Despite the compelling need to fairly apply the rule of law, criminally prosecuting a popular political figure would pose unprecedented dangers for democracy as well
Once a criminal has escaped justified prosecution, his supporters will be encouraged to commit more violations and crimes. Since Trump's supporters will continue to try and dismantle the rule of law regardless, we cannot be intimidated and blackmailed and must prosecute him to the full extent of the law.
Fair point Lorna, but have you considered what happens if he is prosecuted and not convicted? Or a hung jury? Trump delays trial until late 2023, early 2024 - are we really going to prosecute him and put him in jail while he is the front runner for the GOP presidential nomination? How does this look to the rest of the world? Like the US is the paragon of the rule or law, or that we have become Pakistan (sorry Pakistan, but many of your defeated presidents and prime ministers have gone to jail or into exile). I wish I knew the answer.
You give me too much credit. I was not recalling the bin Laden quote. Probably never knew it. I was remembering Trump telling the "you knew I was a snake" story referencing himself combined with a saying my country preacher Grandfather was fond of. Or better grammar- of which he was fond.
Excuse me but if we put him in jail the world will trust the US and its dedication to equal protection under the law...as well as equal prosecution. A criminal as a presidential candidate? Surely you jest. Sure the US would be regarded as a fool and a knave, morally confused and the laughingstock of all democracies. The legal system with juries doesnt please every one but it is the best of all possible systems. Nothing is perfect but that doesnt mean we should choose to compromise or fail. Your answer or mine doesnt matter. There are higher principles and when enough people abide by them, nations survive. When anarchy and ideology rule, nations collapse....like Pakistan...and eventually, with luck, Russia.
Once a criminal has escaped justified prosecution, his supporters will be encouraged to commit more violations and crimes. Since Trump's supporters will continue to try and dismantle the rule of law regardless, we cannot be intimidated and blackmailed and must prosecute him to the full extent of the law.
Fair point Lorna, but have you considered what happens if he is prosecuted and not convicted? Or a hung jury? Trump delays trial until late 2023, early 2024 - are we really going to prosecute him and put him in jail while he is the front runner for the GOP presidential nomination? How does this look to the rest of the world? Like the US is the paragon of the rule or law, or that we have become Pakistan (sorry Pakistan, but many of your defeated presidents and prime ministers have gone to jail or into exile). I wish I knew the answer.
Sometimes you have to just step on the head of the snake.
I like the use of the bin Laden quote (referring to the United States), but I don't have that confidence. See my response to Lorna.
You give me too much credit. I was not recalling the bin Laden quote. Probably never knew it. I was remembering Trump telling the "you knew I was a snake" story referencing himself combined with a saying my country preacher Grandfather was fond of. Or better grammar- of which he was fond.
Excuse me but if we put him in jail the world will trust the US and its dedication to equal protection under the law...as well as equal prosecution. A criminal as a presidential candidate? Surely you jest. Sure the US would be regarded as a fool and a knave, morally confused and the laughingstock of all democracies. The legal system with juries doesnt please every one but it is the best of all possible systems. Nothing is perfect but that doesnt mean we should choose to compromise or fail. Your answer or mine doesnt matter. There are higher principles and when enough people abide by them, nations survive. When anarchy and ideology rule, nations collapse....like Pakistan...and eventually, with luck, Russia.