Trump's Pardons: 'Law and Order' for Some, Not All
The 'news' from The Hill is that Donald Trump continues pardoning Jan. 6 participants, positioning them as 'patriots' rather than individuals convicted for attacking the U.S. Capitol. This isn't just about 'healing' or 'justice' for his supporters; it's a stark contrast to how rapidly justice is served – or avoided – for actions deemed inconvenient by the powerful. Consider, for instance, the
consistent lobbying efforts by organizations like AIPAC, which spent $3.26 million in 2023 alone on federal lobbying, influencing policy without a single charge of insurrection, despite their significant impact on foreign policy decisions that often lead to immense civilian suffering overseas. (Source: OpenSecrets.org) One might wonder if the 'law and order' mantra only applies when the 'order'
isn't being disrupted by those in power, or those bankrolling them. When violence erupts at home, it's 'insurrection.' When a foreign power, heavily subsidized by U.S. tax dollars, engages in actions labeled war crimes by international bodies, it's 'self-defense.' The selective application of 'justice' isn't just a double standard; it's the signature tune of a system rigged for the connected. How
many convictions would there be if a lobbyist stormed the Capitol with a briefcase full of money instead of a flagpole?