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My final, futile defence of Donald Trump

Dubai - He’s been a sore loser, a bad liar and more, but there is scant evidence to prove he has attempted to dump the constitution and destroy institutions.

Incitement is a strong word to flash in these politically charged times when woke hypocrisy has scaled new heights. It is, in fact, the wrong word that has drawn selective attention from radical progressives who believe they hold the crucible of goodness in an era of badass politics.

Social media and Big Tech are putting fresh gloss on differences and disputes that will, sadly, take longer to resolve than four years of Joe Biden’s presidency when America is expected to decline rapidly on the world stage. And those who pride themselves in being called progressives will be running the affairs of a divided democracy that has turned on itself. Ideology, politics, religion and race have separated ordinary Americans who are no strangers to civil unrest.

Liberals despise reconciliation and rapprochement as resentment builds in society. With their progressive and often radical agenda, they have forged a path of confrontation while smarting from the loss they suffered four years ago when the deep state they presided over was swept away by a wave of populism.

Many did not see it coming in the form of a reality TV showman and realty tycoon who became president. Four years later, an orderly transition of power has become a farce, and blaming Donald Trump alone for a flawed America will only make divisions hard to bridge. There is vendetta at the core of Biden’s transition team that does not attempt to understand the roots of the crisis. “I will be a president for all Americans,” said Biden, but the damage has been done by his supporters who want Trump humiliated as he exits his post.

Democrats took the issue to Congress and expedited impeachment proceedings against the president that has only fanned more anger. Leading media houses have been replaying the Capitol violence on their channels. Is this not incitement?

Impeachment has become an incantation. How we have fallen for the propaganda of these extremist liberals masquerading as moral guardians of what is right. Even the left will be ashamed at the hijacking of an agenda that once had their seal of approval.

Now that Trump has been impeached again, let’s start at the beginning, to what he really said before mostly White supremacist goons stormed the Capitol. Did the president ‘incite’ the crowds? No. The speech was falsely interpreted by those believe they own the swamp. One has to only read the text or listen to his speech before the riots broke out to get a grip on the political reality show that projects Trump as the antagonist. The charge against the president was this: ‘Incitement for insurrection’. Rebellion in plain terms. A security failure was spun and insurrection and social media fanned the flames. Here’s what Trump actually said: “And we fight. We fight like hell. And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore. Our exciting adventures and boldest endeavours have not yet begun. My fellow Americans, for our movement, for our children, and for our beloved country.

“And I say this despite all that’s happened. The best is yet to come. So we’re going to, we’re going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. I love Pennsylvania Avenue. And we’re going to the Capitol, and we’re going to try and give….” The speech was rambling, repetitive and sprinkled with ‘Thank yous’, not to mention conspiracy theories that the election was stolen from him. The US president also said: “I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard.” The Republican Party latched on to the line in his defence to no avail.

Now what is this Insurrection Act of 1807. It reads thus: “That in all cases of insurrection, or obstruction to the laws, either of the United States, or of any individual state or territory, where it is lawful for the President of the United States to call forth the militia for the purpose of suppressing such insurrection, or of causing the laws to be duly executed, it shall be lawful for him to employ, for the same purposes, such part of the land or naval force of the United States, as shall be judged necessary, having first observed all the pre-requisites of the law in that respect.” Trump himself threatened to use the act against violent protesters who went on a rampage last year after police choked a Black to death. The president is now being accused of stoking a revolt in what should be seen as a law and order problem. A disruptive presidency hasn’t been a bad presidency. He’s been a sore loser, a bad liar and more, but there is scant evidence to prove he has attempted to dump the constitution and destroy institutions.

Joseph R. Biden, as he takes the reins of power, should check himself from falling into the trap the neo-liberals have set for him and focus more on America’s revival and less on revenge. It’s time to make America Great and Responsible Again.

— allan@khaleejtimes.com