A periodic gathering of old friends was discussing — inevitably these days — our nation’s “situation.” How it’s unfolded, and what’s the way forward?
Why did half of Americans choose as they did? Their grievances understandable, yet so ill-served by who they entrusted. But, one asserted, “they hate Democrats more.” True, Democrats have often seemed waylaid, by other (sometimes misguided) concerns, from their core of seeking a better deal for struggling everyday Americans. But at least their hearts are still in that right place. Whereas Republicans pay it lip service while cynically betraying it.
“I am your retribution,” Trump told those aggrieved folks. Never mind that what they (should have) wanted was help, not vengeance. And it was his own he really craved, not theirs. A man handed everything in life, going from (undeserved) triumph to triumph, the world kissing his ass, nevertheless so consumed by resentments. “Treated very unfairly” an obsessive mantra. (Recently saying it about whites vis-a-vis Blacks. Though I don’t recall many whites lynched by Black mobs.)
But back to retribution — central in that friends’ conversation was a felt need for justice and accountability, regarding this regime’s criminal outrages. Hoping the next one provides a proper reckoning and reset.
A thirst for justice is deeply embedded in human nature. Programmed by evolution into our early forebears, living in small bands in tough circumstances, social solidarity was vital for survival, so violations of it could not be tolerated. Hence our hunger to see them punished. (This is why Hell was invented. People frustrated by imperfect justice on earth were consoled by imagining evildoers punished later.)
I have this justice lust myself, in spades. (Maybe part of why I became a lawyer.) Further, the concept of accountability is integral to democracy. The idea that rulers are not free to do as they please; only if they are not can the citizenry be free. Thus the principle, “no one is above the law.” Everyone accountable.
But life is not so simple. And while I shared the group’s zeal to mete out justice for this regime’s transgressions, I found myself doubting that’s what we need most. This nation does need help more than retribution.
Trump and Republicans made great political hay with cries that machineries of justice were improperly “weaponized” against them. Yet Trump in particular was guilty of real and serious crimes, and the true perversion of justice was his escaping penalties. That’s what Democrats may really be faulted for, not playing hardball like Republicans. Who now themselves show us how “weaponization” of justice is done, persecuting political targets with phony legal cases.
This escalating cycle of political recrimination must stop. It’s tearing apart America’s social fabric.* And we can’t expect relief to come from Republicans, the primary culprits.
Jesus may not have been a real person but his preachings in the Bible are salient here. Rejecting “eye for an eye” mores in favor of “turning the other cheek.” The latter may be a bridge too far, but not humility, mercy and forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a difficult concept. It does not require blinding oneself to wrongs done, as though they never happened. Rather, it means choosing to put that aside, closing the book on it, and going forward afresh. Because that serves us better than does recrimination. It is not justice; but justice is not the sole paradigm for living our lives.
This might seem like Democrats again playing nice while Republicans play rough; and they may well take advantage, pocketing the forbearance and showing none in return. But we can only be responsible for our own behavior, not that of others. Doing what we deem right and good, even if they do not reciprocate.
The forthcoming Democratic House of Representatives should refrain from impeachments — however merited — but futile since a two-thirds Senate conviction is unattainable. And while Trump has pardoned many bad people for bad, even corrupt reasons, Democrats should make clear their administration will forego at least some prosecutions, not because that’s just, but to help heal the nation. Like when Ford pardoned Nixon.
This seems the only pragmatically hopeful path forward for this nation, out of the ugly morass into which we’ve fallen. It’s a war neither side can win; neither can be beaten into submission. One side at least must come to grips with that reality.
* A mainstay in a hobby club just told me he’s quitting because its president made a pro-Trump remark.
