We are living in a time of clear and present danger. A danger to our institutions. To our democracy. To individuals who oppose and criticize our next duly elected president who will have at his disposal powers heretofore thought to be finite but in light of a Supreme Court decision now are infinite, unencumbered even by the Constitution, supreme powers to enact his wishes and exact his revenge.
Almost daily Donald Trump or one of his henchmen, some possibly with forthcoming Senate approval for top level administration jobs such as heads of our legal and law enforcement systems, promise retribution against those who challenged Trump’s actions.
It does not matter if the cases against them are whimsical. Responding to federal inquiries and indictments requires legal representation. Resulting legal fees can easily bankrupt an accused.
The argument that President Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter might embolden Trump to pardon those convicted of January 6 crimes is ludicrous. Clearly anyone espousing such a belief has not paid attention to what Trump has been saying for months. He views them as patriots, not insurrectionists. He was going to free them regardless of Biden’s action. He has to, to solidify his hold on the extreme conspiracy theorists who are foundational parts of his base.
Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Trump has hinted at declaring martial law to quell protests. Sounds crazy and extreme, no? But look no further than to one of our strongest allies, South Korea, and see that presidents can easily deny individual rights in their quest to exert unconstrained power. Though South Korea’s legislature quickly voted to lift the proclamation, and the president complied, it would be problematic to expect the Republican controlled House and Senate to reverse Trump.
So, was Biden hasty in pardoning his son? Was he abusing presidential authority and precedent? Was he encouraging Trump to act injudiciously?
No, on all counts. Biden’s presidency saved lives with an effective Covid policy. He restored American international relations. His economic and infrastructure programs reduced inflation, prompted job creation and began much needed investments in new manufacturing and repairs or replacement of outdated, dilapidated public works.
Trump has changed the character of government. It is backward to hold Biden to standards his immediate predecessor and immediate successor did and will practice.
Three weeks ago on November 14 I called for Biden to extend pre-emptive pardons to all those expected to be on Trump’s retribution list. The other day, John Dean of Watergate notoriety expressed similar thoughts. Thursday night The New York Times reported “Biden Team Considers Blanket Pardons Before Trump’s Promised ‘Retribution’” (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/us/politics/biden-trump-pardons.html?smid=em-share). HuffPost carried a similar article Friday morning.
Momentum is building. It must be driving Trump crazy to helplessly watch his reign of vengeance potentially dissipate before his bloodthirsty eyes.
