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Comment by aphextron | Hacker News Reader

Between this and Manafort being sent to jail, what a wonderful day for the DOJ. God I love this country so much.

The American Criminal Justice system rightly faces many criticisms, especially serious charges for being used against minorities. But yes, knowing that even the most powerful person in the country is not above the law and can and is prosecuted seriously, and that scammers like Holmes and Balwani are made to pay for their crimes.... this kind of thing is certainly what makes the US unique among nations.

Let's not get carried away. Canada and many if not all of the nations of the EU have a similar capability.

The US justice system sucks, let's not endow it with special "uniqueness". However, I am happy that corporate criminals are facing some penalties for their activities that could harm the public.

EDIT: Also, just because after waiting years and years, we see one or two criminal executives go through the Justice system we shouldn't get too excited. Companies lie and cheat the public all day, that's how they get so rich. The system has to produce one or two examples of something approximating justice every now and again basically to forestall revolution. The poor go to jail, the rich play games. A handful of prosecutions at the top doesn't change that dynamic.

> the US justice system sucks, let's not endow it with special "uniqueness"

The rule of law, where elites fear the law and not a ruler, is in the minority today and across human history. I certainly think it’s something to celebrate.

> this kind of thing is certainly what makes the US unique among nations.

Here are a few other countries where powerful people have been arrested in recent history:

- Saudi Arabia (https://www.cnn.com/2017/11/05/middleeast/saudi-arabia-anti-...)

- Philippines (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-20/philippines-corruption...)

- Argentina (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/08/world/americas/argentina-...)

- China (http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/2144627/secret...)

- Brazil (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/12/world/americas/brazil-lul...)

- Italy (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/12/world/americas/brazil-lul...)

- Australia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Australian_politicians...)

- Japan (https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/05/21/national/media-...)

it is also what makes this country great. not that someone like Trump understand that. For a society to function harmoniously, it must believe that their society is just, and that those who commit crimes will face justice, whether its pusher on the street, or the President of the United States, and that, not only will justice be served, but clemency granted in equitable fashion when so deserved.

For those interested, here is an interesting essay that touches on some of those issues https://www.lawfareblog.com/donald-trumps-pardon-power-and-s...

> that those who commit crimes will face justice, whether its pusher on the street, or the President of the United States

You mean, the kind of justice that Richard Nixon faced?

I feel that any criminal president that falls short of being a baby-eating monster will get a pardon, instead of a jumpsuit.

The moderation on HN is so capricious that I think I'll no longer participate. My stupidest and even insulting comments get upvoted and my thoughtful ones downvoted. Whatever. Good bye.

I’ve heard our justice system best described as a slow moving giant boulder that rightfully positioned will crush those who hurt society.

The problems manifest when the innocent get trapped in its path.

Good to see today that a few folks who deserved justice got some. It feels like it has been a long time since rich and powerful people were in its sights.

If you like corruption sure:

FBI Employee: “How did the (witness) go?”

Agent 1: “Awesome. Lied his ass off… Ridic(ulous).”

FBI Employee: “Would be funny if he was the only guy charged in this deal.”

Agent 1: “I know…. Even if he said the truth and didn’t have a clearance when handling the secure fax – ain’t no one gonna do (bleep).”