Certainly, I understand and applaud Merrick Garland’s insistence that DOJ say out of “politics” in considering criminal indictments relating to January 6, 2021 and its foundational conspiracy.
But I also heard Garland loud and clear when he said that no one in America is above the law.
And Donald Trump clearly continues to think that he is.
Evidence has established beyond a reasonable doubt that the former president is guilty of illegally interfering with governmental procedures, conspiracy to defraud the government of the United States, and inciting violence. The necessity of prosecuting these crimes and these criminals—with Trump as the orchestrator—outweighs Garland’s legitimate concern about the political optics.
Here’s what we know. Trump is going to scream “witch hunt” at the top of his lungs no matter what. It’s his signature M.O and his sole “go-to” default move whenever he is challenged or cornered. And his Cult will lap it up. Those two things are unavoidable. So, there is no such thing as an “apolitical” time to indict Trump. There is no “better” time or “worse” time.
There is only the right time. Do the right thing, Mr. A.G.
This principle goes beyond mere personal punishment. The governmental objective here is to make sure nothing like this ever happens again. There can be no dodging or shirking of that responsibility.
We can expect Trump to declare his 2024 candidacy sooner rather than later, for no other reason than his desire to avoid multiple indictments. He believes—or at least he hopes—that Garland and DOJ won’t make a move toward him if he is an announced candidate.
Disappoint him, Mr. A.G.
Then let him scream.
Liz Cheney was spot-on correct on Sunday morning’s network news shows when she said Trump has committed the most egregious official acts in the history of the American presidency. How is that statement in any way inaccurate? These are unprecedented crimes which require unprecedented remedies.
There is no doubt that the Venn Diagrams labeled “politics” and “justice” intersect in this case. Pursuing justice will have political implications.
But that is not a good reason to turn a blind eye.
