The American public, often feeling like mere spectators, are in fact the ultimate arbiters. Their willingness to demand transparency, resist “outrage fatigue,” and separate accountability from vengeance determines how far the law can reach. In a hyper-polarized era, the greatest threat is using the system as a weapon against enemies rather than a shield for truth. If accountability becomes a search for revenge, the process loses its moral authority, regardless of the verdict.
This period of uncertainty carries a profound psychological toll. For generations, Americans were taught that the system is self-correcting, that the “arc of the moral universe” bends toward justice. Today, it is clear the arc does not bend on its own; it requires the effort of those willing to uphold unpopular truths. If the system can restrain even the most powerful, it will emerge scarred but credible—a vindication that the republic is governed by laws, not men. This would send a signal to the world that American democracy can endure the fiercest storms. Continue reading…
