What is treason if practiced in the United States today?

The Constitution specifically identifies what constitutes treason against the United States and, importantly, limits the offense of treason to only two types of conduct: (1) “levying war” against the United States; or (2) “adhering to [the] enemies [of the United States], giving them aid and comfort.” 

Some Republicans:

It appears that some Republicans may have committed treason by helping Russia but this is only an act of treason if Russia is considered an enemy.   So far, research only shows that Russia is a rival, not an enemy of the United States.   Thus, the apparent despicable acts of some Republicans should not be considered treasonous.  But, these episodes of some Republicans could be construed as disloyal and may come close to treason.

Mitch McConnell:

McConnel may have committed treason with his decision not to support President Obama’s wish to reveal to the American public CIA reports that Russia was supporting Trump in the 2016 election.

“Republicans were—and are—more concerned with hurting Obama than they were in stopping Russia. In a sense, Republicans as a group colluded with Russia.”

January 6 Insurrection:

“If some of those who attacked the Capitol assembled in order to incapacitate Congress—perhaps even by kidnapping or killing lawmakers—then their actions could be construed as an attempt to overthrow the government, and federal prosecutors could plausibly consider treason charges.”

Donald Trump:

“a treason case against Trump himself might conceivably be built, if prosecutors could establish that he knew in advance that his supporters planned to violently assault the Capitol…”

“No amount of playacting and rationalizing can change the fact that the majority of the Republican Party and its apologists are advocating for the overthrow of an American election and the continued rule of a sociopathic autocrat.”

Summary:

It seems that the Republican Party has in the past and still is making some profound mistakes that have turned away quite a lot of support.  As a result, the party has had to resort to cheating by changing the voting laws in a lot of states to favor the Republican Party and packing the judicial courts with right wing judges.  The United States is slowly becoming less equal, less democratic, more authoritarian.  

 

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Reader’s Comment follows:

j’accuse

This Nation, this Democracy, is in trouble. The danger and threat to our Constitution is real and comes, not from foreign powers, rather it arises domestically — from within our own borders. Trump themes which are echoed in the Halls of Congress: the 2020 election was a fake; fraud was rampant in the voting; climate change is a hoax; U.S intelligence sources are not to be believed; the “insurrection” on January 6, 2021 was simply a group touring the Capitol.

The Leadership of the Republican Party is guilty of purveying misinformation and lies.

These “lies” have now permeated the psyches of many. Among the consequences: our government is crippled as the Supreme Court fails to support voters’ rights; bills have been filed in a majority of states that aim to reduce non-white voter participation in elections. Meanwhile, the Minority leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell [R – Kentucky], has brought the Congress to a standstill regarding legislation supported by the Democratic majority.

McConnell’s dictatorial behavior has the hallmarks of fascism:

“Fascism refers to a way of organizing society with an emphasis on autocratic government, dictatorial leadership, and the suppression of opposition.” [Merriam-Webster]

McConnell’s efforts to cripple the two most recent, duly elected, Democratic administrations are evident from the following quotes:

“The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.”

“100% of our focus is on stopping this new administration.”

McConnell has prevented debate and votes on the floor of the Senate. He has kept his minions in line with threats to oppose legislation on: voting rights; pay equity; infrastructure updating; climate; a special commission to investigate the January 6 assault on the Capital. This infection of inhibiting and stopping the peoples’ choice for governing this country is spreading including the House of Representatives, e.g., Representative Chip Roy [R-Texas] stated his party [Republican] wants ”18 more months of chaos and inability to get things done.”

It is one matter to speak of a desire to retain and exercise power, utterances which are protected by the First Amendment [Freedom of speech] to the Constitution. That protection ceases when the words are put into ACTION!

McConnell’s ACTIONS ARE ACTS OF TREASON!

“Treason: A betrayal of trust or confidence, a breach of faith, treachery.” [Legal Dictionary]

“Engaging in any act that weakens the might of the United States” is considered “providing aid and comfort” to the nation’s enemies. [18 US Code 2381]

McConnell has forsaken the role of legislator/statesman in an attempt to grasp and retain power for political reasons despite his oath of office to protect the United States “against all enemies both foreign and DOMESTIC” [emphasis added] and at a significant cost to his country’s welfare.

McConnell and McConnellism must GO! File charges; kill the filibuster.

This threat to our democratic system of government must be removed.

Find a way!

(Author of this comment is not revealed which is the policy of this blog)

 

 

Post: July 19, 2021
Comment Approved: July 23, 2021
Updated: July 25, 2021
j’accuse comment Approved February 24, 2022