Matt Gaetz: Mann, Oh Mann! Waiting for Justice

Remember that Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation of Rep. Matt  “Billboard Head” Gaetz (R-FL), a card-carrying member of the hard right MAGA front? Well, ICYMI, Gaetz was being “probed” in relation to three different crimes: (1) sex trafficking a 17-year-old, (2) breaking the Mann Act by taking one or more ladies across state lines for prostitution, and (3) messing with justice by obstructing it. And the answer is (drum roll, please): the DOJ has declined to charge the congressman, according to Gaetz’s lawyers. But we saw this coming, didn’t we?

“A DOJ spokesman declined to comment,” notes a CNBC update, so I guess it’s all good for Gaetz, aka Jimmy Neutron’s evil twin. This development – or more precisely, “nothing burger” – doesn’t mean Gaetz has been vindicated of all wrong-doing. He‘s just not being charged this time. Look, he’s the kind of despicable dude that has danced with the devil one too many times. And there are always whispers in certain hallways we don’t hear about. But don’t hold your breath.

American justice is an oxymoron

Dammit, it’s frustrating when high-profile probes of our nation’s sleaziest elite drag on for an eternity then unceremoniously fizzle out. But it is pretty common. I mean, the DOJ is not going to push forward with cases that are shaky. And this one, in particular, suffered from LWS (lousy witness syndrome), so it was a non-starter. But you and I know, ordinary people have been convicted with much less consideration.

This is a stark reminder that the American justice system operates on a wide spectrum of judicial decisions. Sadly, the rich and powerful seem to evade accountability for the most odious of crimes while regular people face over-the-top consequences for the smallest of indiscretions with nary a drop of proof. Do not get me started on how the distasteful politics of racism and misogyny get baked right in. Ugh!

In summary, let’s keep the pressure on our government, my fellow Democrats, and have our voices heard. Keep actively pushing for fairness, justice and accountability, and do not let this situation and others like it fade into obscurity. Demand justice for all survivors of sexual assault and trafficking. As long as we continue to fight, things can get better.