"It is a sad commentary on our times that one political party in America is given a free pass to denigrate the rule of law, defame law enforcement, cheer mobs, excuse rioters, and transform justice into a tool of political vengeance, and persecute, blacklist, cancel and suppress all people and viewpoints with whom or which they disagree. I always have, and always will, be a champion for the unwavering rule of law, the heroes of law enforcement, and the right of Americans to peacefully and honorably debate the issues of the day without malice and without hate." 

Gobsmackingly this is trump's statement after his second impeachment acquittal by the brave men and women of the US Senate.   What he perfectly describes is himself and his government.  Wow.  The size of the lie is breathtaking.  He has certainly studied the playbook of the Hitler and Stalin and Kruschev.  The bigger the lie and the more often it is repeated the more it will be perceived as truth.  

The senators who voted to acquit have surely sold their souls.  I recall reading how other soldiers during WWII viewed Americans.  In general naturally, I'm not speaking of individuals, but in general they were seen as somewhat lacklustre.  Entitled wasn't a word which was bandied about at the time but that's what the feeling was.  Heard a podcast in which I discovered each Japanese soldier received about 4lbs of support from their government, while each American soldier received about a ton.  Or was it 4?  So what is it in the American psyche which predisposes cowardice in the face of perceived danger?  Have all the senators who voted not to impeach received personal death threats from their constituents?  I'm sure some of them have.  The US seems to be succumbing to a collective insanity.  Even so, to be a senator, wouldn't you want to stay true to your oath to defend the constitution, even in the face of adversity?  Apparently not.

Hawley sat around with his feet on the furniture.  His upbringing did not instill basic good manners, that you don't put your feet up on other people's furniture.  Other senators doodled (Rand) or refused to watch the 13 minute video of the chaos incited by trump.  Believe that's called the ostrich approach.  If you don't see it then it doesn't exist.  What a sad sad day. 

I think I just heard the door slam on US democracy.