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# One step closer to wiping the cheese stains off our democracy.
- URL: https://brilliantcrank.com/trying-to-wipe-the-cheese-stains-off-a-country/
- Published: 2024-06-01T18:16:11.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-11T19:21:40.000Z
- Author: Greg Storey
- Tags: Humans

I was heads down on some work when a friend pinged me with the news that a jury of twelve citizens of the United States all came to the same conclusion that a former president is guilt of committing thirty-four counts of felony crimes. I don’t know what you were expecting, but given the fractured state of this country I never imagined this to be the outcome of this trial. 

As of this week, our republic, a long time beacon and defender of democracy (although that is questionable and cliché), has joined a [sad list of countries](https://time.com/6984228/trump-convicted-world-leaders/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) (democratic and otherwise) with former rulers who were convicted of serious crimes. We have a former president (possibly future president) who is now [banned from traveling](https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-travel-ban-1906686?ref=brilliantcrank.com) to thirty-seven countries that include our strongest trade partners and military allies. Think about that for a minute.

No matter how we and our neighbors side with these events—pro or con—the tarnish on our country’s reputation is there and it’s permanent. We have three more trials, fifty-four more indictments to finish and no matter the outcome, the Cheetos-colored stain on our democracy will grow larger and messier. 

Meanwhile, a convicted felon thirty-four times over (to date) is running for the hightest political office in the United States and arguably the world. And he’s doing so *legally*. Let that sink in and then please make sure you’re all [registered to vote](https://vote.gov/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) against electing a felon with zero morals, honor, or valor, and his clown car that is the Republican party.