Congressman Jamie Raskin tells the story of the forty-five days at the start of 2021 that permanently changed his life - and his family's - as he confronted the painful loss of his son to suicide, lived through the violent insurrection in our nation's Capitol, and led the impeachment effort to hold President Trump accountable for inciting the political violence. A moving story of a father coping with his pain and a revealing examination of holding President Trump accountable for the violence he fomented. Print run 75,000.
"Aquilino Gonell came to the United States from the Dominican Republic as a young boy. Although he spoke no English, he dedicated himself to his adopted land, striving for the American dream. Determined to be a success story, he joined the army to pay for college. He saw action in Iraq and returned home with PTSD. Believing in the promise of our government, he focused on healing himself and supporting his family. His hard work paid off when he landed a coveted position with the United States Capitol Police and rose to the rank of sergeant. January 6, 2021, changed everything. When insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, Gonell bravely faced down the mob attempting to thwart the peaceful transfer of power. The brutal injuries he sustained that day would end his career in law enforcement. But when some of the very people he put his life on the line to protect downplayed or denied the truth of that day, he chose to speak out against the injustice done to him and the country. Chronicling what it means to live a life of conviction, one that adheres to the best ideas of our democracy, American Shield is a bold testament to the power of truth, justice, and accountability from a highly decorated officer and immigrant who exemplifies the greatest aspirations of a grateful nation"-- Provided by publisher
Trauma, Tatsachen und die Tücken der amerikanischen Demokratie
Am 6. Januar 2021 begab sich der Kongressabgeordnete Jamie B. Raskin auf den Capitol Hill in Washington D. C., um die Wahlergebnisse festzustellen und Joe Biden offiziell zum Sieger der Präsidentschaftswahlen 2020 zu erklären. Als die Wahl ausgezählt wurde, versuchte ein von Präsident Trump angefeuerter Mob, den Prozess zu stören, indem er das Kapitol stürmte. Zwei Tage zuvor hatte Raskin seinen 25-jährigen Sohn Tommy Bloom Raskin beerdigt. Das Undenkbare ist ein Appell an die Eintracht und die Hoffnung, aber auch ein leidenschaftlicher Kampf für Brüderlichkeit und Wahrheit zur Verteidigung der demokratischen Werte sowie eine Liebeserklärung an seinen Sohn.
