Skip to main content

Expected, But Still Perplexed: Thoughts from Trump 2nd Impeachment Acquittal

The feelings I have following President Trump's second impeachment hearing are complex. For the many days leading into this, I already knew what the result would be - because well, we all did. There just never - ever - seemed like there would be enough votes to convict the former President throughout this process. We've come to expect this. And we have yet to see any indication where accountability would triumph over allegiance to party...or loyalty to Trump. 

Or really, like the right thing would be done. 

Yet, here I am following the announcement of an acquittal, and I find myself feeling disappointed, concerned, and in various ways, perplexed. After all, I thought after the riot at the Capitol, that maybe - just maybe! - the nation would finally provide the moment that turns the tide to some sort of accountability within and from our government. 

I was naive. Naive to believe that this country would provide a step against the presence that plagues this country. But white supremacy enjoys its home field advantage that is America. And that is an advantage that has yet to be undermined, challenged, or even self-accounted for by our nation. 

It's a tough pill to swallow. Even in a country where the scars from the experiences of the past have prepared us for decisions like - the numbness of the impact, yet, the hurt from the broken hope still finds its way to a nerve. 

Here are a few other quick thoughts on the decision: 

- The defense presented by Trump's team expressed (and exposed) two important things: 1) That his lawyers were not only bad, a last-minute selection, and challenged with an insurmountable task, but that providing a viable defense was in fact downright impossible. And, 2) that the hearing itself wasn't important other than for providing a brief trial-by-society opportunity. 

- I understand the checks and balances that come with needing 2/3 of the senate in order to convict, but the process does say plenty when a vote of 57-43 results in the 43 getting their outcome. 

- So...now that we know inciting an insurrection isn't that serious. What exactly is crossing the line for a President? 

I understand that this was still the most bi-partisan vote in an impeachment hearing ever, but that still doesn't mean anything. I'm all for bipartisan progress, especially in these heavily politically divisive times, but yeah...it means nothing. 

- The unseen videos presented were shocking and in many ways, surreal. Some of the chaos unveiled further concerns me about the threat these groups are to our country and our democracy. They've been a threat for a long, long time, and the ugly is no longer a "secret". Still, seeing that ugly exposed still carries impact. 

- Eugene Goodman is truly, truly an American hero. The thought of how bad January 6th could have been, and was just a mere few feet from reaching that level if not for Goodman's intervention, is something I continue to think about regarding the Capitol riot. 

We were a steps away - steps. 

-  A few weeks removed from the incident, and it is even more reprehensible the actions and inactions of former President, Donald Trump. Whatever we feel right now for that day, it will only age worse and worse as the incident is removed from not just the context of events and political narratives, but even more so, the context of the era. 

A President telling a crowd that he "will walk down with them..." and of course, the tweets that state, "this is what you get..." among so many other statements and text that will live on in infamy, is outright hard to believe that it happened. But it did. It did. 

- Mitch McConnell, you can save us all the righteous speech. Actions speak much louder than the empty words you spew. If you believe he's guilty, then your action should follow, period. 

- What exactly is the Republican party, today? It's very apparent that the Republicans are worried about the backlash of donors and their voting bases parting with them should they vote a specific way. Yet, with Trump still having a stronghold on the party, you have to wonder where the compass of this party is as it continues to move forward?

- Trump vowed to return in some sort of weird ending to part I of a movie franchise, thus foreshadowing the return of an evil villain. And with that, of course, the usual Trump base is once again energized at the possibility of 2024. It's amazing. 

Honestly, I've learned to never count out Donald Trump. He always finds a way,  and there are a lot of people out there who are Trump over Country at this time. However, I reaaallllllllllllllly have a tough time seeing that happen. 

Trump is still facing tons of legal roadblocks ahead, and there is a part of me that also feels like the moderate voter's belief in Trump has subdued. But this saga isn't over. We'll see what 2021 brings about. It's definitely unsettled, and it surely will be interesting, regardless of a new administration. 

Recently Read Posts

A Product of Us: Thoughts on Durant Trade

I said back in July when Kevin Durant rocked the NBA world with his trade request, that he "showed us who he was".  It wasn't a negative comment, but one that encompasses his entire career being a product of our current sport climate - success and focus on legacy. We emphasize the value of a career on rings, and thus, Durant has too. Why wouldn't he?!  Upon waking up and realizing that Durant will don the purple and orange for the Phoenix Suns in what is clearly now a team to watch come the NBA Playoffs, I find myself further pondering if Kevin Durant is the prime result of what we - yes, us! - have done to the modern athlete.  Today, Durant is one of the greatest basketball players I've ever seen. EVER. The dude is rare. He's a seven-foot magician which makes defending him even more difficult based on how damn efficient he is on the basketball court. It's downright poetic and beautiful to watch Durant play. And yes, I'm romanticizing his game. I belie

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 2/19/23

3 Up 1. India's Tap Water Access - This is a rather remarkable story. It's a story that offers humility wrapped in the extraordinary. India's Jal Jeevan Mission provided almost 79 million - 79 MILLION! - households with tap water. Just tap water!  2. Jordan Make-A-Wish Record - MJ is often loved through nostalgia, narrative, and remembrance for being politically neutral - even in giving. MJ these days has made some influential contributions, including this latest $10M donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation.  3. WWE Elimination Chamber - A tremendously entertaining pay-per-view on the road to Wrestlemania. The best storyline in pro wrestling continues to evolve between Sami Zayn and the Bloodline.  3A. City of Montreal - Give it up to the city of Montreal for what made a few nights of pro wrestling an awesome experience. Can we get this city more events?  3 Down 1. Michigan State Shooting - We're broken. Very broken. My thoughts and prayers are with those friends and fam

Impact No Surrender 2023 Review: "Interested in where the Product is Going"

I've fallen behind on my Impact Wrestling viewing, but honestly, that's okay. For viewership and enjoyment, yes. Not so well for posting a review for readership long after it's noteworthy or relevant. But whatevs, that's just where I am in life. Wrestling is much more fun removed from the restraints and influence of the criticism and impact (no pun intended) of the current time. That's just me. You can probably thank social media. Moving on, No Surrender 2023 continues Impact's progress into the new year. The product is still solid and consistent with a nice blend of characters and wrestlers moving in and out of the main event scene, along with a fresh batch of a resurgence of characters and occurrences. Nothing says that more than Rich Swann vs. Josh Alexander.  No Surrender was a solid event, but it does leave me extremely interested in where the product is going, or should I say planning, for 2023. I don't want to say that Alexander's title reign has

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 1/8/22

3 Up 1. New Year - Happy New Year to you all! I've written it in a bunch of emails, mainly to be courteous, but I really do wish you the best for you. I hope 2023 is a great one for all of you DP readers.  2. Buffalo Athletic Trainers - Let's give it up for the Athletic Trainers of the Buffalo Bills who performed with courage, steadfastness, and urgency in regard to Damar Hamlin. We should be celebrating those trainers more.  2A. Athletic Trainers - And because I'm always around them, let's give it up for Athletic Trainers in general. They do so much and very much go unnoticed in the space of sports, athletics, and performance.  2B. Damar Hamlin - Praying for Hamlin and his family... 3. Broadway Bounceback - We all like to believe we're back from COVID, but we're not. But it's news like Broadway having its biggest week of sales since the pandemic began is some nice news. Everyone in the theatre industry deserves it.  3 Down 1. Damar Hamlin Situation - Horri