Consequences that matter

A New Mexico judge on Tuesday ordered the co-founder of Cowboys for Trump removed from public office over his presence at the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot.

State District Court Judge Francis Mathew removed Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin from his elected position “effective immediately” and banned him from seeking further public office, citing the 14th Amendment’s clause barring those who have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution from holding federal or state office if they have engaged “in insurrection or rebellion.”
NBC News

This ruling (though almost surely to be appealed) sets new precedent. Citing this case law, others may also be banned or penalized for anti-government sentiments while running for office in that government. There are an awful lot of Trumper candidates out there right now...

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dancingtongue · 80-89, M

(Judge) Mathews wrote that Griffin’s arguments “disregard that the Constitution itself reflects the will of the people.”

Griffin “overlooks that his own insurrectionary conduct on January 6 sought to subvert the results of a free and fair election, which would have disenfranchised millions of voters.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/09/06/new-mexico-bars-commissioner-from-office-for-insurrection-00055010

I personally have mixed feelings on the application of the 14th Amendment in this particular case -- particularly as the initial one on Jan 6 -- and suspect it will be overthrown on appeal. While he plead guilty to being there and trespassing on the grounds past the barriers, he was never in the Capitol Building itself nor among those engaged in violence or carrying weapons. Although the judge also alluded to Griffin's involvement in the advanced planning and coordination which would make his involvement much more serious, he was never indicted or convicted for such.

Far better if the 14th Amendment were being applied to some of those already convicted of seditious conspiracy and/or violence on Jan. 6 -- particularly as the test case -- but then none of those has held public office. Public office holders have been politicians skilled enough to keep their hands clean while goading others into breaking the laws.

BackyardShaman · 61-69, M

So true and I was glad to see this!

MistyCee

This will be a mess. Apparently, this guy was "boots on the ground" in terms of trying to attack the Government though, and most Trumpists seem to have only engaged in deconstructing it by supporting candidates and legislation or appointing folks who share that aim inside the government.

Violence, hanging politicians, and committing fraud seem to be a minority supported means, but let's face it, there's an awful lot of voters who want either smaller government or a government that caters only to them and not to others.

This 14th Amendment stuff is interesting, but scary. There really are millions of Americans dissatisfied with our political process and supportive of destroying it.

ron122 · 41-45, M

Democrats will do anything to rigg and election.

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dancingtongue · 80-89, M

@ron122 You don't know me, do you? If you did, you would know I don't follow party ideology in voting.

ron122 · 41-45, M

@dancingtongue Well excuse me then. I didn't realize you were so special.

Graylight · 51-55, F

@ron122 Funny...I didn't see a single defense for the post, which was about Republicans committing election fraud. Care to address the issue without invoking the kitchen sink?

MarineBob · 56-60, M

Imagine if that was law in all states

dancingtongue · 80-89, M

@MarineBob Contrary to the belief of many, the U.S. Constitution applies to all states and the judge's ruling -- rightly or wrongly -- is based on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

Graylight · 51-55, F

@MarineBob And I would hope it's applied in all 50 states. No one undermining the US government can also serve it.

SomeMichGuy · M

Hear, hear!

SW-User

We need more of this

SomeMichGuy · M

@SW-User Lots more...

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