MontClairVoyant: Montclair Isn’t Quiet About Trump’s White Riot

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
There’s been lots of Montclair reaction to a far-right white mob of Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol building on January 6. Your reaction?

Sincerely,
N. Surrection

At maximum, Trump should be removed from office and criminally charged for fomenting the riot with his endless false claims that the election was “stolen” from him. At minimum, one of Montclair’s great artisans should craft Trump a desk nameplate reading “Inciter-in-Chief.”

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
Can you mention just some of the Montclair response to the riot, mixing fact in your first two sentences with fiction in your third?

Sincerely,
Local on Loco

1. The Township Council expressed its dismay, as did area groups like NJ 11th for Change and BlueWaveNJ with many Montclair members. 2. Congresspeople Mikie Sherrill and Donald Payne Jr. rightly supported impeaching Trump. 3. Plymouth Street was photoshopped out of Montclair maps for containing all the letters in Trump’s last name.

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
Was there any official reaction from Montclair Republican groups to the seditious riot and Trump’s encouraging of it, or to the way many other Republicans have cynically gone along with the “election was stolen” fantasy?

Sincerely,
Sycophantasia

I checked those Montclair groups’ Facebook pages, and…crickets (as of yesterday, January 13). No surprise given that most local Republicans remained pro-Trump despite his barrage of despicable words and actions over the years. Trump and Montclair’s GOP are an enduring love story — less Romeo and Juliet, more Sylvester and Tweety Bird.

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
The white rioters raged about an illusion (a “stolen” election that wasn’t stolen) while Black citizens and their allies have protested a reality (virulent racism). Yet many in the Capitol Police went relatively easy on the white rioters (letting them in and some even posing for selfies) while cops often show little mercy to peaceful Black protesters. Why?

Sincerely,
On the Double (Standard)

Okay, Mr. Obvious here with a question back atcha: Why is Montclair’s Highland Avenue, located on high land, called Highland Avenue? Hmm…SUCH a mystery.

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
Speaking of civil rights, tomorrow is the January 15th birthday of the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and this Monday is the annual national holiday honoring him. Can you mention a Montclair event scheduled for the 18th?

Sincerely,
Montgomery to Montclair

The annual MLK Scholarship Fund breakfast (virtual this year of course), which has wonderfully benefited 153 students since 1989 — not 1,989 students since the year 153. Facts matter.

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
The fact of the matter is that a plan to revamp and reopen the historic Bellevue Theatre has fallen through. Surprised?

Sincerely,
Cinema and Pa

No. Sadly, COVID has made this an extraordinarily tough time for movie venues. Heck, the ratio of patients seeing Montclair therapists these days is 40 percent humans and 60 percent tubs of popcorn.

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
Now, there’s a different possible Bellevue plan that would place housing units on the upper floors of the building and a theater/auditorium on ground level. Thoughts?

Sincerely,
Not Just a Film Forum

If that happens, the first-floor ceiling better be soundproof enough not to disturb the sleep of residents. It would also be helpful for sleep if beds are allowed in the housing units; some landlords frown on beds. Or maybe I’m thinking that some landlords frown on dogs.

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
Meanwhile, Mayor Spiller has begun a weekly video update — with the first clip covering local COVID news, the parking situation connected with the “arts district” redevelopment, and more. Good idea to have the updates?

Sincerely,
Clips Ahoy

Yes. I would have watched the video with a tub of popcorn, but that tub was busy having a Zoom session with its therapist. And the butter drizzled in it was distraught, wondering if it was real or just some yellowish goop.

DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,
Finally, Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds’ latest weekly letter says school re-openings for those families wanting some in-person classes are still on track for elementary (January 25) and upper (February 8) grades. Will hybrid actually happen on those dates?

Sincerely,
Christina Chromebook

Before answering that question, I’d like to consult with an unimpeachable source. That means I won’t be talking with Trump.

 

 

Dave Astor, author, is the MontClairVoyant. His opinions about politics and local events are strictly his own and do not represent or reflect the views of Baristanet.