In a rational world, where pundits and citizens alike are fair-minded, it’s custom to give credit where it is due, regardless of political allegiance. In that same world, due process, both legally and in deliberation, provides measures of success.
In our world, you are more likely to get a ride on a Unicorn than credit from your political enemies.
We have come to expect that anything Trump does or says will be rejected and criticized out of hand. Refused without real consideration or explanation beyond the usual, “threat to democracy,” “nazi,” or “racist” allegations. Rhetorical foam darts that neither injure nor are taken seriously.
Under Trump, there have been eight peace agreements, inflation has been brought under control, fourth quarter GDP growth exceeded 4%, tariffs have helped create a fairer international trade environment, military recruitment numbers are higher than ever, and there’s no tax on tips or social security—just to highlight a few achievements.
When America wins, we all win, regardless of party. Credit is part of the due process of deliberation.
Due process is a course of formal proceedings (such as legal proceedings) conducted regularly and following established rules and principles.
Due process doesn’t occur when an illegal criminal alien is transformed into a “Maryland father” by the dead press and the Left. It is due process to enforce deportation orders for that same individual after many court hearings and multiple arrests.
The capture and arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife is another win with which to credit Trump and to which due process was applied.
In 2020, a grand jury issued indictments on Venezuela’s tyrannical two alleging narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
So desirous was the Biden administration to bring Maduro to justice, they issued a $25 million dollar bounty for his capture.
When grand juries were indicting Trump, all was well with the world, and the justice system was working in an unbiased manner, according to the corrupt keepers of the status quo and their Democrat overlords.
When the very same legal process delivered the same outcomes to New York Attorney General Leticia James and former FBI Director James Comey, suddenly the process was “weaponized.”
Illegitimacy or “weaponization” of justice for the Left is a function of party affiliation not guilt.
Maduro’s arrest came only after due process was complete. A formal indictment, no matter who the defendant may be or how ridiculous the charges, suggests legal deliberations and review have occurred.
While many on the Left blather that Maduro’s arrest was “unprecedented”, this too is untrue. You may recall a fellow named Manuel Noriega, his arrest, conviction, and incarceration. The circumstances of the Panamanian strongman’s arrest and conviction are eerily similar to Maduro’s. Most importantly, Noriega’s fate set legal precedent and thus forms the basis for the Maduro capture.
Maduro’s capture clearly demonstrates due process. Maduro and his wife were indicted by a grand jury, lawfully arrested, and their safety and rights were upheld in compliance with established legal standards.
We may all argue, and rightly worry, about any transitional period in Venezuela in which the US is as Trump said, “running things.” This is and should be subject to debate. Maduro and his wife’s arrests are not.
In the due process of giving credit where it’s due it would be remiss not to point out that as of now Maduro is in jail, unrest in Iran may lead to regime change, and Governor Tim Walz’ next job will be with the road cast of ‘All That Jazz’ or as spokesman for Tampax.
These occurrences are all in response to the policies and actions of this administration. The Trump Doctrine in the Western hemisphere isn’t exactly FAFO, but it’s awfully close. It’s also policy here at home.
If banana republic narco terrorists and dictators think they can thumb their nose at international law, seize American property and poison American citizens they are sadly mistaken. The US will not be victimized by tyrants who confuse past political calculations with cowardice.
We will not allow citizens, and non-citizens, of this country to prey on taxpayers with sham companies that hide behind real need to enrich themselves and make a mockery of American generosity.
Give Trump the credit that he’s due. While we’re at it, we’ll give due process its due without compromising our mission to find truth, eradicate corruption, and call to account all who violate the law.
Stephen Piccirillo © 2025
