From Manhattan to Mendon and across the nation, the decision came down this week, that #45 is guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in what much of the media has erroneously called the “hush money trial.” And while it can be debated as to whether this result should be celebrated in mirth, it certainly deserves some reflection. 

This was not a “hush money” trial, though that label’s salaciousness seems enough for the media to run with. No, this was yet another assertion of Donald Trump’s need and tendency to cheat, only this time, it was borne out in court. We’ll hear from others that the process was somehow rigged, that the judge was biased, that Venezuelan Jewish space lasers somehow affected the outcome. Appeals attempts will quash these claims, as the process was fair and just. Judge Juan Merchan bent over backwards to offer the defendant every quarter. The jury was reportedly attentive to both defense and prosecution. Counter to Trump’s bizarre complaints, he was always free to testify in court and was always notified of his right to do so. After the verdict, he all but admitted the reason he could not have done so is because he was sure to perjure himself. 

Surely, this is not the level of accountability we deserved. That level of accountability could have been reached in February 2021 but was scuttled by Senate Republicans. This is why a happy dance and toasts are so tempting today; it is some level of accountability, finally. Someone has said to the system, this man cheats, and the system finally concurred. It is even more satisfying to know that the Republican Convention will be held mere days following sentencing. 

But this decision further extends the question, how did we get this irresponsible lunatic elected in the first place? Republicans first and then voters second could not keep him from the Oval Office once. It is hoped we can halt his second attempt. President Biden would be unstoppable in more normal times, with his sublime record as President and what with running against a twice-impeached, disgraced felon like this guy. 

These times are not so normal. So we, the Democratic voters, are going to have to be downright extraordinary. 

Aaron Pryor, mendondemocrats.org webmaster