Once again, Martin, your writing, your train of thought, is so uniquely honest and on target. That's why I follow you. As for why Trump gets a pass after doing all he can to get himself gagged with half a roll of duct tape, I have only one answer: cowardice, individual and collective.
Yes, judges have a fine line to walk, and must be ever cautious not to legally shoot themselves in the foot, leaving a door open for detractors and wily opposition attorneys to make a mess of their courtroom. But as we can see, the villains of society play by a different psychology. Break the law, cross the line, the "good-guys" are too timid to do much of anything, knowing all the chaos we can create. Always be on the attack, always show your teeth, and grin wildly to show your slick, confident dominance. And what the heck, if we don't get all we want, fall back and find another way to make fools of the law and the prim and proper attorneys who think they're so smart.
Our prosecutors might be better off taking a chance. If the bad-guys can do it, let's use the law to show them they're not so tough. Come down hard, as you suggest. Make life hard for them for a change. And when the minions scream, look them in the eye and do it again. The only way to silence a bully is to call a bluff and land a knockout punch.
It would not surprise me to learn that there is a similar psychology going on sociologically. When a good-guy is attacked but meekly retreats, there is a tendency for the followers of the bad-guy to pile on viciously. It seems our laws, and those prosecuting them, are surely being attacked. Not responding only reinforces the urge to attack, and more brazenly.
As for the cowardice, in my lifetime, I have witnessed entire assemblies sit silently while courageous individuals stood alone and faced down lies and treachery. Even judges, apparently, are not immune to being too intimidated to stand up and fight. At some point, some judge has to set the standard for other judges to follow; some judge needs the fortitude to face Trump down, and throw the book at him. For the future of law in America, this desperately needs to happen.
Once again, Martin, your writing, your train of thought, is so uniquely honest and on target. That's why I follow you. As for why Trump gets a pass after doing all he can to get himself gagged with half a roll of duct tape, I have only one answer: cowardice, individual and collective.
Yes, judges have a fine line to walk, and must be ever cautious not to legally shoot themselves in the foot, leaving a door open for detractors and wily opposition attorneys to make a mess of their courtroom. But as we can see, the villains of society play by a different psychology. Break the law, cross the line, the "good-guys" are too timid to do much of anything, knowing all the chaos we can create. Always be on the attack, always show your teeth, and grin wildly to show your slick, confident dominance. And what the heck, if we don't get all we want, fall back and find another way to make fools of the law and the prim and proper attorneys who think they're so smart.
Our prosecutors might be better off taking a chance. If the bad-guys can do it, let's use the law to show them they're not so tough. Come down hard, as you suggest. Make life hard for them for a change. And when the minions scream, look them in the eye and do it again. The only way to silence a bully is to call a bluff and land a knockout punch.
It would not surprise me to learn that there is a similar psychology going on sociologically. When a good-guy is attacked but meekly retreats, there is a tendency for the followers of the bad-guy to pile on viciously. It seems our laws, and those prosecuting them, are surely being attacked. Not responding only reinforces the urge to attack, and more brazenly.
As for the cowardice, in my lifetime, I have witnessed entire assemblies sit silently while courageous individuals stood alone and faced down lies and treachery. Even judges, apparently, are not immune to being too intimidated to stand up and fight. At some point, some judge has to set the standard for other judges to follow; some judge needs the fortitude to face Trump down, and throw the book at him. For the future of law in America, this desperately needs to happen.
I identify with your position. Please keep in good health and continue writing. When I earn more money, you will get some of it. Happy Holidays