By John Q. Hosedrinker US Supreme Court Justices Have “Strange” Views on Whether Trump is Disqualified
As an observer of the US Supreme Court’s recent oral arguments on whether former President Donald Trump should be disqualified from the ballot, I couldn’t help but notice the “strange” views expressed by some of the justices. While I understand that this topic is one of national significance, the case at hand pertains specifically to Colorado, making it a matter of Colorado’s prerogative to decide on the eligibility of candidates.
The Constitution grants states the right and duty to conduct their own elections, including determining the criteria for appearing on the ballot. It is not uncommon for states to deny third-party candidates a place on the ballot. So, why should Trump be treated any differently? The 14th Amendment, which some argue applies to Trump’s alleged incitement of insurrection, does not explicitly name him. Therefore, it is questionable whether it can be applied in this case.
However, it is glaringly apparent that Trump’s actions and rhetoric warrant disqualification. He openly boasts about his role in the insurrection and runs what some see as a dangerous cult. He did nothing to stop the attack on January 6th, failing to call for help or reach out to national security officials. These actions alone should disqualify him from holding office, based on the letter, spirit, and intent of the law.
The Supreme Court’s handling of this case is crucial in safeguarding our constitutional order. If the court cannot defend itself against Trump’s attempts to undermine its authority, our nation faces a potential nightmare. It is disheartening to see the highest court in the land hesitate in upholding the clear intent of the constitution in such a critical moment.
The 14th Amendment disqualification clause is at the heart of the matter, and the Supreme Court’s reluctance to address it directly is concerning. If they rule that Trump is not disqualified, what is to prevent future presidents with bad faith intentions from clinging to power even after losing an election? This reluctance to make a definitive ruling on the issue only leaves the door open for more abuses of power in the future.
It is frustrating to witness the erosion of our constitutional values and the reluctance of our institutions to take a stand. It seems that the Supreme Court justices are more interested in their own self-preservation and avoiding the ire of Trump and his followers than in upholding justice and the rule of law. This undermines our faith in the judicial branch and the supposed checks and balances of our system.
The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction over how Colorado administers its electoral votes is also a point of contention. If states have the right to determine their own voting rules and processes, why should Colorado’s determination regarding Trump’s involvement in an insurrection not be considered a purely Colorado issue? It is time to question the overreach of the Supreme Court in interfering with states’ rights.
Furthermore, the justices’ remarks about the “will of the people” are dubious at best. If they truly believe in letting the people decide, why are they not challenging the restrictions on the minimum age and birthplace requirements for presidential candidates? If we trust the voters to judge violent attempts to overthrow the government, shouldn’t we trust their judgment on age and birthplace as well?
The Supreme Court’s failure to hold Trump accountable raises serious doubts about the integrity of our judicial system. It is disheartening to think that our founding fathers may have overestimated the moral compass of the American people. We must acknowledge that our institutions have failed us, from the executive branch’s negligence to Congress’s unwillingness to act. The Supreme Court has a responsibility to rectify these failures, but their strange views only serve to further erode our democracy.
In conclusion, the US Supreme Court’s handling of the case regarding Trump’s disqualification is a reflection of the larger issues plaguing our judicial system. The strange views expressed by some of the justices undermine the integrity of our institutions and leave us questioning whether justice can truly prevail. We must confront these issues head-on and demand accountability from those who hold power. Our democracy deserves better.