We are living in an unprecedented and surreal moment in our nation’s history. Our fellow Americans have elected a president who, in my view, is morally unfit for office. The pattern of unqualified appointments to key positions in his administration is deeply concerning, with decisions that appear more personal than professional — such as his son’s former fiancé as an ambassador.
Moreover, the threats he has made demand our attention and vigilance. From the prospect of mass deportations to the environmental damage looming under his policies, the implications are alarming. However, the most chilling threat of all is his suggestion of jailing Liz Cheney and members of the Jan. 6 committee.
This move, if pursued, would criminalize a legitimate investigative function of another branch of government, undermining the very foundation of our democracy. The events of Jan. 6 — a violent insurrection aimed at overturning the government — resulted in over 140 law enforcement officers being injured. Accountability for such actions is critical to upholding justice and protecting democratic principles.
The judiciary, including the current Supreme Court, must firmly reject any attempt to weaponize the justice system against those who have acted in defense of democracy. Likewise, it is imperative that President Biden refrains from issuing prospective pardons in such a scenario. If the courts were to allow such threats to be carried out, we would need to confront the grim reality of democracy’s fragility sooner rather than later.
David Bennett, Park City
