Yesterday the Senate trial against ex-president Donald Trump ended with the closing statements and the vote. As was expected the ex-president was acquitted from his 2nd impeachment, His 2nd one of a one term president. Twice impeached in only 4 years. A majority of Democrats AND Republicans in both houses of government said he was guilty of inciting the people who came to Washington DC on January 6th and that he was responsible for their action, so many of them were waving Trump flags, wearing MAGA hats, and chanting about his lie that the election was stolen. “The Big Lie” that he cultivated for so long. There was no doubt in the minds of those representatives and senators, and even some that voted to acquit, that he was guilty. Yet, due to their constitutional belief they could not find him guilty because he was a private citizen and the timing was too late, and, because of the required 2/3rd vote which was not reached, so the ex-president Trump sneaked out of it.
The trial was fascinating to me. I’m a bit of a news junkie and I’m someone who prefers to watch everything with my own eyes. I made a point to do that. In these days of slanted opinion stations, I wanted to see for myself how the trial was handled, and what each side said, and how the senators reacted. Unfortunately, the cameras in the chamber never were turned to the members who listened and watched, but I still was able to get a pretty good idea about how the trial was conducted, and I heard evidence, and I watched videos, and I listened to both sides argue their cases. I saw how they were prepared, and sometimes how they were not prepared.
So, all in all, the ending of the trial, and the way it did end in a rather close vote, was a validation to the wrongdoing of ex-president Trump.
After the vote, I turned to Facebook to see reactions. As sadly expected, I saw Trump supporters elated, and some even giddy. I saw lots of rows of American flag icons, and perhaps it was just me, but I felt there was a bit of gloating, and celebrating. Our team won. Ha ha
But, why feel that way? Because our country’s PRESIDENT, the person who holds so much power, who represents us all to the world whether we like it or not, who will go down in history as one of 46 (so far) American presidents, was impeached twice, was found factually guilty of inciting people to storm the US Capitol, and to stir them up to the point they wanted to do bodily harm to our Vice President and Congress? It in undeniable.
Is this something to celebrate?
People died that day. Others were hurt. Many now have been arrested and have their futures Forever changed. Our elected leaders are now living in fear. There were death threats. Even threats to non-elected civil servants just doing their jobs. Trump, the man who years ago said over and over and over again that President Obama was not born in the United States, purposely hurting him and his family, creating doubt in his followers’ minds, lying about birth certificates – he did this. Then when on the campaign trail time and time again Trump went after people with his words. Hurting words. Demeaning words. And he said that his followers wouldn’t even stop him if he shot someone in the middle of Manhattan. He put down whole groups of people…. people from other countries, those with other religions. He threatened. He used his position to try and get others to lie for him. Some did.
Our government has a lot of work to get done. We have disagreements on programs, and how money is spent, and how much to help people, and how little to provide as services. We can debate all those things. But the character of a man is not debatable. What is in someone’s heart, how they react, what they do or don’t do. How they treat others. How they want to be given respect – expect it in fact. But they don’t give it back. It’s not debatable.
So – why are we celebrating?
I don’t get it. I said just the other day that even after 4 years of Donald Trump as our president I still have moments of saying “really?” This man was OUR president? One of only 46… since our foundation as a country. It used to be a position of honor. Held by intelligent men. I know not all of them were magnificent. All had faults. But, in my opinion, none came close to the crudeness, and the amount of lies, and the bully tactics Trump used, even on his own administration. He displayed a lack of participating in meetings, and in preparing for summits, and In letting members of his cabinet do their jobs. He was NOT a leader. He was unable to be anything but what he was. He didn’t WANT to be anything but what he was.
I believe Trump’s day in court is not over. The criminal courts will soon have a turn at him. Some are probably anxious to bring some justice. One day he will not be like “Teflon Don,” the mafia head. He will finally face some punishments for the fraud, and the possible money laundering, etc. that seem to be a part of his life.
He’s a sad man. As much as I don’t want to hear anything about him anymore, I’m guessing his name will continue in the news for a longtime. But…
He is not worth celebrating.
Marla’s Musings 