The Closing Argument

 

The following is a transcript of the prosecution’s closing argument in the case of The Voters v. Donald Trump (November 6, 2018)

Thank you, your honor.  And thank you, members of the jury, for enduring the seemingly endless presentation of evidence over the past 21 months.  But we, the prosecution, felt it was important to remind you of the FACTS of this case. The defense has tried to convince you there are alternative FACTS.  That is simply not true.  When that did not work, the defense argued that the FACTS represent a different TRUTH.  And they are right.  FACTS are universal.  TRUTHS are personal.  Their mistake has been to try and make you believe THEIR TRUTHS are universal.  The defendant is on record as saying, “Everyone knows…  Everyone agrees…”  That is why the defense expects you to come back with a unanimous verdict in favor of their client.  Today is your chance to tell the American people that is just one more alternative fact. 

This case is not about whether the defendant is crass, childish or narcissistic.  This case is about what he and the sycophants in his administration and his party represent.  The choices they make when faced with decisions that affect the lives of every American. The messages they send to our allies and adversaries around the world.  It is a referendum on those who choose to support these decisions or fail to confront the defendant when, in their hearts and minds, they know he is wrong. 

Lawyers are not supposed to say this, but we believe these proceedings will end in a mistrial.  There will not be a unanimous verdict.  Some of you will hold out.  YOUR TRUTH will tell you some of the facts don’t matter.  You will even admit some facts make you uncomfortable, but you have overriding priorities.  That is how our system works.  But both we and the defense have agreed, regardless of the verdict or non-verdict, the judge will poll the jury and the results will be made public.  This is your chance to let the defendant know he is wrong.  EVERYONE DOES NOT AGREE WITH HIM.  NOT EVEN A MAJORITY AGREES.

The defendant is betting you do not care about the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution as he sees no conflict between his continued profiting from foreign investments and how such financial entanglements make  every foreign policy decision suspect.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant thinks climate change is a hoax and will miraculously correct itself.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant thinks repealing the Affordable Care Act with no idea what will replace it results in better and cheaper health insurance for all Americans.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant values the sale of weapons over moral leadership when an autocratic government tortures and murders a U.S. resident.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant believes in deficit financing of tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant believes the government should be the arbiter of a woman’s reproductive rights.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

When it comes to supporting the perpetrators or victims of sexual abuse and harassment, the defendant chooses to side with the accused and denigrate the accuser. TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant opposes universal background checks for gun owners and instead asserts citizens have a Constitutional right to semi-automatic assault weapons.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant supports family-based immigration for his wife’s parents but not for those seeking asylum from political persecution or violence.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant is a self-proclaimed champion of deregulation except when it comes to a few corporate giants having control over access and pricing of the internet.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant believes a person’s sexual orientation is grounds for being excluded from the military or being refused service at a commercial establishment.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant chooses not to unequivocally condemn neo-Nazis and white supremacists.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant accuses the press of being “the enemy of the people.”  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant chooses to believe autocrats over the U.S. intelligence community.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

The defendant tells us when his opponents exercise their constitutional right of assembly and protest under the First Amendment they are an “angry mob” while holding rallies at which he celebrates vigilante responses to those who disagree with him and his policies. TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

And finally, the defendant is confident he can simply lie his way out of his abuse of power and violation of his oath of office.  He denies any attempt to obstruct justice.  TELL HIM HE IS WRONG.

This case can best be described as a “Janus moment” in American history.  Janus was the Roman god of transitions.  He had two faces, looking to the future and at the past. January, the month when we begin each new year, is named after this ancient deity.  Members of the jury, today each of you is Janus.  You can look back and affirm what has been or look forward and create a  better future.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP

 

8 thoughts on “The Closing Argument

  1. For what it’s worth? It’s worth a lot!

    Your thoughts need to be in front of more than Those who already know the truth of your words and the importance of voting in this election. Everyone of us – by our action or inaction – By speaking up or by remaining silent – Will be affecting the lives of others – as well as our own and our children’s lives for a long time to come. Decency and compassion are not incompatible with jobs and and safety. Act now we must.

  2. Major items not addressed are cuts or elimination of Social Security and Medicare, Medical and he should be imprisoned for the rest of his life.

    1. There are many items I chose to leave out. The primary reason I included the items listed is they are based on past actions over the last 21 months, things he has actually said or done. While I agree Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are the next likely targets for what I call the administration’s “reverse Robin Hood syndrome,” taking from the poor to give to the rich, it has not yet happened.

  3. When Don the Con was elected, I easily expected the midterms to be a defeat for the Repugnants of crushing proportions. I am endlessly surprised at how durable his support remains and the magnitude of effort needed to fight it. He has bloomed from soil that was richly dunged.

  4. Yes, yes, yes. I shared with friends and family. All my sibs (5 living) follow you pretty regularly. Thanks Dr. ESP!

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