeding, and we offer no tourniquet. Just a pat on the back for doing the right thing.
Michael is a hero, yet he suffers to this day. Has Michael lost faith in America? We are America. The bigger question is, “Have we turned our back on Michael?”
If I can pay 7 dollars a month to hear about the Michaels of the world, what can I contribute to the Michaels of the world?
Do we parade him around to score a point? Is he just a torch we use to shine a light on the world's cockroaches, and then we send him on his merry way?
I guess so.
How many Michaels will hear his story of sacrifice and decide to stay home next time?
Just my opinion. I could be wrong.
TY for taking the time to check in with Officer Fanone. He makes me very emotional. I desperately want to assure him he’s not experiencing anything but a fluke, a terrible joke that will soon pass. But I cannot make those words come out of my mouth. Because those words are bullshit. Fanone knows this, too. America is a bad joke now and will remain so for the foreseeable future. I doubt we will ever recover or begin to deal with what we’ve wrought. Vast majority of spoiled Americans not do self-reflection or repentance. They whitewash, tell themselves lies, gaslight the rest of us, chase dollars and fame under Republican leadership until they wreck everything. Then briefly hire a patsy Democrat to restore some order — while trashing him/her all the while. Rinse & Repeat.
Thank you Michael. Praying for all of us.
Michael Fanone you are a true patriot. Thank you for your courage. You are a role model for what is good in our humanity. I'm hanging on to that in this dark 'hour'.
I have a lot of admiration for Mr. Fanone.
Thank you Jen for this important interview.
To Michael: Thank you for your service and your courage. You are a true defender of democracy. I am horrified by the retaliation you and your family have gone through. Please know that millions of us are grateful for your courage. You are an example and I hope that if called upon, we will all be capable of the same.
What Fanone described happening to his mother is what we can all expect will happen to us and our families because we are “the enemy within”. Brownshirts (or in this case Red Hats) will begin their reign of terror with impunity.
Is there a GoFundMe for him?
America is very sick. We have to hope something breaks her fascist loving fever.
It’s up to us.
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hold-the-Line/Michael-Fanone/9781668007211
A true hero. Thank you Mr Fanone.
One of the unexpectedly worst things that's happening now is this sense of vindication. None of wanted this to happen, and none of us wanted to be right about what was coming.
My hearing difficulties, even with hearing aids, made me hope that the Contrarian blog would consist of things to read.
I also wear hearing aids and thus use the close captioning option. It's perfect.
An aside: Everyone should note that during a speech the Dear Leader thanked Elon Musk for his computer skills vis-a-vis Pennsylvania. Knowing that the Dear Leader has no filter and loves to blab secrets like 5-year-old, I sincerely hope that someone is looking into this. What skills did Musk use?
Besides that, the consequences that Officer Fanone and his family has suffered because of the felon are disgraceful but not surprising, given the MAGA trash that we are now facing.
What a brave man, and how sad the huge price he and his family are paying for his service. Thank you for this interview. Is there a way we can support Michael Fanone and his family?
Thank you for speaking with Jen, Michael. The horrors and atrocities incited and inflicted by DJT and his followers both on Jan 6 and since-- and in the days/weeks/years to come -- must continuously be subjected to the brightest sunlight possible. You are courageous to speak of your and your family's experiences; I hope we have the opportunity to put things right in America eventually.
Officer Fanone. The pardons and commutations of sentence are unwarranted, undemocratic and utterly disgraceful. Justice has most certainly not been served for you, the other officers injured or killed on Jan. 6, and for the American public. May history accurately capture the nature, extent and gravity of Donald Trump's unfitness for elected office.
Thank you Ms. Rubin for being a "keeper of the flame" for freedom.
He has pardoned the
J-6 rioters. DEI
Is gone. If we don’t look
And think like him and his thugs,
They will make our lives quite bleak.
The unindicted Proud Boys were at the inauguration. The convicted Proud Boys and Oath Keepers will be back on the streets today or tomorrow with the excitement that through their pardons they can get their guns back. Political violence has been given full immunity.
With DEI gone, our marginalized brothers and sisters will find it harder to find, keep or advance in a career. There will be less access to a truthful education. As bad as this sounds, it is not the worst of it. Now, their emotional and physical lives are also in danger. in fact, all our intellectual, emotional, and physical lives are in danger.
Speak truth, find support, “heads up”, speak truth. I’d say, “Stay safe” but I no longer believe that is possible. Good Luck.
Thank you for this interview. It is incredibly sad to hear Michael Fanone's story. After his bravery on 1/6/21 and testifying before the House Subcommittee, he has been and continues to be harrassed by MAGA extremists. What does that say about us as a nation? We have lost our way, and we look to people like you, Jen Rubin, and Norm, plus many others who can offer us a forum where we can get the truth. It's the only way we will get the Democrats back into power. May the extremists implode from within (that is my wish).
I heard that Trump has ordered that the CDC cannot keep issuing reports on scientific advice that our healthcare community NEEDS. This must be stopped. We cannot allow stopping the flow of crucial information for our health and wellbeing.
Michael Fanone, thank you for standing up and speaking out. Thank you for your service. Please KEEP MAKING NOISE about this. We will NOT forget. We must keep talking about this and not let it go.
PLEASE add a transcript option. I'm really interested in what you have to say and your great contributors - and very occasionally I might watch at least part of a video. But the only way I can access most of your content will be by reading. Make that easy or at least possible.
Thank you, Michael Fanone. I am so sorry for what you and your family have been through. Your mother and I are about the same age and I am horrified by the attacks against her, other family members, and you. How truly deranged and dangerous are these Magas, especially against you for demonstrating bravery, honor, and honesty.
Justice is a nonentity now. Thank you, Michael, for how hard you tried to protect our government and sacrificed so much. This is so wrong that that predatory pig is reelected.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/michael-fanone-support
It's so sad that the old GOP's slogan was BACK THE POLICE, while the new MAGA GOP's motto is BASH THE POLICE.
Thank you for this interview Jennifer Rubin. My heart breaks for these officers and what they have been through. Please know we back you, please keep telling your truth, please know that all caring Americans are on your side. We will not forget.
Thank you so much for this interview with Michael Fanone, if anyone hasn’t read his book “Hold the Line” you should. It is excellent! We are in a sad state of affairs in America but I hope there are enough of us to change things back or for the better in 2026.
Thank you, Mr. Fanone for your service and for this interview. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I enjoy your interviews, Ms. Rubin, but would really like to hear you interview someone " from the other side". I always wish for someone like yourself who would know what questions to ask and how to do a rebuttal. Maybe Tom Cotton? Or Mike Johnson?
Thank you Thank you Michael How can this man of quality not be employed Are there no decent democrats independents or Good republican
A true American hero…thank you Michael Fanone.
Thank you so much Mr Fanone! I thank you for your service as a policeman and for telling the truth about what happened to you and the other officers on Jan 6! It is a disgrace what trump put you through then and now in pardoning these felons! My best wishes for you and your family!
It would be a great service if the Contrarian would also provide these interviews in text or at least print summaries as is done by Heather Cox Richardson and other substack authors. It is just not possible or practicable for us to listen, much as we would like to have the thoughts of the interviewers and interviewees, to these oral broadcasts.
Criminals must love trump
Mafia tactics!
God bless you Officer Fanone! You are a hero!
Officer Fanone, As Jennifer makes clear right at the top of this interview, you ARE a true American Hero, and I am among the uncountable millions who thank you for your 20+ years of service as a police officer! More immediately, I can only hope that you and your family will be safe in spite of the gutless Trump-loving cowards who have done so much to destroy your sense of safety. Your courage on January 6, 2021 will live, enduringly, in the annals of history as your legacy - a legacy of which you, your wife and your children should forever be proud. I certainly am. Thank you! Brian Patrick Clarke, Orlando Florida
Honestly, Jen, I don't know what you're getting at here. Most importantly with the "violent vs non-violent offenders."
Does it matter if someone "non-violently" tried to overthrow our government and overturn an election?
The very act is violence against democracy, voters, and the state.
I am so sorry for Officer Fanone. And I'm afraid it's going to get far worse. Why weren't we publicizing better the degree to this was happening years ago?
Am afraid this is just the beginning...
Thank you so much for all you did on January 6, 2021 and after, in testifying about it later. I knew the physical trials you suffered that day but had no idea that your family has been harassed and is still being harassed. I tuned out of yesterday's festivities and what I did eventually see had me feeling in turns nauseous and tearful. I fear greatly for our country and for democracy to continue here. Thank you for all you did on that day and after. You are a true American hero!
Mr. Fanone I am so sorry for the betrayal you have been given. Please know that there are many of us, myself included, that were mortified by what was done to you. Please accept my complete support in spirit of you and the other men who stood up against Trump. Be safe and I hope you sincerely get the protection you need.
Surely Ii am not the only one who doesn't prefer to listen to the interviews and op-eds - please put these in print form!
You can put the captions on and read with sound off if you wish. These quick response videos are very valuable and the point is to keep pace with events, at the speed of trumpian sh*t. In addition, I very much like to see the ppl who are speaking b/c I get a lot of additional non-verbal info. These folks are publishing a lot of written material for those days when you’re not in the mood for video (I have them, too). Another example: I loathe cable tee vee but still want access to the few democracy warriors on tee vee. So I podcast Maddow, Lawrence O’D, and a few others. It’s free to listen on any podcast app, and if you use Apple, you can pull up a full, scrolling transcript — much better and more complete than quick captions.
Thank you for everything you all are doing to stand up for the truth. Can you confirm that the Go Fund Me Page for Michael Fanone is legitimate? Or, is there another way we could be supportive?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Michael Fanone for standing up and doing the right thing. I have the utmost respect for you and all those who put their lives on the line that unimaginable day. It breaks my heart to hear what you and your family have and continue to endure. You are truly an inspiration!
Thank you Jen, for bringing this atrocity to the forefront. All my best wishes for Officer Fanone and his family. Keep these telling interviews coming.
Thank you Michael
My heart goes out to Michael and his family. He is a true hero who served our country well.
Thank you for this interview. Officer Fanone and the other Capitol/DC police officers are American heroes. trump and the J6 rioters are traitors.
These interviews are great for documenting emotions as well as ideas. However, I’d love to get these ideas in written form - the time and patience to watch a 12-minute video is hard for me to come by these days.
You are an inspiration to me. Thank you. I wish you and your family were my neighbors here in Santa Fe. NM.
Thank you Mr Fanone. You are indeed a hero
Thank you Michael for your service to our country, even though right now it doesn't seem like our country! I apologize for the scum who has and is still threatening you and your family! Stay tough and know that many of us support you!
Thank you for the sacrifices you made, Michael. I respect you and admire your courage--both while fighting the insurrectionists and afterwards, as you have persisted in speaking truth. I hope someday you will have more peace of mind--you are a hero, and heroes shouldn't suffer like you have. You have not been forgotten.
If Biden issued a pardon to Fanone and he hasn't received it yet, how in hell did the J6 imprisoned convicts get out of prison so dam fast?
Right you are, Judith.
Thank you for introducing us to Michael Fanone. And thank you, Michael, for taking the time to share your experience.
Now what?
We are asked to keep the faith and continue to fight for Justice, yet Michael is bleeding, and we offer no tourniquet. Just a pat on the back for doing the right thing.
Michael is a hero, yet he suffers to this day. Has Michael lost faith in America? We are America. The bigger question is, “Have we turned our back on Michael?”
If I can pay 7 dollars a month to hear about the Michaels of the world, where can I contribute to the Michaels of the world?
Do we parade him around to score a point? Is he just a torch we use to shine a light on the world's cockroaches, and then we send him on his merry way?
I guess so.
How many Michaels will hear his story of sacrifice and decide to stay home next time?
Just my opinion. I could be wrong.
So many of us care about you Michael and your family. This is outrageous.
Would you consider publishing a transcript of your interviews, please...THANKS so much for starting the Contrarian!!!!
Thank you, Michael. You are one of our best and should be very proud of where you stand. Honest and open conversations about what's going on in our capitol right now are sorely needed in order to right the wrongs propagated by DT. He is a wannabe dictator, who thinks he can order everyone around, without consequence. I am elderly but I pray the day will come when his name is never uttered again and his face is removed from every form of visual content available to the public. If there is anything I can do to help this movement, count me in.
Ah yes, the “Law and Order party”. Trump’s party, Trump’s order, Trump’s law.
I remain outraged and broken hearted by the betrayal this man and his fellow officers have been forced to endure. The is an egregious miscarriage of justice and a disgrace to this country and its citizens. Not one single officer who attempted to protect, not only that sacred building, but also those congressmen and women in the building, not one single officer should be enduring financial or medical burdens, much less face further legal challenges for doing their duty on 1/6 and again, by testifying while their "Commander in Chief" sat in front of his presidential tv for nearly 2 hours (!) before he decided to calm the angry out of control crowd. This is an inordinately shameful time in the history of our country.
There really aren't any words to express how highly I think of Fanone and the other officers who put their bodies, and their lives, on the line that day. And, I think highly of you, Jen, for interviewing him on The Contrarian, and for your plain-spoken praise of him here.
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hold-the-Line/Michael-Fanone/9781668007211
I am so very sorry for what your family has had to endure, Mr. Fanone. You are a true hero; unfortunately that is the kind of thing that often only universally acknowledged historically, and that will depend on who writes the history. Integrity doesn't pay the bills, does it? I shall be thinking of you and your family and following your story. You deserve better and I hope that will happen. This nation is often not kind to its heroes.
It is one of the ugly truths about America, that you will lose everything, when you speak the truth to power. Thank you Mr. Fanone for your courage and bravery.
How is there not a GoFundMe set up or lawyers supporting Michael pro bono?
What a bunch of crock! This officer did his job! His testimony was required by law and the Congressional investigation. You really shouldn’t need it! This is absolutely in my mind unconstitutional!
Great interview Jen. Several people have asked about a GoFundMe for Michael. Is that something The Contrarian could start? I think most of us would donate. Thanks for all you do. 🩷
Anyone know how I can unsubscribe from the video announcements (only) sent to my email?
Thanks Judith. Yes, I don’t want to view the videos either. I don’t know if I unsubscribe, however, it will unsubscribe me from everything. I just want to unsubscribe from the videos.
Hi, Max. Not sure what you mean. I'm watching & reading on my phone but mostly do so on my laptop. I receive all of the Contrarian emails, most of which seem to be videos. Spending time watching videos is not to my taste, I'm a reader, so I skip many of them.