WHAT NOW?
We’ve all read the mounting daily examples of Trump’s willful violation of Witness and Judicial tampering — including implied threats and name-calling of Jack Smith, Fani Willis and topped off by Trump’s direct tweet warning former Georgia Lt. Gov Geoff Duncan not to testify.
No question that he’s violated the judge’s directives, the law and that any regular citizen would be on his way to the slammer for this behavior. But at present, our judicial system seems to be holding its breath, playing passive. I disagree but here’s my thinking in pros and cons.
THE DOWNSIDE RISKS of JAILING HIM NOW:
1. It will look too politically motivated. (Uh, a little late for that now that he’s indicted, I think. And isn’t bending over backwards not to look political — a form of being political? And against oneself?)
2. There could be massive protests. (Um, supposed to have happened with the indictments, but didn’t...) This could bring out the crazies making threats (already underway and the FBI is on it...)
3. GOP outrage! (That movie is already in progress.)
4. It might only FORTIFY Trump’s base now that he’s a Martyr. ( Also already in progress. And don’t forget, not being slammed boosts him as “the badass who gets away with it.”)
THE UPSIDE of SLAMMING HIM NOW:
1. SHOWING BACKBONE. Please don’t underestimate this, I say. Part of the disrespect we get from Trumpers is how we ( I mean present Biden White House and company ) play too passively. Part of their adoration of Trump is his “tough guy act.” Our DOJ /judges getting tougher might actually get some respect back.
2. Enforcing the law. Criminal behavior that is allowed to pass, only encourages further such behavior.
3. We get manipulated into working against ourselves and into a cycle of looking weak, which never helps.
4. The misbehaving kid now runs the school. When a kid gets out of control and the principal and teachers don’t respond, that kid now dominates, and the school can’t get on with its business. Trump already once again dominates the news Media and our attention; we might as well meet force with force.
In Sum: we now have to treat Trump like the political terrorist that he is: If you don’t fight me, I’ll keep attacking, but if you fight me: I’ll keep attacking. Better to be strong and uphold the law, I say. Let’s get on with it.