By Donald A. Collins | 3 April 2023
Church and State

How many commentators have asked how many questions about Trump’s upcoming surrender and indictment process on Tuesday? Lots! The headlines and talk shows can’t stop talking and every nuance of this unique situation in our history seems repeated over and over.
Questions come from the media cognoscenti like “Is this the best charge of the several pending legal cases to try first?” Many experts take this view and admittedly this seems correct, but I see this as the beginning of an avalanche.
Another common comment: “Will there be violent protests in NYC or across the nation?”
Unlike the careful and unscrupulously planned January 6th coup attempt, the NYPD and everyone from Trump’s Secret Service Agents involved in Trump’s arraignment have carefully set the protocol for Trump’s parade to his unique appearance for this indictment. I do not expect big time protests in NYC or elsewhere.
What a media opportunity to clog the air with the details of this historically traumatic and troubling situation which will continue to unfold as Trump’s other felonies get brought forth. And as the details of this indictment are released to the public after his appearance and the media circus continues.
My main point: The symbolism of Trump’s indictment is exactly what Trump himself understands is so damaging!
Yes, his MAGA flock got flocked out of $4 million since this indictment loomed and came down, but that fact won’t help him with independent voters or the rational GOPers who see no winning track with Trump’s increasingly tainted presidential candidacy. His nomination, not out of the question, spells a sure GOP defeat in 2024.
The page one April 2nd NY Times story about how this NYC case against Trump was “resurrected” makes for delicious reading for those of us waiting like Trump’s niece Mary Trump for justice to begin!
Makes interesting reading here.
What a great story, from an incredible trio of reporters who have broken so much news on the Trump indictment front. 👊 https://t.co/KjWdFU0uV2
— Susanne Craig (@susannecraig) April 1, 2023
Trump obviously understands what powerful anti-Trump/MAGA GOP symbolism this case creates.
The page one April 2nd Washington Post headline “Trump shocked and defiant over his legal peril” gives the entire scenario from both sides but does not fully reflect in my view the real symbolic message it sends to everyone.
Read the WP piece here.
Since a grand jury issued charges related to hush money to an adult film star, the former president has cycled through a range of emotions and postures. https://t.co/WWndF5FnQQ
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) April 1, 2023
I suspect many if not most of those high-level GOP leaders who call Bragg’s indictment a witch hunt agrees with my take!
Remember Al Capone got taken to jail for tax evasion not as the most dangerous mobster in the US in 1933.
With or without a NYC conviction, the other cases pending in Georgia, Florida and with Trump’s big felony, the attempted January 6th coup, will not go away and make his 2024 candidacy more and more problematical.

“What Can Be Done Now to Save Habitable Life on Planet Earth?”: https://t.co/fHuh0CG6JD
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“From the Dissident Left: A Collection of Essays 2004-2013”: https://t.co/lkC2t3E1A9 pic.twitter.com/bQsL2mLBcO— Church and State (@ChurchAndStateN) November 1, 2021
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