I agree with every word that you have written, and before January 6th I, too, told friends that the courts would never stand for an authoritarian takeover (because they would would have to surrender their role as the decision-makers of last resort--an unthinkable prospect). As for the military ... I am a veteran of Air Force intelligence and had a tour of duty at the National SecurityAgency. I was confident that the general officers, at least, were solid in their support for the constitution.

Initially, January 6th seemed to confirm my assurances. Subsequently, the revelation of the number of past and present officers of high rank who have expressed some degree of sympathy for the Trump cause, and the behavior of the courts, has shaken my confidence. At this point, I think that we are in for one hell of a ride.