Re: “Trump pardons anti-abortion activists who blockaded clinic,” Chicago Tribune, Jan. 24, 2025
President Trump is reveling in his newfound power to pardon criminals. Unfortunately for democracy, he has discovered he can use this power to usurp the power of the other two branches of government. He has pardoned protesters who blockaded a legal clinic and harassed women attempting to receive health care, as well as workers who were simply doing their completely legal jobs. Thus, Trump has weaseled around both the Legislative Branch, who have declared it illegal to prevent citizens from receiving health care, and the Judicial Branch, who have enforced the laws that protect Americans from undue harassment for simply living their lives.
Republicans who cheer when Trump violates the Constitutional separation of powers so their “side” can win, may find that one day King Donald will run roughshod over one of their own laws. By then it will be too late. Perhaps Trump will declare that all groceries must be purchased using his meme cryptocurrency coins. Perhaps he will decree that Tesla is the only legally approved automobile. Republicans who depend on the banking industry or who represent states that produce cars will be powerless to stop this juggernaut.
Once you wink at lawlessness, the U.S. becomes just another “shit-hole country,” as defined by Donald Trump in 2018 (1), run by and for criminals.
Tom DeCoursey
Oak Park