Disgusting

On Thursday, the Justice Department announced it was dropping the criminal prosecution of Donald Trump's one-time National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

Considering Flynn repeatedly admitted he broke the law and that he twice pleaded guilty, the Justice Department pulled the plug on what would otherwise have been a slam-dunk prosecution.

It's nearly impossible to see how this could be anything other than a blatantly political move. Indeed, all of the prosecutors on the case refused to sign the court submission withdrawing the case, which confirms as much.

Further, the fact that this was done while the rest of the country is distracted with the coronavirus crisis only underscores how it is very much not business-as-usual.

This is the sort of thing you see in banana republics and corrupt states veering away from democracy. Friends of the autocrat in power get a free pass on their crimes. Ordinary folks, however, are prosecuted without exception.

The coverage aftermath of this has been extensive. I've singled out three good pieces for your consideration.

First is a Vox survey piece (link here) with the title "11 legal experts agree: There's no good reason for DOJ to drop the Michael Flynn case."

Second, a New York Times op-ed (link here) with the title "The Appalling Damage of Dropping the Michael Flynn Case." That is written by a former senior Justice Department official and a former senior National Security Council official.

And third, a Washington Post piece (link here) with the title "Pardoning Flynn would have looked bad. Dropping the charges is far worse." That piece is written by a former FBI agent.

If there's a bright side to this utter disgrace of an action it is this: The decision to drop the case only remains in effect whilst Trump is in office. A new President will bring a new Attorney General who can dust off and reactivate any case he or she sees fit to prosecute.

Something else to keep in mind on November 3.