Let's recap what we learned, assuming we did. First, there can be no doubt that Judge Sullivan is upset over the Special Counsel's case, and offered Gen Flynn an opportunity to retract his guilty plea. Stunning.
Second, Gen Flynn refused the offer, and maintains he did, in fact, lie to the FBI as he pleaded, and wishes to accept full responsibility for so doing. This requires comment. Until now, I have never believed he lied to the FBI, and believed him coerced into the guilty plea.
The belief in 'no lie' must come under more scrutiny, now, and this brings me to my greatest curiosity. If Gen Flynn did lie, what was the lie, and why did it occur? Yet, scrutiny is never bad, and is not in itself a conclusion. It is clearly still possible he was coerced.
Third, there is, and always has been the possibility - which till now I have always rejected completely - of some other issue, making the Special Counsel's offer irresistible. If so, then I will wait until we know for sure. For now, I still do NOT credit this, but...
...but, logic demands it be recognized as a possibility that other matters inform Gen Flynn's guilty plea. I will state that if so, I hope I never learn of it. it is not something I am able to credit even yet. I actually want whatever is true, no matter the pain.
Fourth, many of my friends are very angry with Judge Sullivan, and do not accept his retraction of his comments regarding FARA violations. I disagree. For a Judge to qualify, let alone retract his comments is huge and speaks to his honor. I trust Judge Sullivan.
Five, the great mystery has always been the guilty plea itself. That mystery simply remains, yet, we now can easily surmise Judge Sullivan's displeasure with it, and his further need to analyze what really occurred. Clearly, he is still seeking. I greatly respect that.
Six, I can personally relate to his anger. If Gen Flynn is in fact innocent, the guilty plea binds Judge Sullivan's hands in reining in an off the rails prosecution. If I were him, I'd be angry even over the possibility.
Seventh, part of why I trust Judge Sullivan is that I can feel the force of Rule of Law in his actions today, and I am grateful. And on that note...
Eighth, to my understanding, Gen Flynn remains innocent in spite of his guilty plea, before the law, until the case is closed. Sure, the presumption must be weakened, but not obliterated. I remain unconvinced of his guilt, his own comments today to the contrary.
Ninth, but I of course may easily be wrong. I am a diehard, thick skulled Flynn supporter. I will require more than just proof, I will have to understand that proof and its motivations before I change my belief. Mine is a very high bar.
Tenth, I also consider myself to be a friend, and thank goodness, friendship is not based on innocence. I have been guilty in my life, and yet my friends still loved and supported me anyway. That's kind of the definition of love and support. I am NOT the law.
Eleventh, so I will wait. I will NOT react, or pretend I understand what remains near 100% opaque. I may hope Gen Flynn will speak, but if he remains silent, I will revert to previous support, awaiting clarity until that day, should it ever come, when all is made clear.
Twelfth and last, what has always bonded me to Gen Flynn has been the principles upon which the #MAGA movement are based. I am certain that he will stand for those principles forever forward. While I wait, I will return to those principles and their mission.
And that is what I urge for all #ClearFlynnNow supporters equally. We know what are principles are. We know the debt we owe @GenFlynn for his leadership to date. I will continue to follow that lead, and seek to be a better servant to the mission, no matter what. You too, I hope.
