It may not have resulted in a conviction by the required super-majority, but DJT is nonetheless convicted by a substantial majority of Democratic and Republican Senators and a world of observers.
Then there is the minority of Republican Senators – 43 of them – all victims of and witnesses to the orchestrated insurrection of January 6th, 2021. They scorned the jurors’ oath and chose to vote for DJT’s acquittal. Their craven self-interest and self-preservation trampled on integrity, truth, and the demands of leadership for the nation and its constitutional foundations.
They have no hesitation demanding of their armed forces' personnel a willingness to risk life itself for the nation. But in the Senate court these elected cowards hide behind specious arguments about the constitutionality of judging a rogue, lying demagogue for inciting, in the last month of his term, a well-cultivated mob to violently attack the seat of government. Conservatism drowns in duplicity, hypocrisy, and lies.
The pause I wistfully hoped for in a previous Pilgrim Praxis post (https://www.minister.ca/pause-on-democracy-s-slippery-slope ) has been flushed down the drain.
DJT’s manipulating demagoguery has been granted yet another reprieve by his Republicans poltroons. Is the spirit of decency, loyalty, integrity, and courage to uphold the USA constitution again put-on hold so that the lies, indecencies, autocracy, and pathological narcissism can flourish? Will this gang still undermine the hugely needed healing, competent leadership, and hope that Americans, their neighbours, and allies urgently await? Or will the former POTUS be so beset by prosecution and litigation in criminal and civil courts that he won't have time or energy for political escapades?
Wisely and happily, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris stood clear of the Republican senatorial farce. They continued in their mission of addressing the many issues the previous regime had no time for or avoided because they didn’t serve the personal interests of the former president and his blinkered followers.
The current, welcome flurry of executive orders emanating from the White House are signs of a new, in-touch, clearly focused era. President Biden’s policies and practices resonating with informed wisdom and faith-filled commitment to greater justice are encouraging and strengthening people of good will as well as those burdened by injustice.
These days call for fervent prayers for just peace and unity, creative resistance to the self-centred amorality of twice-impeached DJT and like-minded allies, and vibrant, persevering advocacy of the marginalized.
That is the vocation and faith of all humans everywhere who seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with the Holy One.