Wendell's Diary

The 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be a deeply disheartening chapter in American politics. With President Biden refusing to step down as the Democratic candidate, despite his advancing age and evident decline, the prospect of another face-off against Donald Trump looms large. This scenario is troubling on multiple fronts, and it reveals a broader malaise in the U.S. political system. President Biden, now in his 80s, is visibly showing signs of age-related decline. The rigorous demands of the presidency, both mental and physical, are daunting for anyone, let alone someone of his age. His continuation in the race not only raises questions about his ability to serve effectively but also about the Democratic Party's reluctance to present a fresh, dynamic candidate who could unite and energize the electorate. On the other side, Donald Trump remains a polarizing figure. His tenure was marked by arrogance, divisive rhetoric, and policies that many believe harmed the country. A se...

The United States was founded on principles that strongly oppose unchecked power and autocratic rule. The American Revolution was a direct response to the oppressive governance of King George III, leading to the creation of a democratic system grounded in accountability, separation of powers, and the rule of law. Today, the concept of presidential immunity challenges these foundational principles and raises critical questions about the balance between effective governance and legal accountability. ### The Founding Principles The U.S. Constitution was meticulously crafted to prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful. The framers established a system of checks and balances to ensure that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches would operate independently yet interdependently, each capable of restraining the others. This framework was designed to uphold the rule of law, ensuring that no individual, including the president, is above the law. ### President...

Recent legal developments involving Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump underscore a significant shift in how accountability is applied to individuals in high positions of power. Both figures, once emblematic of influence and authority, now face serious legal consequences for their actions. This evolution presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on the philosophical implications of power, character, and the importance of ethical leadership. #### **The Convergence of Public Persona and Accountability** 1. **Giuliani’s Fall from Grace**: Once celebrated as a leading figure in law enforcement and as the mayor who guided New York City through the 9/11 attacks, Giuliani now confronts charges related to election interference. His indictment highlights the dichotomy between his past reputation and his recent legal challenges, prompting us to reconsider how we evaluate public figures when their personal actions conflict with their public personas. 2. **Trump’s Legal Battles**: Similarly, Donald T...

Recently, a New York jury convicted former President Donald Trump of all 34 felony charges of falsifying business records. This development raises significant questions and concerns, not only about the legal and political future of Donald Trump but also about the broader implications for society. This is an unprecedented event in American history, and it warrants a deep dive into what it means for our country. **My Initial Reaction** When I first heard about the conviction of former President Donald Trump, I thought it was ridiculous. Our presidential candidates, it seems, are often not the best people. I believe we should be electing good people, perhaps even philosopher kings and queens like in Plato's Republic. Instead, we are left with candidates who are far from ideal. **The Rule of Law and High Places** This conviction shows that people in high places can indeed be bad, though this is something we have long suspected. The fact that even a former president can be convicted hig...