We cannot allow this to happen
First, a couple of points about strict terminology. Donald Trump’s home was not raided by the FBI. Instead he had a duly authorised probable cause search warrant executed on his property where he unlawfully claims principal residence. That important distinction needs to be made to differentiate the search warrant from what happened at the nation’s Capitol building a year and seven months ago at Trump’s behest, namely, a lawless raid by unruly thugs and losers.
That said, once the lawful search warrant was executed, Republicans vowed to take revenge should they reclaim power. Their message is clear: Donald Trump is above the law and they intend to punish us severely for daring to suggest otherwise.
I would recommend that we take their threat seriously. For one thing, it comes in part from Kevin McCarthy, a man who will become Speaker of the House should Republicans regain control. He served notice on attorney general Merrick Garland, telling him to “clear your calendar,” and then he said, “I’ve seen enough. The Department of Justice has reached an intolerable state of weaponized politicization. When Republicans take back the House we will conduct immediate oversight of this department, follow the facts, and leave no stone unturned.”
Needless to say this is pure crap. Politics had nothing to do with the search warrant. If anything it came at a time that was rather inconvenient for Democrats. Joe Biden’s well-earned victory lap in celebration of his recent successes will now be significantly muted by this new, interfering controversy. But that’s how we want justice to work, not according to cynical political calculations but according to its own schedule and its own calendar and its own inner voice.
But Republicans will carefully misunderstand the moment to their own advantage. They will make it political by paradoxically claiming we are making it political, and they will exact heavy political vengeance on that account.
But this is only the smallest reason why we cannot let them return to power — ever. Not only will America be lost for all time, but so will the planet. Republicans are hellbent on destroying the planet. The destruction of American democracy is just a light appetiser. For as long as they remain in power they will make sure that big oil has its way with us. If we let them back we are lost.
Every election from now on is the most important election of your lifetime. We have to keep Republicans out and failure is not an option. Anything less than perfection will put an end to our efforts to save the planet and save democracy.
So support Democratic candidates in swing states through volunteer work or donations. Speak out every chance you get. Vote as if your lives depend on it, because they most certainly do. And, as ever, ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, comrades and friends, stay safe.
Robert Harrington is an American expat living in Britain. He is a portrait painter.