The Georgia indictments, represent American democracy in the most remarkable way.
TAT readers,
This is a short TAT, but with all of the experts commenting on other aspects of last evening’s stunning indictments, I wanted to offer a simple citizen’s perspective.
Last night’s indictments announced by the Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney, Fani Willis and her team, were beyond remarkable, for any truly patriotic American citizen, right, left or otherwise. They were a strong signal that America is slowly but surely returning to our true national values. For people of my generation, seeing an accomplished, black woman at the county level, bringing charges against a former US president, well-known for his criminality and un-American, potentially treasonous activity, was quite literally a coup for our proud tradition of, “everyone is equal before the law.”
Most of us stood in horror, at the weaponization of the US Justice Department during the Trump administration, with AG William Barr enabling and protecting a criminal in the White House via disingenuous actions at best, outright dishonesty at worst. We’ve all heard the testimony and recordings of officials across the nation, being pressured to “find votes,” discount others or refuse to count some ballots altogether. Not one thing is more alien to a moral, functioning democracy, than using Putin-like tactics to alter election results, ignore our constitution and then attempt a violent armed coup.
At a very young age of six, I recall my parent’s buying their first home. Like most communities, there were either informal or formal rules about segregated communities. My parents were never in favor of such and my father, courageously used actions, not words to express his feelings on this issue. Dad, never taller than 5’ 6” would present an odd couple-like scene when walking down the street with his best friend, from the only black family in the neighborhood. Dad’s best friend was a 6’ 6” fellow teacher at a local Middle School. When they walked down our street, people would quite literally, peek out through closed blinds. Holding Dad in high esteem and to this day, doing my best to honor his values, I would also walk down the street with the same age son of his best friend.
Even during my formative years, I dreamed but never could have imagined the scene I witnessed last night in Georgia, especially during the Trump years. Dad, then a government and history teacher, would have been so very proud that after a near fatal challenge to our democracy, that the gears of our lofty democratic principles, were still turning, albeit a bit worn and needing oil after years of shoddy maintenance. All citizens are needed to keep these wheels turning smoothly or the machinery of democracy will once again fall into disrepair.
When any party behaves as the MAGA dominated GOP has in recent years, it is incumbent on all citizen’s to protest. Politics should be about governing, not so-called culture wars. Now, with all of the challenges facing our nation, we are long overdue to demand politicians stop behaving like warring factions.
Despite Trump and his criminal organization being indicted, we must also adhere to the part of our legal system that says, they are, “innocent until proven guilty.” Every step further from the Trump disgrace must be on the path to strengthening our constitutional principles, not serving the intended fascism of the former administration. Being a patriot was never intended to support a party. It’s about ethically serving our founding principles.
Yesterday was a great moment in American democracy.
My best for your Tuesday,
Paul