Democrats from all stripes in the Brooklyn Democratic Party have consistently united against former President Donald J. Trump because our borough’s 1.3 million-plus registered Democratic voters know and have witnessed Trump’s blatant disregard for the law and for democracy.
Trump and the GOP believed he could forever flout justice after falsifying business records, deceiving voters, then attempting a coup on our Capitol, trying to overturn his election loss and other repugnant tactics.
New York led a historic turn of events, with the nation witnessing the unprecedented conviction of a former President on 34 felony charges, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Trump's indictment marks a pivotal moment in American history, underscoring that even our presidents are accountable under the law.
While many celebrated, let’s not forget that this is a dark stain on our nation's democracy, and that the threat of Trump is not over until after election day. While we wait to see what charges come from this wildly unprecedented conviction of a former U.S. President - and current candidate - this is only the tip of the criminal iceberg for the self-proclaimed “law and order” GOP front runner.
Let's not forget that Trump is still the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, as he faces three other pending criminal cases and numerous civil cases, including one led by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Despite the mounting charges, Trump has vowed he will not exit the presidential race, and before inciting the January 6 riots, repeatedly told voters he will never leave the office - a threat that rightfully concerns voters and looms again over our democracy.
In a nation built on the principles of equality before the law, no individual, regardless of their stature or political affiliation, is exempt from accountability. The jury's verdict, convicting Trump of falsifying business records to conceal payments to an adult film star, serves as a stark reminder of this principle. Yet the pursuit of justice against Trump must continue unabated and voters cannot rest assured. His bid for the presidency represents not just another GOP political campaign with dirty tricks, but a grave threat to the very fabric of our democracy.
As the nation stands on the precipice of another presidential election, Democrats in Brooklyn—and across the entire country—must unite in steadfast opposition to the insidious forces of Trumpism. In the face of division and discord, we must stand as beacons of unity and strong leadership, resolute in our commitment for forging a brighter future for our democracy.
In the battle between justice and impunity, between democracy and demagoguery, the choice is clear: Donald Trump's bid for the presidency must be unequivocally rejected. Our nation's future depends on it.
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, a state Assembly Member representing the 42nd District, is the chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
To read an opposing opinion on Trump's fraud conviction, please click here.
