He is Still a Felon

LEST NOT FORGET

Trump (Photo – Tiburi, pixabay.com).

GUEST OPINION

In the endless churn of headlines, rallies, cable news debates, and social media spin, it’s easy to lose sight of the fundamental fact that Donald J. Trump is still a convicted felon.

By John Boucher

Yes, a second term president, backed by the GOP establishment, has been found guilty in a court of law. That fact alone should be disqualifying in the eyes of any voter who believes in law, order, and accountability. And yet, here we are, a nation so numbed by political spectacle and tribal loyalty that the gravity of a felony conviction is being swept under the rug and marginally forgotten.

As a reminder: the legal process was followed. Trump had his day in court, his choice of legal representation, and a jury of his peers. The evidence was reviewed. The defense was presented. The verdict was rendered. That is how the justice system works, and it is the same justice system that conservatives have long championed when it serves their interests.

So why is it that the label “felon” seems to carry more weight when applied to someone stealing a car or selling drugs, but not when applied to a man who holds the highest office in the land? Why do some insist on painting the Felon as a hero rather than holding him to the same standards they would apply to any other citizen?

The answer is uncomfortable, but necessary to confront: racism has allowed political identity to override moral accountability.

To be clear, this is not about policy preferences. Reasonable people can debate immigration, taxes, foreign policy, and the economy. But a felony conviction should not be something we just “move past” for the sake of political convenience. We don’t let teachers, doctors, or even truck drivers keep their jobs with a felony on their record without consequences. Why should the presidency, arguably the most powerful and consequential role on the planet, be any different?

Some will say the conviction was part of a political witch hunt. But if we undermine the justice system every time it holds the powerful accountable, what does that say about the strength of our democracy? The Felon had the resources, the platform, and the legal firepower to defend himself. The jury still found him guilty.

It’s time we stop dancing around the word. Felon. Not president. Not Republican. Not political outsider. Just felon.