Civil Discourse?
During weeks like this one, we can all be forgiven for wondering whether civil discourse is even possible in this country anymore. Maybe this is who we are, a country where people with different views need to be barricaded?
If you know me, you know I reject that notion (although the imagery here, ahead of Marjorie Taylor Greene’s New York rally on Tuesday, is fascinating). We’re living through a wave of Republican politicians, and even some liberal commentators, calling Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s indictment of the former president political. But it isn’t. We’ve discussed the solid legal basis for the indictment here and will continue to do so. We need to continue to do that with our friends and families, who may be influenced by some of the former president’s rhetoric as well.
Trump is circulating the false claim that his indictment stems from political animus. But the facts show that’s not true, that this is what prosecutors call a righteous case. The core of the indictment is the allegation that Trump caused the creation of false business records to conceal criminal conduct that included election and tax law violations. It wasn’t just a minor recordkeeping error.
Bragg explained why it’s important to prosecute crimes like this earlier this week. You can watch the video here.
It’s important to push back against the notion that this is political. To the contrary, it’s important to stand for the rule of law and show that even a former president is subject to it when there is good reason to believe he has committed a crime. District attorneys don’t make these decisions on their own. Bragg presented his evidence to a grand jury that voted to proceed. Trump’s lawyers will be allowed to file motions testing the indictment and a judge will rule on them—a judge who has demonstrated independence and fairness, no matter what scandalous social media posts Trump makes in an effort to intimidate and endanger. Given that, perhaps the right place to start these conversations is to ask why Trump would need to engage in such dangerous rhetoric if he believes he’s innocent and that his lawyer can pursue those arguments in court?
Don’t give up. Civil discourse works.
We’re in this together,
Joyce
Joyce, you can see this clearly. I can see it. Others can see it too; but refuse to accept for whatever reason. It is comforting to know that someone with your legal knowledge can help us stay on track. Keep up the good work. The situation may seem hopeless but I am going to keep my head up. You are appreciated!
One or two chicken pictures would help.