It’s Not Political; It’s Good Versus Evil
Donald Trump’s misfortunes of late, including his two criminal indictments, several on-going criminal investigations, and multiple civil lawsuits have been brought on not by political persecution but by his own questionable and morally reprehensible actions. The weight of the facts and evidence against him are overwhelming. He is either the dumbest person on this planet, not knowing right from wrong, insane, or corrupt. It is nauseating to hear him and his sycophantic followers claim that he is being unfairly persecuted to stop him from regaining the presidency in 2024 (i.e., election interference). His appalling rhetoric, insults, hatred and lies directed at prosecutors, judges and anyone not groveling to him are the rambling cries of an irrational person or fool who cannot handle the truth and accountability. Running for president should not entitle anyone to obstruct and escape accountability for their crimes. It is preposterous for a person to run for president to escape going to jail.
Our country’s rule of law is built on a solid foundation clearly distinguishing between right and wrong. Our justice system is an important part of our democracy providing checks and balances against the legislative and executive branches of our government and in part to prosecute corrupt and treasonous government officials. The justice system in this country, including prosecutors, has the ability to fairly identify wrongdoing and to prosecute offenders. Everyone charged with a crime is entitled to a fair trial. No one is above the law. The justice system is not perfect but, in most cases, it gets it right whether by acquitting or convicting those charged. Criminal investigations and charges, especially for a former president, are not taken lightly. Prosecutors must have solid evidence to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that a crime was committed. An unfair prosecution of a former president would have serious consequences and possibly destroy our country. Donald Trump is entitled to the presumption of innocence and his day in court.
Unfortunately, our legislative and executive branches are not as sound as our justice system and subject to human indiscretion. It takes millions of dollars to be elected to congress and billions to be elected president. Some of our elected leaders have been bought and are beholden to their financial supporters and not to the people they serve. Some like Trump serve themselves and their fragile egos. They are in government for the wrong reasons such as seeking to acquire power, fame/adulation, and fortune. Government officials and workers serve all the people, and they should be working to improve the quality of life of all the people not just those democrats or republicans who voted for them or those who contributed financially to their campaigns.
Many of our elected leaders have become an embarrassment. Both political parties spew hatred and lies. They have created a division in this country not seen since the Civil War. The $32-trillion-dollar national deficit, which is growing and out of control, is a testament to the failed leadership of this country over the past 40 years. They have delivered more to their special interests than to the common good. A financial reckoning is coming, and this generation’s leaders have secured their place in infamy. Our fathers and mothers were part of the “greatest generation”. Will history look at our generation as the worst? Why can’t we find someone under 65 years old with honesty, integrity, intelligence and good morals to lead our country? It’s time for good men and women to step forward and run for congress and the presidency.
Many of today’s journalists cannot discern fact from fiction. They use fiction and outright lies to appeal to their viewers. We live in a Reality TV era built by fake news which got its start from professional wrestling with its good guys and bad guys. It’s no coincidence that a former president had a strong connection with professional wrestling. Walter Cronkite must be turning over in his grave because of today’s pretend journalists who have no integrity nor objectivity, but only a loyalty to their viewers and fat paychecks.
Our country has lost its way. We were once “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. Now we are ruled by fear and distrust. Hate trumps love.
Will the rule of law succumb to obstruction and anarchy so that a former president can escape accountability? Will lies supplant truth as a national virtue? Will evil defeat good? Will we destroy a good thing?
United we stand. Divided we fall. Love your neighbor. The truth will set you free.
Bertrand Russell was a British sage, philosopher, mathematician, and historian. In a filmed interview with John Freeman in 1959 he was asked:
“Suppose Lord Russell this film were to be looked at by our descendants, like a Dead Sea scroll in a thousand years time, what would you think it’s worth telling that generation about the life you’ve lived and the lessons you’ve learned from it?”
Bertrand Russell replied:
“I should like to say two things, one intellectual and one moral: The intellectual thing, I should want to say to them, is this: When you are studying any matter, or considering any philosophy, ask yourself only “what are the facts, and what is the truth that the facts bear out?” Never let yourself be diverted, either by what you wish to believe, or by what you think could have beneficial social effects, if it were believed. But look only and solely at: “What are the facts?” That is the intellectual thing that I should wish to say. The moral thing I should wish to say to them is very simple. I should say: Love is wise, hatred is foolish. In this world, which is getting more and more closely interconnected, we have to learn to tolerate each other. We have to learn to put up with the fact, that some people say things that we don’t like. We can only live together in that way. And if we are to live together and not to die together, we must learn a kind of charity and a kind of tolerance, which is absolutely vital to the continuation of human life on this planet.” [i]
[i] Bertrand Russell — Message To Future Generations (1959) — YouTube
