We need a stronger word than cynicism

By Jim Powers
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We need to invent a stronger word to replace cynicism.

Over my decades of observing humanity, I’ve become increasingly cynical about our ability to survive as a species. Lately, though, I’ve had to add modifiers to the word cynical because it is not strong enough fit our current situation.

As those of you who follow the daily antics of our ruling class know, former President Donald Trump has been indicted by the DOJ (Department of Justice).

It is a 37 criminal count indictment, including 31 counts related to withholding national defense information, with one count against Trump for each document he was alleged to have kept in his possession​and five counts related to concealing possession of classified documents. Among these are counts of conspiracy to obstruct justice and withholding documents and records, levied against both Trump and an aide, Walt Nauta​, and two counts of false statements related to statements to the F.B.I. by Trump and his aide, Walt Nauta​.

The indictment details the potential danger of the classified information in the documents that Trump kept at his Mar-a-Lago estate, and emphasizes the risk of disclosure, given the number of people with access to the estate, and includes photographs showing that some of the boxes Mr. Trump had taken from the White House were stored in areas where guests had access.

It also refers to an audio recording in which Trump acknowledges that he knew a document in his possession was still classified, which contradicts his public claims that he had declassified all the materials he took from the Oval Office.

Further, the indictment also suggests that Trump and Nauta hid boxes of documents from Evan Corcoran, referred to as "Trump Attorney 1," who would soon tell the Justice Department that there were no other files responsive to the subpoena, which was not true. The special counsel appears to be connecting phone records and surveillance footage to show a link between Trump's and Nauta's actions.

Finally, it also presents instances in which Trump implied, without directly asking, for Corcoran to destroy classified documents rather than turn them over to the government.

Not surprisingly, many republicans in government have jumped to Trump’s defense, not by alleging that anything in the document is not true (there is verifiable evidence, clearly, that it is true), but by claiming either that President Biden has committed much worse crimes, or some version of the belief that even if true, Trump should not be prosecuted because the indictment is politicly motivated.

There is no evidence that the Republican House has presented that Biden is guilty of anything. They make a lot of accusations, claim they have the proof, but refuse to provide it.

The claim of political motivation is moot. If politically motivated, again for which there is no evidence being provided by Republicans, the evidence leads to the conclusion that Trump committed the crimes, and we operate under the belief that no citizen of the U.S. is above the law. A trial will allow everyone to present their evidence, and a jury will decide the outcome.

Here's where the cynicism comes in. What the Republicans appear to be saying is that Trump is in some way special. That even if he committed crimes against the country, he deserves special consideration because he is a former President, or because he is a present Presidential candidate, or because of all the things he has done for the country.

Calling them cynical is simply insufficient to describe what they are saying. They are elevating one man above all others, which would be bad enough if they believed that Trump was worthy of that lofty position, but we know from many of their own statements that they do not.

What they do know is that Trump’s millions of followers do believe he is special, for many a messiah, and they need those followers to get reelected themselves. So, they are willing to shield him from his own criminal actions to curry favor with his disciples.

Perhaps I’m just using the wrong word.

Trump would call these kinds of Republicans the DEEP STATE.

Jim Powers writes opinion columns. All opinion are his own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this publication.