I recently saw the movie “Amsterdam.” It is a fictionalization of actual events in the 1930’s. It is about a time we came perilously close to replacing FDR with a dictator. The ordinary Americans and a retired general who stymied the plot were disgraced and forgotten. None of the guilty parties were prosecuted. I had never heard this story. It is a well-produced film. I highly recommend it.
Most of America seems oblivious to how close we have recently come to losing our democracy, how close we still are. The Lincoln Project was one of the first to declare that our democracy was in danger. In the final campaign days of this year, President Biden and some prominent Democrats joined the chorus.
Nationwide 168 election deniers will enter elected office in January. Until none of them any longer hold office, our fragile democracy is in danger of ending. What is the fitting punishment for those who knowingly denied proven election results for their own political or personal gain?
To the extent that any/all can be proven guilty for related illegal acts, they should be banned from involvement in local, state, or federal politics for life. They may not run for or hold any elected or appointed office from dog catcher to President of the United States. Further, they should be banned from employment or volunteer positions government/politics adjacent, i.e., lobbying, consulting, news anchor/correspondent, all campaign activities, book deals, aired interviews about politics, etc. This behavior will continue unless we...
Let the punishment fit the crime.
The January 6th Committee has presented sufficient evidence to convince me that, at the very least, our last president should face a grand jury, be indicted, and prosecuted for his hand in the insurrection and our present situation. The committee is going to refer Mr. Trump for criminal prosecution to the Department of Justice on Monday, December 19, 2022. His recent call for the nullification of parts of the Constitution to overturn the results of the 2020 election should be enough for us to understand where he stands on America and democracy. If not fully prosecuted, whether convicted or not, our democracy is a sham and we, glaringly, do not live in a country based on laws. Obviously, some people are above the law.
What would be the fitting punishment for someone who is willing to destroy our entire system of government in pursuit of power and financial gain? Many have expressed their desire to see Mr. Trump put behind bars. I think prison is too easy a sentence in these circumstances,
Do you remember reading a short story by Edward Everett Hale called “The Man Without A Country?” It is the story of Philip Nolan who, while being tried for treason, wished to never see this country again. His wish was granted. This sounds like a more fitting punishment for what Donald J. Trump has done.
“Is that even possible?” you may ask. First, Mr. Trump would have to be stripped of his citizenship. Once stripped, he can be banished. If convicted, all his U.S. assets should be dissolved. He should never be allowed to own property or cross into America, even for a visit, for the rest of his natural life.
Let the punishment fit the crime.