Hiding behind diehards in Trinidad and Tobago, just like Trump?

THE EDITOR: Former US president Donald Trump’s personal wealth, which includes hotels, casinos, golf courses and real estate businesses, was reportedly estimated at over US$2.5 billion as of April 2023.

Trump, 77, is now facing 37 criminal charges over his alleged mishandling of classified material after he left the White House. If found guilty, he faces some serious prison time.

Looking at the letter of the law, the 31 counts under the Espionage Act, for example, each carry a maximum sentence of ten years. Four other counts, related to conspiracy and withholding or concealing documents, each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years. The last two counts – scheme to conceal and false statements and representations – carry sentences of five years each.

And even with his previous top political position, and with all his materialistic possessions, what is his strategy to escape or wing his way out of these serious legal matters?

In any authentic democracy, money or status should have no role in anyone not facing justice.

Of course, being the human beings we are, we’re all susceptible to human weaknesses. Getting people in large numbers to support you tends to make a difference. And even if you’re not in your previous ranked position, you simply go back, even on your knees, and reconnect (verbally zealous) with the people who have supported you. Importantly, tell them what they want to hear.

In Trump’s case, these are the same people who were prepared to go as far as invading the US Capitol in Washington, home of the US Congress. Such are the political supporters you now need. They are called diehards.

If you can again garner their political support by the traditional denunciation of political opponents and making promises, promises that to many have become politically nauseating but which diehards apparently fall for over and over again, does this really increase your chances of being freed from impending legal challenges?

Notwithstanding all of these serious allegations, is it so difficult for diehards to discern the political disappointment they’re facing given the magnitude of their idol’s legal challenges?

Given Trump’s age, his sound financial standing and the present uncertain global political climate, is he really desirous of again becoming the president of the world’s foremost democracy? Or given the seriousness of this issue he’s facing and his diehards’ apparent inability to discern the reality of the situation, is he literally throwing himself in their care hoping for the best?

We (TT), like the US, also love to boast about our democracy. But are our legal and political systems up to par to deal with similar situations? Are our political diehards (yes, we have two groups of political diehards) shrewd enough to identify individuals who may be facing trials not exactly of the same scale as Trump’s, but legal challenges where they need to “hide behind” their diehards? Have we ever had or presently have any legal or political circumstances comparable to this former president’s situation?

And if we do, should the individual/s involved belong to a political party that sooner or later is elected to office, how would that affect our relations with other countries, more so our main suppliers of practically everything?

LLOYD RAGOO

Chaguanas