SANTA MONICA, Calif. – This morning the nation held its collective breath as the verdict in the Hunter Biden case was read aloud. In the somber setting of the Delaware courthouse, a stalwart and reserved Hunter Biden listened as he was found guilty of three felony counts related to a handgun he purchased in 2018.
Hunter was found guilty on two counts for lying about his drug use when he purchased the handgun. He was also found guilty of the illegal possession of a firearm by a drug addict or drug user.
Hunter Biden’s troubles with drug addiction has widely played out in the media. His battle with heroin and crack cocaine are well documented. Like so many Americans, Hunter has faced his demons at the end of a bottle, pipe, or a needle. Hunter’s personal woes are a marker for the nation as the United States seeks how to deal with addiction and a healthy return to nonpartisan, explosive, or violence in politics.
The nation has been hit with two bombshells within the past month. First, former president Donald J. Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records related to: Invoices for legal services, checks paid to legal services, and ledger entries for legal expenses. The guilty rulings are important because they show a willingness on former president Trump’s part to hide information from American voters prior to the 2016 U.S. Presidential elections.
The ruling in Hunter Biden’s case is different. He is not a public figure. He is a private individual who cannot make or influence policy that alters people’s lives in the United States. But, his conviction sets a bad precedent.
Hunter is the first child of a sitting U.S. President who has been convicted of a felony charge. Hunter is like the Preacher’s daughter who was always the wildest one in High School.
The Hunter Biden case highlights the differences between former president Trump and President Biden. After Trump was found guilty, he went on a media rampage. He repeatedly told TV show anchors and hosts that he would seek his revenge. While on Fox News, conservative host Sean Hannity offered Trump an olive branch when he repeatedly gave Trump opportunities to say he would not seek ‘retribution’ against his ‘enemies’ if elected.
Trump responded, “based on what they have done,” he said, “I would have every right to go after them.”
While on Dr. Phil, Trump told the TV Self-Help guru that, “sometimes revenge can be justified.” Dr. Phil suggested to Trump that he didn’t have enough time for revenge and that he should be focusing on other things. Trump didn’t seem interested in talking about improving education, stopping illegal immigration or any of the other issues that most Americans care about.
Trump, like always, was focused on himself.
President Biden is totally different from Trump. He is keeping his eyes focused on the issues in the United States and abroad. However hard it may be to watch is son experience the most recent court case, President Biden has allowed the case to proceed without enforcing his will or influence. After Hunter was found guilty, President Biden said that he would respect whatever verdict the court rendered. “I will respect the outcome of this case and continue to respect the judicial process,” the President said in a statement released just after the verdict was announced.
President Biden, like always, is focused on what is best for the country.
Hunter Biden is a first time offender. While in possession of the gun, he didn’t commit any crimes. While the sentencing in Hunter’s case may not be decided for another 120 days, the precedent established in similar cases makes it likely that Hunter will not serve any jail time.
Reference content by: wavy.com, Reuters, The Hill, The New York Times, NPR, and CNN.
