The day after Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felonies, he stood before a camera and repeated a litany of lies. Lies we have all heard a multitude of times: The judge is corrupt, his conviction is a conspiracy orchestrated by Joe Biden, and New York is a crime-ridden sewer that has never, never been more unsafe.

Of course, each of these is untrue. Judge Juan Merchan is a highly respected New York state supreme court justice. President Biden has meticulously stayed away from involvement in any prosecution of the former president. New York ranks in the top 15% safest of more than 800 U.S cities.

We did not hear an admission of guilt, contrition or remorse. These are emotions often expressed by those found guilty, especially at a juncture before sentencing.

The combination of politics and legal prosecution makes this case unprecedented and extraordinary, given that Trump is the presumptive Republican candidate running for election to the presidency.

From a political standpoint, Trump continues his stance of grievance while representing himself as a victim who is fighting for all Americans against a corrupt government that has abused them. He alone can rescue them from their malaise.

From a legal perspective, Trump was convicted of extensive fraud and mastermind of a conspiracy to alter the 2016 presidential election. More specifically, he was found guilty of covering up a sex scandal that threatened his 2016 presidential campaign.

Case for Imprisonment Is Strong

As difficult as it can be, the decision of whether Trump should be incarcerated should be separate from politics. Is Trump above the law? Should his penalty be less than his minions who carried out the conspiracy.

His defenders argue that he has no previous record and should not be incarcerated. However, the case for imprisonment is strong.

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, served three years in federal prison, a term likely reduced because of remorse and cooperation with the prosecutor. He had no previous criminal record.

Alan Weisselberg, Trump’s longtime chief financial officer, served five months in Rikers after testifying as the state’s witness against the Trump Organization. He was convicted of falsifying documents for the benefit of Trump. His lawyer pleaded for a shorter sentence given his age, military service and many hours working with the Manhattan district attorney’s office. Weisselberg is just one year younger than the former president. He had no previous criminal record.

Trump is not remorseful or contrite, has no military service, and has been anything but cooperative. If anything, he has been hostile and found guilty of breaking 10 gag orders, which is criminal behavior.

It would seem illogical that those serving under “the boss,” called so by subordinates in the Trump Organization and the White House, should receive prison sentences, and the person responsible for ordering their criminal behaviors should go free.

Many critics think the former president has received preferential treatment. “No one above the law” should have a corollary — the most powerful, when found guilty, should not be treated differently than those who have done their bidding.

Trump has been found guilty by a jury of his peers, guilty by presentation of evidence and arguments between the prosecution and defense. As the process moves forward to sentencing, additional factors come into consideration: his dictating others to act criminally and their conviction and imprisonment; his lack of remorse and contrition; his courtroom hostility, and threats to the well-being of others while in court.

Trump Shouldn’t Be Treated Preferentially

Many of these behaviors have been considered in other judgments, such as those related to the Jan. 6 insurrection. They should be considered and Trump should not be treated preferentially.

Our country’s political divisions are intense: divisions that contribute to a deep malaise that pervades our nation. Allowing the man who led a conspiracy to alter the outcome of an election to the presidency while his co-conspirators go to prison would be an egregious mistake. It would convey the message that we are not all equal under the law.

A decision to incarcerate the former president would cause short-term outrage. In the long term, it’s the right thing to do and the right thing for our country.

The “boss” should go to prison.

About the Author

Robert Pawlicki is a retired psychologist and author. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.

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