Finally!

 I'm in the middle of a long, busy trip to various locations in Asia and North America, but I feel I must make an immediate comment on the guilty verdict in Trump's New York case. 

I have heard several commentators in the wake of the verdict express sadness, or citing others' anger, in his case.  I feel differently--I was sad and angry when he was elected in 2016, but now I feel hopeful and relieved. 

As one who lived in New York in the '80's and '90's, I have known his character for decades.  He is a lying, conniving, corrupt con man with a loose regard for the law but plenty of money to buy lawyers and evade accountability.  This is far from the worst crime he has committed, but this is the one that finally caught up with him. 

For that I have to thank New York DA Alvin Bragg and his prosecutorial team, Judge Merchand, and the 12 jurors who dared to ignore Trump's attempts to intimidate. 

It was our national shame that he was ever elected in 2016--this cover-up for which he has just been convicted contributed to that disaster for our nation.  He was a terrible President, displaying his ignorance, bigotry, poor management skills, and lack of any perspective beyond his own self-interest.  I can hope this conviction may contribute to his defeat this November.  I do not expect him to ever spend a day in prison, even if some of the three more serious criminal trials, for which he has so far evaded prosecution, lead to convictions.  My expectation is that he will ultimately be bankrupted and will die in exile in one of those authoritarian, fascistic countries that he has befriended. 

He is far from an innocent man. He is just a man, of low morals, ugly disposition, and traitorous and dishonest impulses. I wish him nothing but ill.