Opening Pandora's Box

Former President Trump's conviction in New York will do nothing good for politics or the legal system.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore

Convicted felon….

That’s a term that I never thought I would associate with a former president, even though after being indicted numerous times, I thought it was a distinct possibility that a jury would convict Donald Trump in at least one of four criminal cases he faces.

But 34 felony counts of falsifying business records?

The New York case was, by far, the weakest, and his sentencing hearing is set for July 11, days before he will secure the Republican nomination for president.

I think it’s clear he paid hush money to Stormy Daniels, no doubt.

In that regard, President Trump is responsible. If he didn’t commit adultery with a porn star, he wouldn’t have had to pay hush money. No hush money, no falsified business records. No falsified business records, no charges.

So let’s not pretend that he is completely innocent here.

Good character matters, someone with good character wouldn’t be facing the criminal charges he’s facing and, now, a possible prison sentence.

What is debatable, jury conviction aside, is what he did criminal? And, more specifically, should he have been charged with a 34 felonies?