The dictionary defines “feet of clay” as an idiom to refer to a weakness or character flaw, especially in people of prominence and power.  My close friend and colleague of 50 years, Don Peck, emailed me today and used the phrase, “feet of clay,” to describe Donald Trump, who last night turned himself in to the Sheriff of the Fulton County jail.

Here is Don’s email.

Hi Jack,

I watched  CNN and CNBC last night.  At first I was elated, but that feeling gradually gave way to sadness.  The cavalcade of black /suvs rolling down that empty street, with one lone individual walking by, and not really taking notice.  “How far the mighty have fallen.”

There is a sadness, too, that this was and is displayed to the world, but then perhaps it shows the strength of our “experiment’ in democracy.

But what of the school children?  For as long as our nation ensures, they are going read of our only President who had feet of clay.   Yesterday was a good day, but a sad one.

Don

Personal email from Don

I also looked into CNN last night and watched the cavalcade of vehicles travel along streets that I drove while teaching at Georgia State University for more than three decades.

Here is my reply to Don.

Hi Don,

It was a sad night. It was also circus with the media playing Trump’s tune. And then his mug shot. He must have practiced for hours. I’m sure they’ll sell tee shirts, hats and buttons on his website. (update:they are for sale!)

Trump is behaving like the autocrat he is, going after his enemies no holds barred. His followers have joined the cult of Trump and are subject to the attractive forces just like any other cult. If anyone goes after the “leader,” followers are more determined to attack the enemy, and more intensely support leader. No one knows how this will play out. But, Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney is simply doing her job. But to do it, she has endured Trump’s wrath and threats on her life.

The indictment she wrote reads like a stage/film script. It’s brilliant. But few have read it. Her work, along with district attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr.in NY and Justice Department Special Prosecutor Jack Smith are the ones working to proceed as a democracy should.

They are, however dealing with a cult leader and thus the process they are engaged in is historic and new ground. I wrote about this in the Trump Files, and others (more scholarly than me) said it’s crucial to hold everyone responsible for the insurrection and attempts to overturn state elections. Trump was the leader of a racketeering enterprise to criminally try and interfere with the Georgia election. He’s being held accountable, finally.

We arrived on Jekyll Island for the weekend. It’s pleasant right now. Enjoyed writing to you in the shade at a Starbucks. 

All the best,

Jack