Our American political system has never been flawless. However it has functioned most adequately over the years and earned the respect of many, at home and abroad. If you're old enough, you may recall Ronald Reagan (Republican) and Tip O'Neil (Democrat) regularly sparring with one another politically. However, they would often come to a “compromise” in the end for the “good of the country”. Sounds strange in 2022? Well, for a long time, that's the way it was in American politics in the not-too-distant past. Most politicians would stick to their moral values and kept their integrity intact. They were guided by the concepts of “American principles over party” and “country over party”.
When Donald J. Trump ascended to the presidency, he brought with him a sad era of politics characterized by extreme partisanship-unlike the relationship of Reagan and O'Neil. This partisanship has led to today's political divisiveness, shameless deceit, and downright disrespect for the law by some of the very politicians who make the laws and are sworn to uphold them! This is absolutely wrong and doesn't contribute to a healthy political environment where important issues are meant to get debated and resolved.
Mr. Trump survived two impeachments, mainly because the majority of his Republicans decided to “look the other way” and acquit him. This occurred despite the damning testimony and evidence that was largely unfavorable to him. Many good Americans and folks around the world were left wondering how acquittal could happen in view of the wealth of testimony and evidence that was presented against the then president. Well, after surviving two impeachments, and a failed bid for a second term,Trump, as a civilian, is continuing his traditional lying about issues, large and small. He is also continuing to duck and dodge his various legal issues by filing appeal after appeal.
As I've said before, it is my opinion that Donald J Trump never meant to do this country any good. The only good he wanted to do was for himself. Many times he embraced our enemies like Kim Jung Un and Putin while disrespecting our friends like Merkel and others. Some say that perhaps Trump viewed dictators as potential business prospects. I don't know. However, he has displayed his admiration for totalitarians on several occasions.
The systems of American politics and justice are viable and workable systems only when “true justice” prevails. If those that make laws and sit in judgment of others decide to look at a dog and deliberately and falsely call it a cat, the system will eventually collapse on its own weight and chaos will follow. Truth must be an important ideal in government because citizens must have faith and trust in the government that serves them. They always want to feel that their government is honest and trustworthy. If trust is lost, the system breaks down.
Intentional misinformation about the 2020 election in America caused some voters to question the validity of the results. Lies that the election was stolen (when evidence from certified authorities of both parties, stated otherwise) demeaned our electoral system and hurt our image as a respectable nation in the minds of some people. However honest and unbiased observers quickly realized that widespread systemic fraud did not exist in the election and that claims of the election being stolen was a "Big Lie" concocted by those of highly questionable intent. I've heard a citizen voice the opinion that leaders who perpetuate these lies should be sued in a court of law where they would be required to produce their evidence. If they can't present their evidence and prove their case, they should at least have to repay the American people for court costs and damages in payment for the fraud they tried to perpetrate on America and its people. The jury is still out on what may happen to these leaders. However, they should be held accountable for besmirching the image of the electoral system of a nation proven “innocent” of all charges.
We all know that in American politics, money and power reign supreme. If a powerful entity wants something done on Capitol Hill, it is said that all you have to do is send your lobbyist to Capitol Hill with a hefty bag of “influence”. It's said that if you spread this “influence” in the right places, you can get just about anything done. Reelections abound? Here come the AK's?
Justice in the USA is supposed to be blind but we know that well-heeled people with money and power often get a “slap-on-the-wrist” , while Johnny from down the street has to do several months in prison for getting busted with a small amount of drugs.
In an effort to remedy the problems inherent in our political system, our justice system, and more, we must resort again to the ballot box. We must vote as if our health, happiness, and prosperity depended on it. Yes, it is that important! See you at the polls. Let's do it again! TAJ
